Want to get a NAS mainly for backup, so many questions
I have been thinking about getting a NAS off and on for a while. This is new territory for me. Main use will be for storing a backup of files. Do have other devices in house that would maybe occasionally want access to it but not all that often. I know NAS's are designed to be on 24/7 but in my case, I don't see a need for that. At least that is what I am thinking at the moment, I realize that could easily change once I get one setup.
Been looking at a 4 bay Synology unit like the ds925+.Don't want to spend anymore than that, especially if I have to buy drives as well. I do realize I could build my own NAS for cheaper but I really don't have the time or patience right now. I just want something that works. I have never used a NAS, not new to computers, build my own pcs but its the software side, especially the network side of it. I am not a network person at all. Speaking of networks, I don't care about being able to access this NAS from outside of home, I don't want it to work like that at all. I just want to be able to access it from devices in the home.
Been doing some reading on this and synology seems to get recommended alot. Also read that at one time, synology had a requirement of using their own drives but that is not the case anymore. Want to make sure using their own drives is not a requirement anymore.
Also would like to be able to have files, mainly pics and videos transferred to the NAS from android phones. Would I need special apps on the android for this to happen? Any devices that would connect to it are either Windows or android. Not an apple user, well do have an older ipad that was given to me but rarely use it and don't see myself using it full time. Not sure if accessing the NAS with apple products changes things during setup.
For hard drives, I know a hard drive suitable for NAS usage would be best to get. I currently have 3 standard 3.5 drives that currently have files stored on them. Most of the time, they are not hooked up to anything, put them in a drive bay when I want to put files on them. Would I be able to use them in the NAS since I don't plan on leaving it on 24/7 and will likely be turned off most of the time? If I did use them, would they have to be wiped first? If I did have to buy any drives, 8tb would be more than enough at the moment. Also don't plan on using any type of RAID, not sure if I am crazy for not using RAID. Think a big part of that reason is I am just not familiar with it.
Sound is something that is not too much of an issue as long as it doesn't sound like a jet engine.
Not sure if this changes anything as far as what to get but I anything AI added software, I plan on removing unless it is required.