Editing File server (section)

===Network-attached storage===
{{main|Network-attached storage}}
Network-attached storage (NAS) is file-level [[computer data storage]] connected to a [[computer network]] providing data access to a [[Heterogeneous computing|heterogeneous]] group of clients. NAS devices specifically are distinguished from file servers generally in a NAS being a [[computer appliance]] – a specialized computer built from the ground up for serving files – rather than a general purpose computer being used for serving files (possibly with other functions). In discussions of NASs, the term "file server" generally stands for a contrasting term, referring to general purpose computers only.

{{asof|2010}} NAS devices are gaining popularity, offering a convenient method for sharing files between multiple computers.<ref name="cdr">{{Cite web |url=http://cdrlab.pl/article_strona_9571_1.html |title=CDRLab test |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017224312/http://cdrlab.pl/article_strona_9571_1.html |archive-date=2010-10-17 |language=pl }}</ref> Potential benefits of network-attached storage, compared to non-dedicated file servers, include faster data access, easier administration, and simple configuration.<ref>{{Cite web |work=InfoStor |url=http://www.infostor.com/index/articles/display/55961/articles/infostor/volume-2/issue-4/news-analysis-trends/nas-advantages-a-vars-view.html |title=NAS Advantages: A VARs View |date=April 1, 1998 |author=Ron Levine }}</ref>

NAS systems are networked [[computer appliance|appliances]] containing one or more hard drives, often arranged into logical, redundant storage containers or [[RAID]] arrays. Network Attached Storage removes the responsibility of file serving from other servers on the network. They typically provide access to files using network file sharing protocols such as [[Network File System (protocol)|NFS]], SMB/CIFS ([[CIFS|Server Message Block/Common Internet File System]]), or [[Apple Filing Protocol|AFP]].