It should not really matter whether you use FreeBSD, Linux, Windows or MAC OS to access a NAS server. However, Macworld has some advice:
Mac Compatibility
Not all NAS drives play nice with Macs. In the NAS world, SMB (Server Message Block), a Windows file-sharing protocol, rules. Macs can use it, but due to some file-naming restrictions, you may have to rename some files. Macs use AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) for file sharing, so look for NAS drives that support it—some support Bonjour (OS X’s built-in networking protocol for local network devices), too. For configuring ease, most NAS drives come with software or a Web browser-based wizard that’ll walk you through the process, but some setups can be tricky—especially if the device doesn’t support AFP.
Drive Facility
NAS devices have either a preinstalled hard drive or an empty enclosure that lets you dictate the storage capacity (you’ll need to purchase an internal hard drive and install it yourself, but you could save some money by going this route).
Extra Features
Many NAS drives offer additional benefits. If you want to offload your music, movies, and photos onto a centralized server and stream content to multiple computers, look for NAS drives with media server functionality (many support iTunes streaming). If you want to back up files, look for a drive that provides backup capability through software, a USB port to connect an external hard drive, or RAID support (only a few support Time Machine, which requires a Mac-only HFS+ formatted drive). If you want to access the drive remotely, look for a model that offers access over the Internet or FTP.”
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Macworld also recommends 3 NAS products:
- LaCie Ethernet Disk mini
- NewerTech MiniStack NAS
- Netgear ReadyNAS Duo
The article finishes with some words on AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule
Source and full article: MacWorld.com
