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As data storage needs have grown, local storage solutions are more important than ever. However, local storage poses risks because hard drives can fail, and this is where network-attached storage (NAS) systems come in. NAS utilizes RAID technology to distribute data across multiple drives, protecting you against drive failures and enhancing performance. With NAS, you can ensure your data remains secure and accessible, providing peace of mind in an increasingly data-driven world.

The range of NAS solutions in the market can be overwhelming. There are a lot of choices out there, and defining the best NAS is like naming the best vehicle -- it depends on your needs. That said, I have a lot of experience using, advising, and setting up NAS units and can help you make the most informed purchase. In ZDNET's latest update, we performed a thorough editorial refresh. We also added the Synology DS223, Ugreen NAS DH2300, and Synology BeeStation Plus to our recommendations.

Also: Should you invest in a NAS system at home to store your data? I did, and it's already paying off