Probably the worst hardware/software system I have had the misfortune to own.
It seems like a good idea: 1/2 Terabyte of backup, expandable upwards, software RAID, clean looking hardware, pretty box, a friend’s recommendation. Yes, it’s a bit pricy, but OK, quality is worth it in archives.
I’m not too picky am I?
1. The default user name and password is “admin”, “netgear1″. Not “admin”, “infrant1″ as stated in the printed and online manuals, online website, etc. Oddly, the default guest name and password is “guest”, “infrant1″.
2. The NAS box cannot just connect directly to a computer as it states in the manual. Put it on a network with a DHCP server.
3. The adapter into Windows Explorer isn’t bright. It doesn’t refresh when the drive contents change. This means you rename a directory and wonder why it doesn’t change. Hit ‘Refresh’ to work around it.
4. Administer the system from a web based interface that comes up in Internet Explorer regardless of your default browser. Unfortunately, it seems to assume a physical size not found on laptops or any standard PC shipping before 2012. Important information will run of the visible pane and there are no scroll bars.
5. Starting the administration applet immediately dumps any other active connections, such as back-ups in progress. Delete and start over.
6. By immediately dumping, I mean without releasing locks. You cannot just start over. Reboot the NAS.
7. Wait about 4 minutes for it to come up. It’s idea of a ‘quiet fan’ is not a mortal’s view of a ‘quiet fan’. Fight off the headache.
8. No problem, log onto the web site and contact tech support. Actually, you cannot. There are some JavaScript errors that do not allow you to contact tech support. Odd links will take you around in circles until you figure this out.
9. Download the Linux Driver from the website. Try to run it. Get “arith: syntax error: ‘i+1′”. Start debugging their install scripts.
…
I could go on, but why? We are stuck with this equipment now. I don’t want to go dealing with a 30% restocking charge. I hope it doesn’t cause cancer.