Alternatively, if you want your new computer to run at its top speed, a solid-state drive (SSD) such as the Samsung 850 Pro or the Toshiba OCZ VX500, or an M.2 drive (if your computer supports it) will make that happen. Power users hoping to get the most out of a home storage system should consider a network-attached storage (NAS) server such as a four- or five-bay NAS server from Synology, QNAP, Asus, Netgear, Western Digital or Seagate. If you're ready to head to the store right now, though, I've also listed my top picks. In this guide, I'll explain the basics of storage and list the features that you should consider when shopping. So it's important that you select the best storage device to not only hold your data, but also distribute it.
The computing world runs on information, and handling it is crucial. Editors' note: This article is frequently updated to reflect changes in technology and in the marketplace.