Does this drive require you to install software on computers that want to access it? What protocol does it use?
1118652
You don´t need install any software on your PC/Mac. The NAS has the most popular protocols: SMB and CIFS (Windows PC), FTP, NFS (Linux) and AFP (Apple computer). It also has media server protocol (multimedia streaming in smart devices like cellphones, smart TV, game console, etc), and time machine feature (Apple network backup) but I couldn´t make that works :-(. The device came with some application (mostly backup utilities and NAS networks discovery), but the instalation is optional.
1118653
You will not need to install software on your computer to access it. Administration is done through your web browser that can be reached through any web capable device. To access the web app through your browser you will need the NAS connected to a router or switch. An IP address will be assigned to it on your network. By putting in your browser address bar that number like this \\##.##.##.## it will direct you to your NAS. It comes with a guide and also there is web content through Seagate for assistance.
1118654
You can set up shares using several protocols like CIFS, NFS, and FTP - even all at the same time for one share. No software required on the end-user machine. You don't even need to use the provided disk to set it up as long as you can look up what IP it grabs from DHCP.
2039204
You can access the drive from any machine on the same network. I have used the NAS with Win 7, Win 8.1, Android, Samsung TV and Ubuntu. If you are asking if the bundled application works with Win 8, sorry mine is installed on a Win 7 machine. Psst, after initial setup you won't need that software at all. Everything can be managed from the Web console.
393751
No, as far as I know you have to use the app to move anything into the drive using it as a stand alone drive. I originally wanted to use it on locations and such but data transfer is slow and the interface is horrendous. I'm sticking to my laptop and cabled drives for the time being.
38198
I have set up a few of these drives for users. In some cases I installed the WD softwares, but in others I did not, depending on the user and his needs. For my personal drive I just plug it in to a USB port and use it as I would any other physical, virtual or cloud storage device. I never installed the software.
649046
no - its a network device with storage, access to disks are via the network
1337337
You can install apps Directly into the unit so then you don't need the computer. There a apps for ftp, torrents, etc. I think you can't daisy chain them because they need USB interfaces to increase capacity and the unit doesn't work as a USB drive.
653505
Not at all. I work with it on windows and mac. It comes with install cd. And sometimes its easy to download a server from the internet if the computer youre working on isnt yours.
1743725
NO. It is only a BDRL drive. It does not even come with any hardware to install or connect it.
728817
I don't think you can. This unit uses its own proprietary file system (a pain, IMHO), and formats the drives at install.It's a decent unit if you know your way around linux and have time to configure it, but I have to say that overall it's not a system you can easily jump into and set up quickly...
393463
Yes, it only provides access to the drive via USB.You will need separate software for reading different filesystems (e.g. reading a windows hard drive from Mac / Linux) or any other operations you want to perform on the drive.
642209
Not sure exactly what you're asking, but I use my hard drive on three different computers to transfer data. It doesn't need specific software or to be programmed to a specific system.
382265
This doesnt connect directly to your computer, you access it over the network through its own interface, or a mapped network drive. It shouldnt matter what OS you are using. We use everything from XP, Vista, 7, 8 & Macs to access this without any issues.
1333299
I have one of these and there is no security software included. It is just a raw storage device.
2130493
Its not a esata connection so you can't use laptop drive either.. Look up msata.. Thats what you need
1310112
Yes, it will show up in your local explorer under network/router if you attach it to the router. works as just another drive if it is attached direct.
2030881
Sure. it just a HDD with some free software from WD. No need to install this software or keep it on a HDD ;)
929774
Question - If you wanted to upgrade its hardrive, how do you get the Home Server Software installed on it?