The OP's problem appears to be related to reading "non-native NEFs" (i.e. MP won't read NEF files that originated in another format). The OP converts jpeg scans to NEF. Unlikely to be an issue for the vast majority of users:

http://forum.phaseone.com/En/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=10551

John

Probably better to get the definitive view from the Naslite forums, but as I understand it they use EXT2/3 only, on the perfectly reasonable basis that it's a more suitable file system for a server. Again, I'm no expert, but as I understand it FAT32 now stands as a "lowest common denominator" file system, with the last remaining (but sizeable) advantage that it's fairly universal. But for reliability/lack of limitations, EXT2/3 and NTFS (Windows NT/2000/XP default format) are preferred.

I use the CD version. Disadvantages: (a) it will take up one of your IDE slots - not a problem if you're only using a couple of hard drives or if you're using SATA hard drives (which you really ought to these days if you're buying new). (b) the CD version writes its config file to....a floppy disc. Yes, a floppy disc. Didn't bother me, as I was building a dedicated machine for the file server, and these days a new floppy drive costs all of three or four quid.

However, if you bridle at the notion of such old-fashioned technology, I think most Naslite users these days are using the USB version, designed to boot from a USB flash drive. As Naslite only takes up a few megs of space, you can buy the smallest available flash drive (128MB these days) for a few quid.  The USB version also writes the config file to the flash drive. Probably makes more sense all round. And whatever version you use, once the machine boots, Naslite sits in RAM.

The advantage of using Naslite over a standard Linux distribution is that there's no complex setting up involved. I found grappling with Linux to be hard work (once you go beyond using it as a standard desktop for browsing, email etc). With Naslite, you create the disc, switch on, follow simple instructions to set up your drives, and go. Plus Naslite has nice features such as doing all the maintenance from any network-attached PC, and operating headless (i.e. without a monitor). Set it up, detach the monitor, and stick in in a cupboard/attic/wherever you have power and a network connection.


Not sure about hot-swapping - try the Naslite forums, they're a helpful bunch in there.

From the NasLite web site: "NASLite-2 USB supports IDE, SATA, SCSI, USB and FireWire connected fixed disk drives as well as hardware RAID."

Peter,

Yes, obviously if people have a suitable box lying around, they could use that, although most of the time (particularly for home users), the old boxes are too small to be pressed into service as a decent NAS (so many home PCs only have space for one or two hard discs). And I always recommend that, even if people press their old PC into service, they discard the OS (particularly if it's Windows) and install an OS designed for running a NAS/server. My NAS runs 24/7 for months on end. I can't get a Windows box to run for more than a week without having problems. NAS software will also normally have built-in drive monitoring, backup options etc.

And I really don't think there's any harm in doing it the cheap and cheerful way using old parts (with the exception, as I noted, of the power supply). Pressing old gear into service in this way is efficient and environmentally-friendly use of old kit (even if you don't want to build your own, there are suppliers on Ebay who will sell you complete, (very) old PCs for very little money). Obviously my comments are really aimed at home users/hobbyists rather than pros, who are more likely to make the necessary investment for a pro-level solution.

All of this assumes, of course, that you know what you're doing...but for those of us who combine photography as a serious hobby with an interest in computing technology, my suggestion remains a valid option.

Just started reading the book, by the way. Excited at the idea of finally bringing order to my chaotic workflow...

John

This is now an issue for so many people, not just photographers. The size of hard drives is growing, just not fast enough.

The advice above is sensible, but if you're at all comfortable with computers (to the extent of playing around inside the case), I would suggest that you build in your own future-proofing by building a NAS (network-attached storage) box.

For people with a need for sizeable amounts of storage, this ends up being both the cheapest and most flexible option. A file server (that's what is is) doesn't need any processing power. I built mine using an old motherboard off Ebay (£7), a 700MHz Celeron processor (ancient in computing terms, £4, also off Ebay), 256MB of suitable old RAM (£6) and a large £20 PC case. There are a few other bits and pieces you need (the one you shouldn't skimp on is the power supply - get a good, quiet one). And then of course as many hard drives as you need -- IDE, SATA, external, whatever, although internal drives are cheaper and part of the point of the NAS box is to create a cheap and elegant solution to the storage problem.  Having external drives hanging off the NAS box wouldn't make much sense.

The last item is the software. There are many NAS "operating systems", but I use NasLite (http://www.serverelements.com/), which costs all of $30, and is, in my experience, pretty much bullet-proof.  It is essentially a Linux system slimmed down to the bare essentials needed for a file server. Once up and running it takes up about 3MB of memory.

It has so many advantages. You just add drives as you need them. You see the drives as mapped drives on your main computer, so copying to them is easy. All computers on your network can share the NAS box. And with NasLite, once it's set up it can operate "headless" (i.e. you don't need a monitor attached to the base unit -- you can make all adjustments from your main PC). My NasLite box lives in a cupboard, with just a power cord and a network cable running into it. I have four drives in it at the moment, one pair backing up to the other (all automated).

If the very thought of taking the cover off your computer terrifies you, then maybe it's not for you.  But if you feel it might be within your capabilities, it's well worth a try.  It won't cost much to have a go.

John