Can I network a hard drive?

[lepard2k1]

I have two 200GB Western Digital HDDs that I use primarily for storage and for sharing with networked computers. However, when my main PC is turned off I cannot access the files im sharing.

My question is, can I network a PATA hard drive and have it always accessible as long as my router is on?

 

[drizzt81]

yes, what you are looking for is a NAS enclosure. It would convert your PATA hdd into an external hdd with a network port.

 

[compslckr]

either get a nas enclosure or toss the drive in an old computer and use it as a nice little linux server

 

[unhappy_mage]

Sure. Something like the NSLU2 at around $80 online plus plain USB enclosures and you're set, or search at Newegg. I've heard good things about the NSLU, and almost nothing about the other enclosures.