1) Yes, DDNS is needed if you're having dynamic IP.
No, you won't need to pay for free account but some restriction apply.
a) You will receive account re-activation every month if inactive or IP never change.
b) Not able to use paid domain means you get stuck with limited amount of choice of domain.
I personally use No-IP

2) What's your network speed? It affects how fast can you backup your data to your NAS, preferred gigabit network capable hardware.
You can always use something like Cobian Backup of which can schedule your backup, and perform sleep, shut-down your PC when it's done. Or if your data is used daily and only needs single backup copy, you can always opt for incremental/differential backup for quick backup of your updated data only so you won't waste time updating every single data in the PC.

3) Different folder for best organization, so you know which backup belong to which PC, etc.

This post has been edited by wildwestgoh: Sep 4 2013, 05:06 PM

Yes, 2 x 2TB = 4TB in RAID 0.

2 x 2TB = 2TB in RAID 1.

No, you cannot just switch to RAID 1 or RAID 0 like a flip switch. You loose all data when you switch to either RAID format. Therefore once you have decided on which RAID to go with, you need to stick with it. If not, it'll be a painful process of transferring / backing up files.

That said, you can use RAID 0 provided you understand the consequences.

Why format?

I bought mybooklive 2tb for only 350 bucks

i dunno. bcoz some friends who bought NAS (not sure what model) had to format the drive because it has its own "file system".

NAS like mybooklive comes in both Mac,Linux n window usable,so those type does not need any headache..u only need other file system when your OS can't read the NAS data natively

i bought mybooklive 2tb yesterday at jayacom for rm429..very happy with the nas

Yes,the NAS is very straight forward,no brainier

for my QNAP TS212 need to format the hard drive first in order to use.

ok for my earlier question:

can i use NAS' USB to connect directly to a device like LCD TV?

i mean just like USB drive or those portable harddisks, where u hook them up and the TV will be able to read and play movie files.

correct me if i'm wrong, but i think the function of the usb port on the NAS is meant for you to copy to/from other usb storage devices.
IF your tv got LAN port, then you can do it, or buy a cheap tv box also can.

u made me google tv box .

they seem to be priced around RM300++ though. not exactly a cheap solution for me, since i'm looking to buy NAS to solve storage accessibility problems. adding another RM300++ is gonna set me back really bad.

yup, for RM300 can get another WD Red 2 tb to plug into the NAS
but you still can have plenty of choices with price cheaper than rm300 in the 'Home Electronics & Homewares' section.

Ok thanks!

your NAS is connected to your router thru an ethernet cable right? so now, just connect another ethernet port from your router to your TV. and use DLNA to play movie files

im talking about the not-so-smart LCD tv. it only has HDMI and USB ports (apart from other analog ports).

I've been thinking of buying one cheap NAS for my office shared for about 30 staffs perhaps DLink or Promise or something less than RM1000. It's just for file sharing and storage.

Can I just buy and then plug it to the office router/switch and ready to be used?

for ready solution like WD,seagate...etc,just plug into router n go.no idea with Promise..btw,for 30 ppl to share the same network to access the drive,u better wire them up using gigabit network,better avoid wifi.the previous company i worked in,local area server just for file purpose,3 person connected and pulling file from the drive is already capable of crippling the whole wifi to a halt

You need to take into account what kind of workload you intend to hammer on the NAS. If 3 people are downloading/uploading 1 GB each, that could max out the HDD read/write capacity, regardless of how fast a network you have.

Does your not-so-smart tv have a built in video player? E.g. when you plug in external hdds or usb drives, you can browse the drives and play videos directly

If yes, then it will probably work. Just try and plug it in and see if it works.

yes it does work with USB or external HDDs. i havent bought the NAS, because to me, apart from the other characteristics, the ability to run movie files via USB is a dealbreaker. im still trying to convince my friend to buy one, so i can try hehe.