Does this replace the need for an online backup service? I'm curious, does this product replace the need of an online backup service? Are the files stored only on the hard drive itself or is the "cloud" equivalent to an online storage service?Thanks Does this replace the need for an online backup service? I'm curious, does this product replace the need of an online backup service? Are the files stored only on the hard drive itself or is... » Read More Does this replace the need for an online backup service? I'm curious, does this product replace the need of an online backup service? Are the files stored only on the hard drive itself or is the "cloud" equivalent to an online storage service?Thanks « Show Less
645134
This can act as an online backup device of sorts, but it isn't a replacement for a cloud back up service such as carbonite. you get a free license for their packaged online backup solution though. The files are all stored on the hard drive locally on the network. The "cloud" portion comes from it allowing you to access the local networked files remotely through a web browser interface, much like an FTP server.
96370
Thanks so this is just a format, and then it is plug and play only needs to be mounted with super user permission to write to the drive (something we do every day in Linux) I was concerned that it might have some sort of proprietary software interface and could not be used outside of Mac & Microsoft operating systems. The backup software I believe would not be Linux compatible, but Clonezilla does that task rather well... Thanks Linas Vepstas for your hands on response...MT
1577969
Well, a USB back up? SO you have turned it into a external hard drive? If so it most likley just needs to be configured into what you want it to do. Odd though, never had this problem with any hard drive I have ever worked with or bought.
1667133
I've looked into that and without the original sales receipt it would be reckoned from the date burned into the ROM. You would have 5 years from that date. I found this out by having a drive without a receipt and needing service. WD is so much better than Seagate. I've only had one that I needed service and almost all Seagate drives died within a couple of months for the warranty expiring. 5 years is forever in terms of drives. I got the 2GB version and on a 6Gb channel it's almost as fast as a USB3 flash drive. maybe faster. In short-it screams!
1642172
Its all in its purpose. Back up, expansion, paperweight, Golf tee. I have by default 2 physical drives in my computers at any given time., The second drive is "an expansion" of space, but is also physically separated so it will serve as a "Backup" with a windows system image as well as all of my other files, should the operating system drive go down.Most of that is marketing on the part of Seagate.
1064246
Whatever fits your personal need. I would do cloud storage since I'm on the go. But here are some of your options 1) External HDD 2) Cloud storage 3) USB sticks
101318
I've wondered about this too. When I purchased this drive all I wanted was a drive, not a lot of software. And I have no interest in their sharing capability on social media. Maybe someone can answer this, like Seagate themselves.
205947
Wait am I confusing this product this product with something else? You can't put a hard drive in this one right? Only External?
1700367
The drive shows up as a network drive but you should be able to install programs on it. If you just want an external drive to install programs on you wouldn't need this network drive. You could do that on any external hard drive that is not networked. You would only need this drive if you wish to have access to your files and data while away from your computer say on a laptop or other desktop computer.Hope this helps.uspilot
1209979
Presently I have a drive connected to it as a backup device for my laptop. Temporarily. However it is mostly used to check drives and retrieve data.
225253
I store all my music on an external hard drive.....so when my computer went up.....I still had all the music there....reloaded iTunes on the new computer (although I did lose playlists, etc....but not any of the actual songs, videos or photos) and I was back up and running with not too much time spent......
2106079
You don't need to if you have your files backed up properly offline or in Neat Cloud. It's like going wireless on your phone...do you really need a landline. It's more about getting used to the concept and not an actual need to keep hard copies.
1080259
Have at least 2 copies of your files. Preferably 1 offsite in case of physical damage to your living quarters. I personally have an external drive that I use as the backup to my internal drive. Most important thing is to have redundancy regardless of what you use (CDs can scratch/go bad, USB sticks can have the NAND go bad etc etc.). If you have 2 copies, you're good to go unless you have some disaster destroy your place. If offsite storage isn't a possibility, a firebox is a decent alternative.
95935
B. Meerdink, neither of the two information you brought are backed by the links you posted.I've been searching the internet for the same info D. Wong wants, I'm about sure there is no document on WD's website that will state which is the internal drive interface of "My Passport Essential" products. This is something only reviewers who have opened their "My Passport Essential" drives can tell us. Do you happen to own one of those? Have you opened it up?? Has anyone out there?
875704
Mine came with the backup software already on the drive. It is part of the setup.
402921
At this moment I am pulling data off an external USB drive that appeared to be totally dead. Clack, click, whiirrrrrrrr and never came online. I froze it. Not kidding: http://www.emergingtechs.com/posts/put-your-hard-drive-in-the-freezer-to-recover-data/ Mine works for about 1/2hr until the drive warms up again, then back into the freezer. Given this scenario it makes sense to know what is critical, get it first, and get the non-essential stuff later. All my important stuff is already recovered and now I'm copying over 40GB of "nice to have" stuff. As soon as this process is over I'm going to improve my backup scenario!
473624
It has no storage of its own. It is an enclosure into which you can put a hard drive. I put a 3tb drive into mine, but am planning to take it out, since the enclosure is too slow. I think I'm only getting USB 1.0 speeds out of it, not USB 2.0. So a 3tb drive would be better used elsewhere. I'm going to put an older smaller drive in & use it for different purposes (ie, not main storage, but special-case backups).