The best file server for a Mac Office

Hi Guys,
I work a a small gallery, we have about 5 iMacs, a couple of laptops, a few ipads / iphones and right now we're working off 2 Synology DS212j NAS drives attached to our Airport Extreme. The iMacs are all hardwired to the network through a gigabit switch. One of the NAS Drives is set to clone to the other so we're really just using one. The other is a backup.
We are not very happy with the current situation. Access to the NAS is slow and sparadic, we often get hang ups and disconnections and frankly, we just want a faster solution.
All we do is file share files, but we do have another office in Germany so it would be nice if we have VPN capabilities or some sort of remote access. Hey, if it can sync with Dropbox - all the better.
What would you intellegent individuals recommend?
Should we purchase a Mac Mini server and attach it to a Raid 5 drive?
Should we buy a Drobo or another higher end NAS?
Or do you think the problem is not with the NAS but with the airport extreme (that's basically made for home internet use and not for intense file sharing)
Any ideas would be welcome.
Thank you

Really? nobody has any idea?

Similar Messages

  • What is the best virus protection for a Mac?

    What is the best virus protection for a Mac?

    1. This comment applies to malicious software ("malware") that's installed unwittingly by the victim of a network attack. It does not apply to software, such as keystroke loggers, that may be installed deliberately by an intruder who has hands-on access to the victim's computer. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it. If you have reason to suspect that you're the target of such an attack, you need expert help.
    OS X now implements three layers of built-in protection specifically against malware, not counting runtime protections such as execute disable, sandboxing, system library randomization, and address space layout randomization that may also guard against other kinds of exploits.
    2. All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect known Mac malware in downloaded files, and to block insecure web plugins. This feature is transparent to the user, but internally Apple calls it "XProtect." The malware recognition database is automatically checked for updates once a day; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders.
    The following caveats apply to XProtect:
    It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as BitTorrent clients and Java applets.
    It only applies to software downloaded from the network. Software installed from a CD or other media is not checked.
    3. Starting with OS X 10.7.5, there has been a second layer of built-in malware protection, designated "Gatekeeper" by Apple. By default, applications and Installer packages downloaded from the network will only run if they're digitally signed by a developer with a certificate issued by Apple. Software certified in this way hasn't actually been tested by Apple (unless it comes from the Mac App Store), but you can be reasonably sure that it hasn't been modified by anyone other than the developer. His identity is known to Apple, so he could be held legally responsible if he distributed malware. For most practical purposes, applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed can be considered safe.
    Gatekeeper doesn't depend on a database of known malware. It has, however, the same limitations as XProtect, and in addition the following:
    It can easily be disabled or overridden by the user.
    A malware attacker could get control of a code-signing certificate under false pretenses, or could find some other way to evade Apple's controls.         
    4. Starting with OS X 10.8.3, a third layer of protection has been added: a "Malware Removal Tool" (MRT). MRT runs automatically in the background when you update the OS. It checks for, and removes, malware that may have evaded the other protections via a Java exploit (see below.) MRT also runs when you install or update the Apple-supplied Java runtime (but not the Oracle runtime.) Like XProtect, MRT is presumably effective against known attacks, but maybe not against unknown attacks. It notifies you if it finds malware, but otherwise there's no user interface to MRT.
    5. Beyond XProtect, Gatekeeper, and MRT, there’s no evidence of any benefit from other automated protection against malware. The first and best line of defense is always your own intelligence. With the possible exception of Java exploits, all known malware circulating on the Internet that affects a fully-updated installation of OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of so-called "trojan horses," which can only have an effect if the victim is duped into running them. The threat therefore amounts to a battle of wits between you and the malware attacker. If you're smarter than he thinks you are, you'll win.
    That means, in practice, that you never use software that comes from an untrustworthy source. How do you know whether a source is trustworthy?
    Any website that prompts you to install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one, is untrustworthy.
    A web operator who tells you that you have a “virus,” or that anything else is wrong with your computer, or that you have won a prize in a contest you never entered, is trying to commit a crime with you as the victim. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
    Pirated copies or "cracks" of commercial software, no matter where they come from, are unsafe.
    Software of any kind downloaded from a BitTorrent or from a Usenet binary newsgroup is unsafe.
    Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. If it comes from any other source, it's unsafe.
    6. Java on the Web (not to be confused with JavaScript, to which it's not related, despite the similarity of the names) is a weak point in the security of any system. Java is, among other things, a platform for running complex applications in a web page, on the client. That was always a bad idea, and Java's developers have proven themselves incapable of implementing it without also creating a portal for malware to enter. Past Java exploits are the closest thing there has ever been to a Windows-style "virus" affecting OS X. Merely loading a page with malicious Java content could be harmful. Fortunately, Java on the Web is mostly extinct. Only a few outmoded sites still use it. Try to hasten the process of extinction by avoiding those sites, if you have a choice. Forget about playing games or other non-essential uses of Java.
    Java is not included in OS X 10.7 and later. Discrete Java installers are distributed by Apple and by Oracle (the developer of Java.) Don't use either one unless you need it. Most people don't. If Java is installed, disable it — not JavaScript — in your browsers. In Safari, this is done by unchecking the box marked Enable Java in the Security tab of the preferences dialog.
    Regardless of version, experience has shown that Java on the Web can't be trusted. If you must use a Java applet for a specific task, enable Java only when needed for the task and disable it immediately when done. Close all other browser windows and tabs, and don't visit any other sites while Java is active. Never enable Java on a public web page that carries third-party advertising. Use it, when necessary, only on well-known, login-protected, secure websites without ads. In Safari 6 or later, you'll see a lock icon in the address bar with the abbreviation "https" when visiting a secure site.
    Follow the above guidelines, and you’ll be as safe from malware as you can practically be. The rest of this comment concerns what you should not do to protect yourself from malware.
    7. Never install any commercial "anti-virus" or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they all do more harm than good, if they do any good at all. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use the free software ClamXav — nothing else.
    Why shouldn't you use commercial "anti-virus" products?
    Their design is predicated on the nonexistent threat that malware may be injected at any time, anywhere in the file system. Malware is downloaded from the network; it doesn't materialize from nowhere.
    In order to meet that nonexistent threat, the software modifies or duplicates low-level functions of the operating system, which is a waste of resources and a common cause of instability, bugs, and poor performance.
    By modifying the operating system, the software itself may create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.
    8. ClamXav doesn't have these drawbacks. That doesn't mean it's entirely safe. It may report email messages that have "phishing" links in the body, or Windows malware in attachments, as infected files, and offer to delete or move them. Doing so will corrupt the Mail database. The messages should be deleted from within the Mail application.
    ClamXav is not needed, and should not be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful only for detecting Windows malware. Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else.
    A Windows malware attachment in email is usually easy to recognize. The file name will often be targeted at people who aren't very bright; for example:
    ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥!!!!!!!H0TBABEZ4U!!!!!!!.AVI♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥.exe
    ClamXav may be able to tell you which particular virus or trojan it is, but do you care? In practice, there's seldom a reason to use ClamXav unless a network administrator requires you to run an anti-virus application.
    9. The greatest harm done by security software, in my opinion, is in its effect on human behavior. It does little or nothing to protect people from emerging threats, but they get a false sense of security from it, and then they may behave in ways that expose them to higher risk. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.
    10. It seems to be a common belief that the built-in Application Firewall acts as a barrier to infection, or prevents malware from functioning. It does neither. It blocks inbound connections to certain network services you're running, such as file sharing. It's disabled by default and you should leave it that way if you're behind a router on a private home or office network. Activate it only when you're on an untrusted network, for instance a public Wi-Fi hotspot, where you don't want to provide services. Disable any services you don't use in the Sharing preference pane. All are disabled by default.

  • What is the best email server for ios

    What is the best email server for ios

    Im going to go ahead and assume your talking to me?
        I ended up in this thread in search of a functional Exchange ready mail client capable of supporting multiple mail profiles. Since there are no free applications to accomplish this in the app stor, which I can find, I figured I'd leverage the 'community' for some direction before throwing good money after bad.
       As I assume Im not the only one to do this, I figured I'd help straighten these folks out on the lingo (as they werne't applying it properly) and the sassy 'sound like apple users' comment references the way ANTI-apple folks assume you people are less than adequite users.
       If I called an apple an orange, you would say I was wrong. If I did it repeatedly, after correction, you would assume Im incompetant.
       Seriously, its a stupid machine and will only do what you tell it. (true for all computers, apple or otherwise)
       So if I ask for a mail client, dont give me a provider. If I ask for a service, dont name a client. 
        Your right, this post is old. And stilll doesnt have an answer. . .
        In response to MichelPM, I didnt call your baby ugly. The 'Bandwagoning' is cute though. My advice is sound, and helping you folks not to look so... well... stupid.
        Since you interceded though, how about a little help? What mail client do you use? Is it exchange Compatible, with active sync? Does it offer multi-profile support? And the clients want images in their signatures, and multi signature support. (I can do this with my android phone ) 
    Im looking forward to your responses.

  • What is the best file converter for Panasonic HC-X900M camcorder        for use on Final Cut Pro X?

    What is the best file converter for Panasonic HC-X900M Camcorder Mts  files for use with Final Cut Pro?

    This camcorder records in several ways, including AVCHD2, mpeg4 iframe, and 3d, at least that seems to be the case from a quick reading of its specs.
    If you get the latest update for fcpx, it will handle video shot in 60P. That is 10.0.4
    Here is what Apple says it supports, and one version of the 900 seems to be supported.
    I think the Apple site is a little behind its own software update, as one advantage of the new update is that it handles 60P.
    Maybe I am missing something, but I wonder what would happen if you get the latest update for fcpx, and try your card again. I did find that fcpx now supports my sony dslr at 60P.
    Here is a thread with one person saying they can now use their 900.
    Hugh

  • What is the best DVD Creator for a Mac Book Pro to replace iDVD?

    What is the Best DVD Creator for a Mac Book Pro to replace iDVD?  Have Maverick OS.

    I have already looked at other threads in this forum, so 'I venture forth' to ask my question here:
    I have a 44 minute carefully edited iMovie with several chapter markers. I dimly recollect that when you 'dump' the entire movie into iDVD (my version is 7.1) it should detect the markers and create buttons to link to specific scenes. Well, the 'dumping' process obviously doesn't work.
    How do you get iDVD to recognize the markers and ceate buttons to link?
    I can create with iDVD a DVD that will play the movie in its entirety. This is not suitable for my purposes. I need access via a menu to specific scenes.
    Thank you,
    Klaus

  • What is the best security system for a Mac?

    I am curious as to what is the best security system for a Mac. Is it Norton or something else? I have a Macbook Pro with Lion and I want to make sure I avoid all of the viruses and malware out there.

    Hi c,
    General consensus here is to stay far, far away from Norton, and that most anti-malware software for Mac causes more issues than they will ever avoid.
    Most Mac users run bare.
    I still haven't seen anything in the wild, no OS X virus really going beyond proof of concept; some malware, yes, but not a virus. And the existing malware requires users to "open the door" and basically tell the malware it's ok to do its thing. I'm not sure there'll ever be software which can overcome the actions of such a user.
    For those who feel the need, ClamX has been often suggested.

  • For iPhone and Android, what is the best file format for watching videos?

    For iPhone and Android, what is the best file format for watching videos?

    You can try these setting. They are from CS5.5 but should work in CS4.
    Make sure you check Use Max. Render Quality.

  • Best file system for PPC Mac, Intel Mac, and Win 7 PC

    I really was nut sure which section to post this in, so this seemed like the best place.  I have a 3TB external hard drive, that I need to read and write to on a G5 running 10.5.8, A MacBook Pro running 10.8.2, and various windows PC's, what is the best file system to use, or better yet, format, depending on what terminology you use, adn I need to transfer large files(larger than the 4GB limit on FAT).  Im willing to try any suggestions.  I would prefer not to use extra software, if it is neccessary though, I can on the mac's but not as easily on the Win PC's.  I would also prefer an app from apple, I seem to have bad luck with third-party software, but if you know of one that works nicely, again, I'm willing to try any suggestions.

    Another alternative is a two-partition external drive. All platforms supported without special software on one drive. You could use mnemonic partition names like HFS and EXF for mounted recognition. Think of this as a functional, single-drive, mirrored RAID set (RAID 1). A file copy to each partition (if needed) provides redundant platform interoperabililty and file backup.
    HFS+ JournaledAll Macs
    ExFat
    Windows 7
    Intel Macs

  • Whats the best virus checker for a MAC

    whats the best virus checker for a MAC

    rkaufmann87 wrote:
    And I'm of the school that says no virus checker is needed. This assumes the user has a minor amount of common sense and does download illegal software, visits *********** sites and keeps OS X up-to-date by using Software Update regularly.
    I'm in almost full agreement with everything you've said except for the ************** sites part. Most current Mac malware comes from very ordinary and even top level sites these days. Flashback came from hundreds of main stream WordPress blog sites. The New York Times primary web site was spreading malware for 24 hours before it was discovered. Users can no longer feel confident of not being infected just because they avoid sketchy sites.

  • What is the best file extension for import?

    When converting a DVD to another file extension for FCP, what is the best file extension to use? When I was using Adobe products, I would convert the DVD with Stream Clip to an AVI or MPEG and bring it right in. I found these do not work well in FCP. I know I can play it in and make a capture, I was just trying to find what file extension I should use to bring it right into the browser. I receive some DVD's that are quite long and would rather convert them to another extension instead of playing it in to capture.

    In MPEG Streamclip, use the export settings that match your FCP Sequence settings. Typically that would be QuickTime DV/DVCPro (NOT .DV Stream).
    Here's a 2 part tutorial on MPEG Streamclip by Nick Holmes:
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2059475&tstart=0
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2070861&tstart=0
    -DH

  • What is the best DNS server for iCloud and Apple services?

    Hello. Im wondering what is the best DNS server to use with iCloud, and apple services.
    Does apple have a dedicatrd DNS server?
    I read a couple of articles stating that the google DNS servers like 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 slow down apple and facebook services.
    Did a couple of tests like iTunes streaming and found out that its true in some cases.

    Not always!
    Found what i was shearching for:
    http://www.who.is/dns/icloud.com/

  • What is the best file format for PC (Windows7 64bit) and Mac OSX 9.2.1?

    My external hard drive containing files from my PC (Windows 7, 64 bit), says the files are READ ONLY. I'm trying to work of files on my Macbook Pro (OSX, 10.9.2). If I have to reformat  the drive, what is the best format that will work for both systems?
    Any help will be greatly appreciated.

    The Tuxera NTFS for mac seems to have fixed the issue.
    My question now is, Will reformatting to ExFatbe better or quicker?
    Thank you to AL of you for your help! 

  • File Server For Both Mac OSX and Windows?

    Hello All,
    With HP discontinuing theier HP Server line, I've been browsing around for quite some time at a good box to use as a file server.  My windows Home server is about to die i feel, and most PC based servers seem just as pricey as me acquiring a Mac Pro Server with Two 1TB Hard Drives and using OSX Lison Server.
    However, before I take that plunge I was really wondering if anyone had had any success or stories that they can share about using a Lion Server with windows 7 PC's.
    I use a MAC, but everyone else here uses windows.  On my the home server box we bascially store all of our digital photographs, personal files and such as a backup.  Granted the Apple time machines and mac mini's can be used as the same but you loose the redundant hard drives and stability of comintuing to upgrade if you run out of space.
    So I'm hoping that its positive and pretty much flawless where the Mac Pro with Lion Server could just save and serve files galore without slow down or problems.  With my past mac experience that's usually not the case.  I just want to replace that box, have a new box that can store files off of the independent machiens with a here or there additional backup on it as needed.
    The other plus if I take this plunge is I have a Mac Pro box for greater functionality at home over my Macbook Pro!   So yeah, a little perk for me...
    Thanks in advance for any news you can help or offer me...  I know I'm probably asking something that a ton of others may have alredy asked and sorry for the duplication if thats the case

    Mac OS X Server can do all that.
    You can keep All the user accounts on the Server, or you can just use it for File Sharing. Does Windows SMB or Apple File System sharing without issue. Disk Utility can create Mirrored RAIDs right out of the box, that expensive RAID card is only needed for RAID 5.
    I run a Server at home like a School Server with ALL User files on the Server (you log on at any Mac and your files appear, because they are on the Server). User files are on a pair of Mirrored RAID drives, and I use Time Machine to automatically back up all the User Files on the Server once an hour. Gigabit Ethernet Switches provide "Hard Drive-like" file access.

  • What's the best system upgrade for 'older' Mac Mini?

    My MacMini is about five years old:
    Model Name:    Mac mini
    Model Identifier:    Macmini4,1
    Processor Name:    Intel Core 2 Duo
    Processor Speed:    2.4 GHz
    Number Of Processors:    1
    Total Number Of Cores:    2
    L2 Cache:    3 MB
    Memory:    2 GB
    Bus Speed:    1.07 GHz
    Boot ROM Version:    MM41.0042.B00
    SMC Version (system):    1.65f2
    This mini is still running  System 10.6.8, with the 'latest' version of Safari being version 5.1.10.
    Lately, Safari fails to perform certain features correctly on certain websites, and I have to switch to Firefox to make the websites work.
    Is it time for a system upgrade, so I can run a newer version of Safari?  If so, which newer OSX system version would be the best for me to upgrade to?

    A few other things to consider if you want to upgrade your OS.
    If you are using any apps that are still PowerPC apps, they will not run on
    any newer Mac OS.  So you will need to find replacements ($$$$).
    Also, in terms of apps, you need to make sure the apps you are currently
    using are compatible with the newer MacOS.  You may need to upgrade ($$$$)
    or find alternatives.
    Also, you will need to make sure any external hardware that you use with
    your Mac is also compatible with the newer MacOS.  You may simply need to
    update drivers or the hardware may no longer be supported ($$$$).
    So, upgrading your MacOS could end up costing more than just adding RAM!!!

  • What is the best scribe program for a Mac Book Pro?

    I am looking to purchase a scribe program for my new Mac Book Pro.  I need support as my arms/hands get numb.  I do a lot of writing.  What do you think would be the best for my Mac Book Pro?
    Many Thanks!!

    This would be speech recognition software. There is only one satisfactory product for this available on Macs - Dragon Dictate. From my limited experience it works exceptionally well given the state of the technology.
    It will require an appropriate microphone for best results plus the willingness to commit several hours to train the program to your voice. It can be used in most word processors/editors as well as work with many different applications' commands and OS commands.

Maybe you are looking for

  • Can no longer edit song info

    I just blindly upgraded my iTunes to 11.2.2 (3) and find that I can no longer edit any information on songs. This is not acceptable. Not only can I not enter missing song writing credits, I can't even tell it to sort by a performer's last name instea

  • Mapping with both source and destination as flat files???

    hi I have two two flat files(large data) for example A and B. let us say A has records of format( characteres of size(5) , numbers of size(6) , characteres of size(5) ) B has records of format( characteres of size(5) , numbers of size(6) ) i have to

  • Font problem in OS9

    This is a question about fonts not appearing in an OS 9 application. I am running OS 10.4.8 on an iMac G5 and have Classic (OS 9.2.2) as well. I have one (antique) program running under Classic, FileMaker Pro 4.1, that I have been using to manage mai

  • Workflow for PR Rejection at Header Level

    Hi,        Is there a standard workflow available when we reject PR at header level ?        I found it available at item level with BUS2009. but this event is not triggered when we reject at header level. moreover there is an event triggered with BU

  • 2 digits in an on(keyPress "") ActionScript command??

    Is there any way to use the keyboard to type in 2 digits in an on(keyPress "") command? For example: on(keyPress"21"){this.gotoAndStop(21); to jump to frame 21? I am trying to create a slideshow style presentation, but have the ability to jump to var