zero nas backup

[grinkle]

not sure if i am a noob but just getting into pi
i am setting up a web server with a pi 3b+ and large hdd
and was wondering if it would be worth backing up to a nas
it should not (advice) have to be fast
would a pi zero do the job
all thoughts on the subject welcome
p.s. i don't mind spending an extra £10 or so

[ejolson]

not sure if i am a noob but just getting into pi
i am setting up a web server with a pi 3b+ and large hdd
and was wondering if it would be worth backing up to a nas
it should not (advice) have to be fast
would a pi zero do the job
all thoughts on the subject welcome
p.s. i don't mind spending an extra £10 or so

I suppose you are thinking about using one or another of these $5 USB+Network combination hubs. It seems plausible any of these hubs would work with the Zero--one of the reviews says no another says yes. Similar hubs for a little more are marketed for the Zero.

[grinkle]

thanks for your reply
it made me realize that there is no network connection on the pi zero (told you i was new to this)
so the pi zero w might be the answer
i can have multiple wireless networks on my router so i could use one just for backup (vlan) then give access to a host from another net work
do think that would work (one backup drive=one pi zero w)
i can use up all my old hdd's (all 2.5")

[ejolson]

thanks for your reply
it made me realize that there is no network connection on the pi zero (told you i was new to this)
so the pi zero w might be the answer
i can have multiple wireless networks on my router so i could use one just for backup (vlan) then give access to a host from another net work
do think that would work (one backup drive=one pi zero w)
i can use up all my old hdd's (all 2.5")

Usually 2.5" drives need an additional power supply or powered USB hub to work with a Pi.

I think you might be better off going to the thrift store or university surplus and buying a used Pentium 4 computer for $15. It might cost more than a Zero and will definitely use more electricity, but you won't need to buy accessories to make it work and you only need to turn it on when making the backups.

Set that old computer to wake-on-lan, put it it on a shelf in the garage, run a network cable through a hole in the wall and cover it with dust. Being in the garage it should survive a house fire and being a dusty Pentium 4 no one would want to steal it. This is the safest backup most individuals can afford.