I have spent my entire career in the Motion Picture Industry, (25 years at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood) and one of my specialty areas was Backup systems. We have a saying in this biz - "Back it up or Pack it up". People simply do NOT pay proper attention to this. They think that a nice NAS or drive array will protect them. It doesn't. There are so many levels of backup and things to take into consideration. I'm glad people are talking about it more now.
I've been in IT for over four decades and had the first personal NAS over three. The best practice is backup to backup, hence I have local, DAS, file server and 3x NAS. Probably too old for a SAN in the upcoming years. 🙂
We had this system at the agency I used to work for, it's fantastic and a must for production freelancers or companies, but it's so expensive! But backing up your work is a MUST, so even if you buy a cheap but big hard drive and manually backup projects monthly, that's better than nothing at all
It's really not that expensive if you know what you're doing. The QNAP TS332X is a 10gig ethernet, 3-bay NAS that cost under 600 bucks; if you already have the storage, that's definitely attainable by a lot of content creators... now it did got discontinued but I still managed to find one. Bet they weren't making much profit from this model!
@@idontwantacallsign it is if you have other drives ;) man - NAS/backup topics are doing my head in, but I had a drive fail on me the other day, so now finally doing the research.
We use a NAS (QNAP) and learnt a valuable lesson last week. You need to have a backup that isn’t connected to the internet. We always kept our NAS up to date, and still got ransomware. All of our files were encrypted and we had to pay the hackers to get the password to our files! This was with having 2 factor authentication on etc.
They may not have gotten in directly to the NAS but one of the PCs on the network connected to it, so I would check these (if you haven't already) or it can happen again.
A few things: 1. QNAP is known for not being particularly secure, which is why I opted for another solution even though the hardware was better on the QNAP. 2. You really should use snapshots at the very least, or immutable snapshots if you have the option. Even the admin can't delete or change those for a specified time. 3. Don't use the default ports. Always change them. 4. Consider periodically backing up your NAS to a large external and then store it somewhere off site, like a safe deposit box. You don't have to do it often, but it gives you protection against fire, and you would have the option of just wiping your NAS and restoring rather than paying a ransom. Also, hackers have started to not even give people the key to decrypt their drives lately, so it's not a guarantee to get your files back.
Man, I watched your video, then later in the evening I see the red LED flashing on my (aging) QNAP 2-bay NAS... One disk was suddenly missing. Took it apart, checked the cables, it was recognized again and the RAID rebuilt. But wow, cold sweat! Thanks for the video btw, always VERY good to speak about backups.
I’ve watched you for two years and just now subscribed. IMPORTANT LESSON, don’t be afraid to ask. This is the biggest lesson I’ve learned in business and life. Enjoy your day. 😘👊🏻
For people who don't have a friend with a NAS to backup to for different locations, I believe the Synology NAS can automatically backup to AWS Glacier storage (super cheap archive storage, designed for disaster recovery, not frequent access).
A NAS is a worthwhile investment! I went through a few DIY solutions, but by far, Synology is the best solution with how many extremely handy tools are built right in to their software that just work without having too much configuration.
I have a debate between NAS vs. Cloud since I'm currently planning on how to expand my storage like you did. I am leaning towards cloud storage at this moment, since it's cheaper and way easier + more secure. My reasoning would be the following: 1. Dropbox Business runs me 45€/month for unlimited storage and 3 separate user access (hence a coworker and I could use it together for collabs like you do). That runs me 540€ a month for storage. You don't have to store stuff locally and can just shift it to store online only, accessing it once needed. 2. A NAS setup like yours (144TB + Backup NAS) is really expensive. The Synology DS1821+ NAS Server (8 Drives Spaces) runs around 1000€. Filling this this 8x 18TB drives from seagate (530€ each) the total cost of 1 NAS Module with 144 TB is around 5200€. Double that if you want do have a backup NAS and probably reduce storage by 18TB for a redundant failure drive. Adding this up, i can roughly pay dropbox for 10 years with the one time purchase of this NAS setup. With the likelihood of cloud space dropping even further in cost, lets assume 13-15 years at least. That also includes way better secure/firewalls/backups and professional help from real data centers. Cloud Storage doesnt have to run 24/7 costing electricity, making no noise and producing no heat. I can also access everything at any given time no matter the place I'm at. Then there is the time aspect: I don't have to setup hardly anything for dropbox, but have to spend a lot of time setting up and reading into NAS plus frequent maintenance. On top, Dropbox gives me unlimited Space rather than "only" 126TB usable with the NAS. At the timespan of 10 years I probably have to replace multiple drives for the NAS again, since its their end of life. Making NAS the more expensive variant for a 1 time purchase and "subscription" alike. THE ONLY TIME I would argue in favor of NAS is when you A: Want to be in full control or B: Want to work of the NAS Storage all the time with a team. Since we mainly work on local files on the Macbooks/SSDs and only shift finish projects to a Backup Drive/server, the argument doesn't hold up in our case. This seems to make Cloud the way better and cheaper storage option. Any thoughts on this? Would love to get some other opinions :)
I guess the risk would be that if it is your single location you could lose access to that location, accidentally delete something, get hacked or the company folds. I would suggest dropbox plus local storage OR dropbox plus a secondary cloud service like Backblaze b2, Amazon S3, or wasabi
Synology can also automatically back up specified directories to AWS Glacier storage, for an even more secure off-site backup. It does have a monthly cost per GB, but it's the lowest cost datacenter file storage I've found - and it's automatic.
We also have synology NAS system. We learned very early on that file organization and back up and crucial for a small business like ours or any other creatives. We have our main server in the office and then we have another just like it, backing up that one at another location off site. AND THEN we each project we do backed up Western Digital drives for long term archival storage that we keep in a big box stored away and bust out the odd time if a client wants their raw footage X amount of time later.
Looked to get a new camera near the end of last year and picked up a NAS instead. Not as sexy as a new camera, but it's peace-of-mind with the RAID system and saving hours of my time! Now back on my hunt for a new camera ...
@@thechrishau Such a hard decision on the camera. I'm in the Canon eco system, but I do sports, macro, travel photography as well as product reviews/video ... why doesn't the A1 have a flip screen? 😂
@Marie Digital you can take your time. it's all based on needs. I just got a new 8 Bay, and I only have 4 drives right now because im moving files over from the old ones to the new ones.
@@jesselong6266 ahhh okay cool. Thanks for responding. I'm doing the same but am a newbee to NAS so this was super helpful. Any advice lmk. I really appreciate it lol :)
Just to clarify as someone may add 1 and 1 and get 3 (you arent saying this just that assumptions can be made) RAID is not a backup solution it is a high availability method. It ensures that the data is accessible while the redundant drive rebuilds the array. Ideally you do not want drives built in the same lot number as you may end up two drives failing in the same array around the same time. I have actually seen it happen. When the first drive dies it is the most nervewracking time while the array brings in the new drive and starts recovering the data on it. Those hours (yes hours) you have your fingers and toes crossed
Yes, many people don't realise that RAID is not a backup system but is to help mitigate downtime. It won't protect against RAID controller or other hardware failures (which has happened and taken out all the data), fire, water damage and theft, etc. So, a regular and off-site backup is always a good thing.
Yeah, backing up is so important, especially if it is a business, loosing clients files is a big no no :) I have lost personal stuff only in the past and that sucked a lot, but I would feel even worse if it was a project for a client. NAS solutions does cost a lot, and it is cheaper to do DIY but for those who don't want to Synology and similar brands seams like they way to go. I went the DIY route which saved me some money but also gave me an excuse to build more computers which is one of my favorite hobbies.
Don’t forget the UPS backup and Synology Drive. It’s great at saving everything on your computers to the NAS without any effort. Been using this whole NAS system for 8ish years, highly recommend.
I’m at a crossroads... Jeven Dovey just dropped a video about he is using your original method (with backups on the backups in another location), but I also see some good arguments for the NAS...
100% would shut that quick connect down. Get an SSL VPN setup back to your office and access them that way. That way if (insert vendor here) gets breached your stuff directly is still safe.
I meticulously went through your entire list of affiliate links looking for those light panels you have pointed to your ceiling and couldn’t find them, can you let me know what they are called and if you recommend them? Thank you! And I hope you reach 1M by the end of this year, completely deserved!
You can directly back the NAS up to aws also. That's my final destination for my files, is AWS. Card - > Drive - > computer - > NAS - > AWS. At any given time, I should have at least two copies of each file. Really dig the automated backups to cloud tho. Freakin lifesaver.
For anyone who is looking for a cheaper option for backup, I would strongly suggest Backblaze! It costs $6/month and you get unlimited storage of backup. It will automatically run in the background of your computer and back up all connected hard drives and your computer’s hard drive. I used to pay so much for Google drive, but this has become such a better system for me!!
We all know those files are at the top of the list, don’t even lie! 😂 Nice vid Chris and I’ve now learnt a lot about backing up files and would love to own a NAS system eventually.
FYI (IT Guy here) IF your only using one NAS I highly recommend switching to RAID 6 (2 redundant drives) I lost all the data on the office server because it was only RAID 5 which is basically what the Synology drive uses. If you can afford a 2nd that is connected via a Fiber connection to another system then yea RAID 5 is ok to use! We just piut a RAID box off a MacMini (Promise Technology) running Thunderbolt 3 and share the drive with the Network and it works so well we can edit on it!
Oh man. I was already subscribed to you, but the Sony 50mm and the scene you posted on Instagram for this vid earned you a spot in my notification squad. 😂 love your content man!
The awesome thing about a Nas is that it doesn't care about bitrot so it just automatically copies your bad files 😊. You need something like freefilesync to actually compare the files. And remember a NAS is NOT a backup! I have heard several stories about Synology stations going mad without any chance of rescue.
The QNAP TS332X is the best budget 10gig ethernet NAS, costing less than 600 CAD (!!!) with it's own network... assuming you can find one, because they're all discontinued. It normally cost more around 2K for any NAS with built-in 10gig copper.
Getting excited about buying a NAS feels like when you become an adult and get excited to buy a new toaster. Not "cool", but goodness is it great to have a nice one 🤣
I wonder if you might be better off with ironwolf pro in a system with more than 6-8 drives, they're just more robust; and that way you'd have the added security of the 5 year warranty and their data recovery service. Significant price difference though, so you're probably fine with what you've got. It's also interesting to me that they have their drives mounted vertically in this NAS device, does that not affect the spinning at all, or the heat? Please don't change the orientation based on this comment without reformatting the drives first; it would likely misalign the drive heads. Thank you for sharing your backup method with us!
A friendly reminder though, your backup is only as good as it's "home base". It wont be a very good backup anymore with a house fire or theft. So always do this in combination of ANOTHER off-site backup. That way you still have another copy not anywhere close by. Backblaze is my backup of choice by anything like it especially for a small business entrepreneur NAS is not the last level of backup!
And I know he mentioned google drive and like 100 bucks a month for unlimited. Backblaze does have an unlimited plan for somewhere near $6 a month USD.
So what do you recommend for a small channel that has literally no space nor money to buy those sophisticated systems? I'm trying to figure out whether I should keep all my talking head files which technically I just used for one video because it's talking about that specific subject for that particular video. Or should I delete them? Should I delete those talking head files saving up more space and my already available hard drive on my computer? I also use an SSD which is very useful as well. Great video as always! Okay I'm subscribing.
Funny that this video comes just one week after Qnap NASes have been under attack and lots have been hacked with a ransomware encrypting all the data available on the NASes that were infected. This time it's Qnap users but Synology users have also been affected in the past. The main lesson for me after reading so many things about this over the last few days is that a NAS shouldn't be viewed as the only back up solution. The data should also be stored at another place, like you do with your friend. Otherwise, once your data is encrypted, it's dead. In France, we've seen many institutions being hacked this way and asked to pay big money to get the encription key. I remember Canon had their cloud (or something) hacked by a ransomware some months ago. So people should be aware that they should have a back up of their NAS, and not only rely on it. I am really happy about having a NAS though. I can totally relate to your situation/video even though I definitely don't have as much data as you 😊 cool video!👍
I need that so bad. Now saving money to buy it. My poor macbook pro is lagging because of so much stuff in it and I have switching between hard drives, specially old ones. I have lost so much photos/videos because of it.
0:27 SPEAK FOR YOURSELF CHRIS. I've been using a DS218+ with two 10TB shucked drives and it's been running my Plex server and hosting all of my files for a few years, but after starting a media company with my buddy, I'm probably going to upgrade to a 4-bay NAS with 12TB drives and make the DS218+ dedicated to Plex. I also backup everything on the NAS (excluding the Plex stuff) to Backblaze B2 and we have another bucket just for company footage we share with each other.
If one of the NAS drives get corrupted, will the remote drive be affected as well? Also, it is risky having all your files cloud-oriented? What if the security is breached? Would everything be lost then? Additionally, if the cloud factor of NAS drives was “shut off,” would the files still be on the drive? The cloud factor just worries me because I feel having files only on a software and not a hardware can be dangerous and also I feel like that kind of storage won’t last for a long time because clouds will end whereas hardware (although yes, drives do fail too) will last as long as the drive does.
I created my own NAS with just a router and an WD 8TB external HDD 2 weeks ago. It was great and I loving it, tho it a bit difficult to set up than just a real NAS server like synology.
5:00 - Just throwing this out there, but if you've got 8 drives, I'd feel WAY better with two drives of redundancy. Will it reduce your storage? Yes. But, resilvering all of those drives is really hard on them, and that's when you'll end up losing a second drive. If you can do it, I'd switch to SHR-2 instead.
It is a very common practice among NAS owners to have a second NAS offsite at a friend/relative's house and let them backup each other to avoid having to pay extortion monthly fees for cloud storage and cloud backup providers since you do need a offsite backup anyway as per the 3-2-1 backup rule.
Please don't use RAID as a type of failsafe. RAID is designed for maximum uptime. I've seen so many RAID arrays go awry and cause data loss. Other than that, solid! I use a Synology NAS at home as well.
A quick NAS video?! Didn't think this was at all possible 🤣 Great choice on the IronWolfs btw! Lastly, make sure that the NAS is in a Fire-safe enclosure in case an "Austin Evans event" happens 😬😬 Cheers Chris!
I’ve used this system at my previous work. It’s awesome. But I feel like the only con to this system (and a prominent one) is if I can access my data from anywhere in the world, so can anyone who knows how to properly hack... now to be fair I have nothing to hide and don’t necessarily care who sees what’s on it, it’s all work related video shoots anyways. But if there was that one time someone wants to screw everything up and wipe my data then I’m screwed and dropped tens of thousands of dollars on it. Most likely wouldn’t to someone like me but you never know. Plus if you are a well known RU-vidr or something then it can really make that choice worth thinking about. Other then that it’s like the best system I’ve ever used lol
This video comes at the perfect timing man ! I am at the point of getting 2 NAS and do the same thing than you in RAID 5 :) Good thing you kept it short and entertaining, it was so cool to watch 😉
