Networked, external HD on home system.

[ShyWriter]

Hello all,

A question please. If I add a network capable (RJ5/RJ5a instead of USB/FW400) standalone hard drive on my home network to serve as storage and backup media, do I need to use NAS software on the HD or can it be treated like any ethernet-connected peripheral and just appear, and be used, as another HD?

Thanks in advance,

~Shy

[PedroHin]

Hello all,

A question please. If I add a network capable (RJ5/RJ5a instead of USB/FW400) standalone hard drive on my home network to serve as storage and backup media, do I need to use NAS software on the HD or can it be treated like any ethernet-connected peripheral and just appear, and be used, as another HD?

Thanks in advance,

~Shy

I don't know what you mean by 'NAS software' , unless you are referring to the very common web-based configurability of most NAS drives.

Most of them just throw a share on the network that you can access from Linux, MS-Windows or any OS which knows how to speak SMB style network file sharing ( \\servername\sharename ). You can then browse to the NAS via network neighborhood, then map a network drive (right click on the share, and select 'map network drive')

It may also will depend on the Manufacturer of the NAS drive. Most NAS already have an embedded system (often Linux based) which can be reached/configured via a web interface -- either on firmware or a partition on the enclosed hard drive.

I am not aware of a NAS which would need software to make the drive appear to be attached to your system directly -- it sounds like something that would malfunction easily.

I am not sure if I answered your question, but I hope the information helps

[ShyWriter]

@PedroHin

Thank you for the information. I'm guessing setting one up is not as difficult as I was imagining it to be. And whatever device I eventually get will have a quick-start guide, I'm sure.

Thanks again.

~Shy