Nas

What about exFAT?

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Overview of the four major file systems (called "Formats" in Mac OS X) used on Windows and Mac OS X, compiled by GGJstudios. You can use Disk Utility to format any HDD to your liking.

Any external hard drive will work with PCs or Macs, as long as the connectors are there (Firewire, USB, etc.) It doesn't matter how the drive is formatted out of the box, since you can re-format any way you like. Formatting can be done with the Mac OS X Disk Utility, found in the /Applications/Utilities folder. Here are your formatting options:

HFS+ (Hierarchical File System, a.k.a. Mac OS Extended (Journaled) Don't use case-sensitive)

• Read/Write HFS+ from native Mac OS X
• Required for Time Machine or Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper! backups of Mac OS X system files.
  [*]To Read/Write HFS+ from Windows, Install MacDrive
  [*]To Read HFS+ (but not Write) from Windows, Install HFSExplorer
• Maximum file size: 8EiB
• Maximum volume size: 8EiB
• Mac OS X: Mac OS Extended format (HFS Plus) volume and file limits
• You can use this format if you only use the drive with Mac OS X, or use it for backups of your Mac OS X internal drive, or if you only share it with one Windows PC (with MacDrive installed on the PC)

NTFS (Windows NT File System)

• Read/Write NTFS from native Windows.
• Read only NTFS from native Mac OS X
  [*]To Read/Write/Format NTFS from Mac OS X, here are some alternatives:
  • For Mac OS X 10.4 or later (32 or 64-bit), install Paragon (approx $20) (Best Choice for Lion)
  • For 32-bit Mac OS X, install NTFS-3G for Mac OS X (free) (does not work in 64-bit mode)
  • For 64-bit Snow Leopard, read this: MacFUSE for 64-bit Snow Leopard
  • Some have reported problems using Tuxera (approx $36).
  • Native NTFS support can be enabled in Snow Leopard and Lion, but is not advisable, due to instability.
• AirPort Extreme (802.11n) and Time Capsule do not support NTFS
• Maximum file size: 16 TB
• Maximum volume size: 256TB
• You can use this format if you routinely share a drive with multiple Windows systems.

exFAT (FAT64)

• Supported in Mac OS X only in 10.6.5 or later.
• Not all Windows versions support exFAT. See disadvantages.
• exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table)
• AirPort Extreme (802.11n) and Time Capsule do not support exFAT
• Maximum file size: 16 EiB
• Maximum volume size: 64 ZiB
• You can use this format if it is supported by all computers with which you intend to share the drive. See "disadvantages" for details.

FAT32 (File Allocation Table)

• Read/Write FAT32 from both native Windows and native Mac OS X.
  [*]Maximum file size: 4GB.
• Maximum volume size: 2TB
• You can use this format if you share the drive between Mac OS X and Windows computers and have no files larger than 4GB.

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Anyway, NAS devices will allow you files bigger than 4 GB.

 

I'm happy with my QNAP. As its a LINUX drive box it's main FS is EXT3 or EXT4; access fully transparent via AFP. Work like a charm. The Mac still run their native FS.

 

If you decide to just connect a USB-drive into the AEBS, you can format it in HFS+ and still access it with read/write permissions from your Windows computer, so no problem there.

Personally, I just bought a WD My Book Live 2 TB and I must say I'm very happy. It's small, faster than the USB-drive I have connected to the AEBS, it uses ext4, quiet as hell and very easy to set up.

 

I use an ethernet cable and I get 20-25 MBps to the USB-drive in the AEBS as an absolute max, and 40-70 to the WD MBL when using it for other things than just one way transfer of single files.

I guess if you move single large files and don't access the drive for something else you would get faster speeds than I do to the MBL.

On the other hand, if you spend a bit more money you'll be able to reach higher speeds, unless your internal drive is a bottle neck.

 

A NAS will not have the file size limit. I have a Synology, which I highly recommend for its ease of use, flexibility, and reliability. It will be useable by both MAC and Windows platforms.

What you need to ask yourself is whether it's a NAS you really need. Will you be using the other features of a NAS. If not, a locally attached storage solution may be more suited. If you have several systems where you would like to share data between them all, then a NAS will certainly be beneficial.

 

Other features? He doesn't have to get an expensive server-like NAS.

 

Yes, other features like DLNA, FTP, torrent downloader, and so on. A NAS has tons of features.

In which case a NAS would be great for you. Take a look at the 2 bay devices by Synology or QNAP. They are the 2 best companies for NAS devices IMO. Solid build with great reliability and support. Which you choose depends on whichever you prefer the look of, and the management utilities.

 

I've got a 2-bay Synology and it works wonderfully. The software is attractive, stable and updated often. I set it to download and store my podcasts and other large file, leaving the macbook's internal HD free for other use. It's connected to my Airport Extreme and accessed by all of my iOS devices, Macs and PS3 for streaming.

 

Not entirely correct. There are Nas's that have tons of features, but not all of them do. As I said, he doesn't have to go all out just because he wants to be able to share files over his network.

So instead of thinking "am I going to use all the functions of a NAS" (which is like think "am I going to use all the functions of a cell phone"), he should be thinking about what functions he wants and then get a NAS that suits his needs.

 

I do not see the justification in spending money on a network attached storage device and then skimping on it. It's an investment, and not usually a cheap one. If you are looking to buy one I would advise you but a 'proper' NAS. Whether or not you use all the features now, at least you have the option to use them in the future as and when need be.
Using your phone example, people buy a phone to make and receive calls, text message, check their email and access the net. An iPhone does so much more, a hell of a lot more with all the apps available etc, and hence people purchase it - not because they need all of the features right now, but because they know it's all available to them and they have the flexibility to do so much more with the phone as they use it in the future.

It seems the Op wants to share files, and enable DLNA for media streaming for now. But what if he later decides on an iTunes server, or time machine backups etc? At least this way he has the ability and the flexibility to do so, and it makes his NAS last as long as possible.

I purchased my NAS originally with the intention on using it for storage/backups only. Since then I've started using DLNA to stream movies to all my devices, iTunes server, and more. In fact I'm also now looking to install security cameras around the house and driveway - at least I know my current NAS has the ability to run these all for me, even though I had no intention of using cameras when I first purchased the NAS.

I guess it all comes down to not only what the OP wants right now, but what he may want to use in the near future. Why limit yourself? Of course, the current budget will also play a big deciding factor in his decision!