Question 1

What file system does the hard drive use?  NTFS, FAT32, something else?  If the interface hardware fails, I want to be able to pull the HDD and read from a Windows-based system.  Many NAS's use some Linux format and I don't feel like installing Linux.

Accepted Answer

The hard drive uses NTFS as default.  I searched the Seagate manual and specs sheet and could not find that information anywhere. I suggested they add it to their documentation and specs sheet. I confirmed that it was NTFS by right clicking on the device and then left clicking properties pull down.

Question 2

I see that the 2,3,4 TB Cloud Storage Systems are compatible with WIN-XP, WIN-Vista and WIN-7, however are they compatible with WIN-8 or any combination of WIN-XP thru and including WIN-8 systems??

Accepted Answer

The basic functionality of the NAS, that is, basic network storage, should be compatible across any of the Windows operating systems since WIN-XP, as all these operating systems support mapped network drives. I cannot say with 100% accuracy, but I'm fairly certain that the related applications with this drive will also be compatible with WIN-8, but you may have to configure them to run in Compatibility Mode in the worst case scenario. The use of this drive should not be affected by different operating systems using it at the same time.

Question 3

I'm thinking about buying this to install a shared program and database on (right now we have an extra computer in the house that we access through). We would have to be able to access the files and program at the same time. Will this work for that?

Accepted Answer

I would not use this product to perform your task. This product isn't design to handle that type of messaging request. I would recommend something with more I/O capacity. This unit works OK for us in the office, but it has it's very slow moments.

Question 4

I don't understand, the title states a 2TB  but the specs say 3TB. Which is it?

Accepted Answer

I'm not sure what specs your looking at. They offer this device in 2,3, and 4TB systems. I have the 2tb, and it is 2tb. I like being able to hook it up to my router, and that's it. Never having to worry about losing the connection, or it coming unpluged and losing data.

Question 5

I'm, looking for a cloud device where my family can store/share all our pictures and music over our network and am wondering if this would be easily compatible with a PS3 or PS4 for pictures, music, and movies?

Accepted Answer

Hi.  I don't know anything about its compatibility with a PS3 or PS4, but as for the first part absolutely, with the added benefit of being able to access it from work or from a computer when you are visiting a relative, or you can even give relatives access to it over the internet.  You computers would not have to be on - it connects directly to your router and then out the door !

I think it should be fine for you.  (I bought it to use to maintain our most commonly used documents and and word processing files/documents - I just wanted to more or less use it as a network hub (small office of 3) and most importantly be able to access and use/modify/add to those documents from home.  Well, while its great at accessing via a network and the internet (after many hours of working with it and trying to figure out just what the they are trying to say with their instructions), but unfortunately direct access is a not so available, and what's worse only 1 person can access a "private folder", so I have to maintain all my important stuff in a "public folder" that I cannot password protect and that will just be hanging out there for anyone there who wants to do badness . . . (the account I log into is still password protected, but the files on the disk cannot be, at least as best as we can figure so far).  I is definitely beholden to the rules and procedures Seagate put in place, and I would NOT consider it flexible in that regard.

Sorry I don't know about PS3s and PS4s.  Good luck !

Russ

Question 6

will this work as a print server?

Accepted Answer

Yes, will work as media and print server.

Question 7

Is there an application included that provides for backup of the Central to a USB connected hard drive, other than "drag and drop?"

Accepted Answer

No. They do include software for your PC/Mac to backup to the Central, but they do not have any auto backup to the USB, that must be done manually.

Question 8

so obviously you can use this while at home but when your outside of you wireless network ie not on your home wifi, in the office on vacation can you still access your files on seagate central ?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  The HD comes with an included account through "Tappin".  This service provides a web interface to remotely access your data.  The only thing is that the "accessibility" is limited by your Home upload speed.  So, to view or download a picture from the Seagate Centeral (from a remote location through the internet), It will have to "upload" it from the Seagate before it can download to your remote location.

Question 9

Can this device be connected via a Dual band USB wireless adapter to a wireless router?

Accepted Answer

I would say no. The usb adapter would need to have a driver and you can't load one on this device. The device has a USB port, for an additional external attached hard drive only. I wouldn't attempt to plug anything else in it.

Question 10

Will this work to remotely backup my office computer to the Seagate Central attached to my home network?

Accepted Answer

It does work for backing up your work computer to you seagate central on your home network.  You will need to install the seagate central software. It's does not backup the Windows Programs files folder. I moved a database that I need backup to a folder outside of the Program Files folder and it backups and restores fine.

Questions & Answers