For quick recovery of files you delete accidentally, you might want to make online backups of frequently used data. Smaller amounts of frequently used data are easy to copy to PCs on your home network. Having these copies readily available for when you do accidentally delete a file, will allow you to restore the last backed-up copy in minutes. For this purpose, some customers purchase more than one Mediaserver. One for day to day use and one for backups.

To help improve reliability you should place your server in a location that is safe from environmental damage. This includes proximity to water, flooding, heat, humidity, dust, dirt, smoke, cleaning equipment, etc. There are stories about businesses who repeatedly had problems with some of their computer equipment only to find out later that cleaning people were disconnecting power cords so they could plug in vacuum cleaners etc. Cleaning equipment can damage wiring and could in fact lead to data loss. The Mediaserver should be placed well clear of vacuum cleaners, mops and other hazardous (to the server) cleaning equipment. Keeping your Mediaserver cool, dry, and free of dust is the best way to extend its life for years of maintenance free operation.

Keeping your AC power clean is also vital to the Mediaserver. Brown-outs, black-outs, power spikes, unstable power lines, lightning etc. can all adversely affect your server. The best way to smooth over these dirty power conditions is to plug your Mediaserver into a good quality  Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). This is a battery device which senses changes in the AC power supply and switches to battery power when it senses improper conditions. It is possible to find a UPS than can supply power to the server alone for over an hour if a blackout should occur.  In areas where lightning is frequent, you would also want to protect your telephone lines and perhaps your DSL or Cable modems connected to your Mediaserver. Your Home Media Storage sales representative can provide you with more information on UPS technology and options.

Although the Mediaserver is fully capable of performing the duties of most desktop PCs, its reliability is improved by, essentially, leaving it alone. Many desktop PCs fail because of frequent changes to settings, software, hardware, and external cables. By placing your Mediaserver in a safe location and leaving it alone and accessing it remotely from your media PCs throughout your home, your Mediaserver will deliver on its promise of reliability.