You've bought a new smart TV and you're keen to pair a media server with it. You can't just browse the videos on your file server using the TV's user interface — you'll need a middleman — but before you rush out and grab a Pi, NUC or install Plex on your desktop machine, make sure your humble NAS can't do the job first.

Updating your PC is so straightforward that, depending on your operating system, it'll be taken care of for you automatically (aggressively so). You might even remember to keep your graphics, sound and motherboard drivers up-to-date. But what about your other devices? It's a little trickier to patch your modem / router and NAS, but it is possible.

NAS devices have transformed from simple storage devices into multimedia and data management centres that are as much at home in the home as they are in the office. The QNAP TS-453Be straddles that line between work and play, offering a bunch of connectivity, applications and storage options. And while it offers a rich set of features, it's let down by some usability challenges.

A new botnet, boasting an army of 500,000 remotely-controlled routers in 54 countries, has been discovered. VPNFilter allows attackers to steal credentials, monitor Modbus SCADA protocols and has a destructive capability that can render an infected device unusable. It can be triggered on a single device or as part of a mass attack.

We now store more content at home than ever before. And even though streaming services like Netflix, Stan, Apple Music and Spotify are changing the way we access media, we still need to ensure data is reliably backed up. Many of us - me included - have large libraries of digital content we've already paid for and want to be able to access at home or work. So, what makes a good NAS and what's available on the market?

Synology's new DiskStation the DS218+ is 2-bay storage solution that's ideal for home offices and small businesses. It boasts a dual-core processor with AES-NI encryption acceleration and a transcoding engine, providing high-speed file transfers and supporting real-time 4K transcoding.

Netgear has been a player in the NAS space for many years, buying the ReadyNAS business from Paul Tien ten years ago. This new device, the ReadyNAS 2304 Business Class 1U 4-Bay Network Storage (RR2304) can support up to 40 concurrent users for Gigabit speed file backup and file serving.

While there's a lot to be said for the convenience of Google Docs or Office 365, there are times when you might prefer to DIY. That might be so you can be assured that you know precisely where your data is, or because you just prefer doing things yourself. A number of Synology NAS devices, like the DS1517+ I looked at a few weeks ago, let you do just that. You can run a mail server, productivity applications and other web services from a box that fits on a book case in your office. I decided to take Synology's productivity apps out for a run to see how they stack up.

Back in April, I reviewed the Synology DS916+ NAS and was quite impressed. Since then, Synology has released a new NAS, the DS1517+, a five-bay NAS that continues to build upon storage as the cornerstone of the modern network. When I received my review unit from Synology, the packing slip described the DS1517+ as a "barebones server", rather than a NAS. And that's a more accurate description of the device.

Synology keeps adding more to the capability of the NAS line-up. They have launched a new version of the Virtual Machine Manager into beta this week. This lets you run Windows and Linux VMs directly on many models in their range.

Network storage is really useful. From backups to sharing data, a NAS is an easy way to make storage accessible to everyone on your network. Over on Circuit Breaker, there are instructions on how to make a one-bay NAS from a NanoPi NEO - a version of the Raspberry Pi Zero.

Businesses, large and small, have access to more data than ever before. Cloud services, ranging from Dropbox to AWS offer as much storage as you can use and afford. But that doesn’t mean local storage isn’t still a good option. Synology’s DS916+ NAS aims to bridge the gap between the cloud and local storage by offering the best of both worlds - local storage that delivers lots of cloud-like services.

If you have a lot of data -- photos, movies, backups, or other files -- a home server is a great way to keep them all in one place for use throughout your house. The Fractal Design Node 804 is my choice for a good-looking, functional PC case for a DIY home server.

Even with the influx of cheap mini-PCs such as Intel's Next Unit of Computing (NUC) series, the humble Network Attached Storage (NAS) unit still has its place. However, if you're new to the NAS game and want one for the house, perhaps to file the role of file server, there are a few caveats to consider before you go ahead with your purchase.

What would appeal to you more: redundant storage controllers or replicated storage?

A NAS, or network-attached storage device, is great for storing files and making them accessible from any computer in the house. But when you upgrade to a new one, you're stuck copying everything over by hand, swapping drives, and risking data loss. Here's a much more reliable method.

When you're setting up any kind of server, it can be tempting to give the machine a functional or descriptive name. However, for security purposes it often makes sense to be more obtuse.

Dear Lifehacker, I'm thinking about building a NAS (Network-Attached Storage) for storage and backups, but I don't know if I should build a computer or use an old one I have kicking around, or if I should buy a special enclosure like a Drobo or Synology for the job. What do you suggest?

Dear Lifehacker, I'm ready to take the plunge and build my own home server, but I'm not sure which route I should take. I've seen guides for FreeNAS, Amahi and even regular ol' desktop Linux, but which should I use? Does it even matter?