Question 1

Can I install vmware exis  or WS 2008 as a main OS ?

Accepted Answer

it might be possible, I have not. However I can see two things that might cause issue.

1) architecture is ARM processor, not Intel.  I wanted to run some apps from the QNAP store, but this was a problem.  Originally, I decided to go cheap and get ARM.  There's been a few times I had wished I got the Intel archicture.  ARM vs. Intel might not be an issue for you, but it surprised me, so check first.

2) CPU Speed is pretty limited, if I remember correctly this unit is around 500MHz.  It works ok as a NAS, but I doubt it would handle much load as a terminal server back end.  I would guess maybe 1 or 2 would be ok, but I wouldn't plan to use it for multiple stations with moderate-heavy load.

Hope this helps!

Question 2

This is what I'd like to do, please tell me if this is right for me:

--plex server for movies (access via apple tv)

--play /store music (also from apple tv)

--backup  for my desktop pc

--raid 1

Should I get this or the 4 bay model? and what about buying with disks pre-installed?

thanks!

ps I run win 7 ultimate on desktop pc

Accepted Answer

We run it as a storage for customer's backups. Don't know about plex or streaming storage on this unit much.

For hard drives please google "QNAP TS-231 2-Bay compatibility list" with recommended hard drives from QNAP.

Newegg doesn't allow direct URLs.

Question 3

Can this particular unit act as a WAN cloud for out of state travel to be able to access your cloud data? Also if connected wirelessly to the network, will the standard Smart TV pick it up in order to live stream media?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I believe it can work as a WAN cloud.  You can configure user accounts to access the device, and port forward through your firewall.  Keep in mind that you should limit access for the best security.  It uses the standard QNAP applications, but only for ARM, not Intel.  I'm not able to use utilities like 'git' and others since they are only available for Intel.  But an outside user should be able to view images, files, etc.

Although I keep mine on a wired LAN in my home, you should be able to configure a wireless adapter for it.  I don't think it has wireless built in.  I supports the standard protocol for media server for pictures, movies, etc. I know my Samsung smart TV can access the movies and videos on the NAS.

Question 4

Hi, will this NAS work with two WD Blue 1 TB drives?  The Qnap compatibility list does not include WD Blue drives.  Thanks.

Accepted Answer

It can technically work with any SATA drives. The issue is more about the potential "health" issues of drives that were not intended to be used in a RAID enclosure, as well as file access speed. Things like vibration, heat, drive spin up/down, etc are not handled in the same way on WD Blue drives as they are on WD Red drives (which are meant for RAID).

Question 5

All the cloud, dlna and mobile apps support sounds nice, but is not part of the requirement.  I simply want to setup a 2 disk NAS on my Windows Network for extra storage.  If I choose, can I connect directly via eSATA to a server and it simply be a RAID1 storage device OR, once setup, if connected to two 1G LAN Ports, will the device simply look like an additional share or storage device on my Windows 2012 based network?  All the other features are nice, but the basics must work perfectly first.  Thanks.

Accepted Answer

should work fine for that.  I'm using XP, Win7, Mac OSX and LInux on my network for NAS storage and backup.

Things to keep in mind: this unit it ARM cpu, not Intel.  So there are many "apps" that won't work on this system.  Not a problem if you are doing just basic NAS backup.

Linux can't use NFS to mount this system, I had to use CIFS which is fine.  However, this is a non issue for Windows 2012.

I don't have windows 2012 so  can't confirm in your case, but It does handle a variety of protocols and can be a domain server also.

I'm very happy with mine, it does what I wanted.  However, I kind of wish I got the Intel version so I could play with more apps from the QNAP store.

Question 6

max memory?

Accepted Answer

The TS-131, TS-231, and TS-431 all have 512MB DDR3 standard and non of the three are upgradeable. They also have 512MB eMMC Flash, also not upgradeable.

Source: Qnap Hardware user manual

Question 7

Does anyone have history running this in an enclosed space ie. closet, safe, etc? I'd appreciate any info. Thanks

Accepted Answer

I have two of these one on the shelf at home  with plenty of airflow the other in a closet with a router and switch at work.   The one in the closet runs easily 10° hotter per hard drive  according to the system Monitor.    I added additional circulation fan in the closet and now leave the door half open,   Doing this brought the temperature down 7 to 8°.   I suspect the difference is because of the additional equipment in the closet generating extra heat as well.   I have not experienced a failure  despite the higher temperatures, and it's been running there for two years nonstop.

Question 8

Can you use this unit to share individual files and folders with other users over the Internet?  If so, can you password protect shared files/folders?  Or is it an all-or-nothing Cloud?  Sorry if this is a dumb question.  I couldn't tell from the description.

Accepted Answer

Yes you can.  As you set up each user you can also setup permissions as to who can see what folder, and if they can read and write or just read.

As for viewing over the Internet took a little bit more setting up but most of that was with my internet firewall and my service provider.

It take a bit of work to figure out all the features and some of it is not as intuitive as it could be.  If you have a good comfort level with your OS you will be able to figure it out.  The online forums where very helpful for me.

Question 9

Can this run the same with just an external drive(USB3) and no internal drive added?

Accepted Answer

Yes, once you have a external drive plugged in, it will be discoverable to the rest of the network.

Question 10

Would this be good as a VPS for my website? All I can afford atm, if you have cheap recommendations please do suggest!

Accepted Answer

This is a great backup and general purpose NAS. Unless you have full duplex symmetrical internet you would have hard time with the incoming activity. There's not additional options for adding memory.  It's useful for home business file server to centralize files which helps for a common point for off site backup

Brand	QNAP
Model	TS-231
Type	Desktop NAS

Port RJ-45	2 x 10/100/1000M
Port USB	3 x USB 3.0 port (Front: 1, Rear: 2)
Port eSATA	1 x eSATA
HDD Interface	2 x 3.5" or 2.5" SATA 6 Gb/s, SATA 3 Gb/s HDD or SSD

Form Factor	2-Bay
Processor	Freescale ARM Cortex-A9 dual-core 1.2 GHz processor
Installed Memory	512MB

Temperature	0°C - 40 °C
Humidity	5 ~ 95% RH non-condensing, wet bulb: 27 degree C

Dimensions	6.63" x 4.02" x 8.86"
Weight	2.82 lbs.

QNAP TS-231 2-Bay Personal Cloud NAS Diskless System with DLNA, PLEX Support

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Item#: N82E16822107183