Here's my setup:
- Purchased a NAS (network attached storage) server. More specifically a Synology DS415+ (probably overkill for most people).
- Purchased two 2Tb drives and run those as a RAID1 mirror so I have a total of 2Tb network storage and protection if one drive dies. (Two spare drive slots remain for future expansion).
- Set up NAS with cloud server and have a folder on my computer which syncs files to the NAS automatically in the background (this happens quickly because the NAS is on my home network).
- Have a subfolder within the above folder connected to NAS called Dropbox. I then configure the NAS to also sync that up to Dropbox.
- Configure NAS to support deleted file retrieval and daily backups to restore to a previous state.
With the above set up I can choose what I want synced to my home NAS and what I'd like to be 'double' backed up to Dropbox. So things like music I only need at home, whereas important files can be backed up in case the NAS is stolen and files can be accessed from anywhere. (Note that I DON'T enable my NAS cloud for external access. I don't trust either my own security abilities nor Synology's to be bug free, but I do rely on Dropbox's security for any files I put there).
One the benefits is that syncing large amounts of data to the NAS is quick, then the NAS can take as long as it likes uploading to Dropbox.
I also use the NAS as a media server for music and movies. You can also use the NAS for downloading things in the background if you don't want to do it on your main PC and can turn that off.
Overall I've been very happy with the Synology NAS because of all the apps and flexibilty of it. Two drawbacks:
1. Setting it up exactly how I've wanted takes a bit of playing around and probably isn't for a computer novice.
2. The front cover of the NAS can't be locked, so although I could chain the server to something, it doesn't stop a burglar from just stealing the hard drives! I'm hoping they just won't figure out how to open it! But in any case, any really important stuff should be copied to Dropbox.
As a concluding comment, I think I read somewhere that to have a proper backup system you really need three copies of your data. One on the computer, one backup locally, then one offsite (in case the other two are stolen or house burns down). (The offsite one isn't sufficient because the offsite location might not be secure). That offsite location could be a cloud service, or just regular DVD backups stored at a relative's house.
I'm happy to give more specific details and instructions on how to configure my above setup if anyone is interested. I did find it pretty annoying that I couldn't find anywhere online with a good introduction and suggestions on how to set up a NAS properly.
