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[Just Another Joe]

Hello, World.  I have not used my D-Link DNS-323 NAS in several years, as it just can't compare to my Synology NAS's.

The DNS-323 is a small, light-weight (at least without drives) Linux box.  Has anyone had any thoughts about other uses that it could be put to, besides as a NAS?

[FurryNutz]

You can use it as a file server or media streaming server. I use my NAS for file storage, some back up and one drive has media files on it for streaming.

[Just Another Joe]

Those are the things I use my Synology boxes for; typical NAS type things.  I was wondering if the D-Link could be repurposed for some other use, eg. as a Linux box for some purpose, perhaps even without any drives--or does it have to have at least one drive for the Linux system?

[FurryNutz]

Not sure if thats possible.

[ivan]

To change its function from a NAS box to something else requires either third party applications loaded on top of the existing firmware or you would have to write a completely new firmware to support what you want to do.

You also need to remember this is a low power ARM processor based box, unlike the Intel powered Synology boxes.

I have to admit that I have has my 4 DNS-323 boxes since they first became available running 24/7/365 in a cupboard in my home office.  2 of them backup documents the other 2 backup my photos.  The only thing that would make me consider changing then would be a small lightweight box that had hardware RAID rather than the standard software RAID  of all small and SOHO NAS boxes.

As an aside you might consider donating your unused DNS-323 box to a small charity that could use it.

Sorry this isn't much help to you.

[Just Another Joe]

Hi Ivan, that's good information.  And yes, I think my DNS-323 will be sold/donated.