file organisation and storage

some time ago I bought a LAN drive to hook into my network (2 PC's). Unfortunately this LAN drive (Netgear SC-101) doesn't support 64-bit, so I could not integrate it as I wished.

So I am asking you guys what you are doing when you have a network and machines with dual-boot OS's. I was even thinking about adding a cheap computer to the network as a file server. That would certainly be a good thing, but I would need one more computer screen and keyboard/mouse. And more electricity. I still think an external LAN drive would be better (simpler) solution, and here comes actually my question:

Are there external LAN drives that work with 64-bit OS's? And with Vista? Google-searches don't reveal much, in the consumer market nobody is talking about 64-bit. I need someone with own experience who has such a LAN drive.

[seishirou]

That's interesting.. LAN drive that actually doesn't support 64-bit OS? I thought LAN drive supposed to work just like a standard LAN PC, meaning you just plug in the RJ-45 and if your OS can detect its IP, you're all set.

Anyway, I don't know the answer to your question, but concerning storage, this is what I would buy if it were available in my country :

http://www.promise.com/product/product_detail_eng.asp?product_id=177

or this one

http://drobo.com/products.aspx#products_nav

Not sure about the durability/quality of the Drobo though, as it appears like the maker is a new company. But Stu Maschwitz does recommend it.

[NMILIOTI]

Hi Phil999,
I was interesting to buy a NAS Server a few weeks before. From my search i found one of the best products that has it all.
This box has an embedded linux and can act as:

1. Web Server
2. MySQL Server
3. Printer Server
4. uPnP Media Server
5. iTunes Server
6. FTP Server
7. Backup Server
8. Remote Replication
9. Multimedia Station
10. Download Station
11. PHP Support

• Supports Active Directory Users
• Sharing files across Windows, Mac, Linux, and Unix
• No fan design. (Quiet and Noise-free Design)
• One touch USB auto copy
• Unique advanced HDD health scanning (HHS)
• SSL Security (HTTPS)
• Remote management of download tasks on multiple Turbo Stations
• Network Recycle Bin
• Built-in DDNS support
• Establish a PC-less Home Multimedia Center by Using QNAP NAS and PS3 or Xbox 360
• Ultra-high-speed Performance
• 6.6 W in Sleeping Mode
• 14 W in Full Operation

http://www.qnap.com/pro_detail_feature.asp?p_id=79

Just go to the site and read the features of TS-109 PRO product.
If you want more room you can check for TS-209 model or the new TS-409 that is not appear on the market yet.

Read also the reviews for this product. Just Incredible.!!!
You can also plug an external mybook via usb or esata and double the capacity.
Note: for the external pluged drive if it is formatted as NTFS it is read only. If it is formated as EXT3 then read/write.
They have a forum in their site. So you can post there for your questions before buying.

thank you for your answers. This is exactly what I want to know. Alright, so this thing is called NAS server. Yeah that's what I need. The SmartStor NS4300N with its 4 slots sure is a good solution for the future, also the Drobo. The TS-109 Pro with one drive is probably the cheapest solution for professional use.

I also thought that a network drive can access all OS's, but I made bad experiences with the one I already have. It needs a software installed.

I think the three above work without special software and can be configured with a web browser. That should work on all OS's.
I have not yet found a dealer for the TS-109 Pro in my country, but I guess all web-based network drives should work for my purposes. I intend to put textures and footage there and work with two computers.

Thanks again, guys, I can't wait to have such a NAS server running here. That will be a big help for work. If you have some additional tips (what letters to which drive, IP configuration, etc.), I'd be pleased to hear.