Setting up a network-attached storage system is one of the most rewarding tech upgrades you can make for your digital life. Be it for ditching expensive cloud storage subscriptions, streaming your personal media collection through Plex, or even building your own self-hosted Google Photos alternative, a NAS gives you more control over your data while allowing you to run a plethora of services on top.But, like any other appliance, buying a NAS box requires a fair amount of research. With a wide range of options on the market, your choices range from selecting the fastest processor around, more drive bays for future expansion, or software that adds simplicity and reliability to your setup. The latter is much more important than you’d think. After all, you are investing in a software ecosystem that will determine how easy your data is to access, back up, and secure for as much as a decade.