How to Set Up a Network Storage Drive

Intro

A network storage drive opens a new world of mobile opportunity. You can back up your notebook--and every notebook on your home network--without slowing your PC to a crawl; you'll also be able to share files across your network with ease. The latest models can even stream your music collection over an Internet feed to your laptop while you're in the office or on the road. For this How To we used theBuffalo LinkStation Live (starting at $190 for 250GB), one of the easiest-to-configure drives you can buy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Connect the Drive
First, connect the Ethernet cable to an open port on your router, then to the LinkStation Live. Connect the power cable and plug it in. Press the Power button on the front of the network drive. You can now access the drive from any laptop connected to your router. In Windows Vista, go to Start, Network, and look for a drive that starts with "HS." Double-click the drive, create the folders you want, and start copying files.

2. Map a Network Drive
Avoid diving into the Network list every time you want to access the LinkStation Live. Right-click on any folder located on the drive and select Map Network Drive. You can use the suggested drive letter and other default options, or change them if you want. Click Finish. Now, you can find that drive letter whenever you save a file (in the Save As dialog box), or double-click the Computer shortcut in Windows Vista or select My Computer in Windows XP.

3. Configure the Drive
To get the most out of the drive, you'll want to access some of the advanced functions, including network printing and remote access. To do so, run the installer from the included CD. Click the option to "Connect this PC to LinkStation." Follow the prompts to install the LinkStation software. Now, run the Buffalo NAS Navigator program. Go to the Setup menu and select Browser Management. Your browser will start. Enter the default user name ("admin") and the password ("password") and click Login. Now you can access the functions listed on the left-hand side of the screen.

4. Use Web Access
You can access the LinkStation Live drive remotely when you're away from home. If your LinkStation Live is a bit older, make sure you first download the latest firmware at www.buffalotech.com. Click Support, select your LinkStation Live, and download the firmware. Run the firmware installer program to load it onto the LinkStation Live. Now, go to the Browser Management screen (see Step 3) and click Web Access. Click Service Setup. Next to Web Access Service, click Enable. Next to Use BuffaloNAS.com, click Enable. Click Apply. Now, when you're away from home, go to BuffaloNAS.com and type the name of your drive to access it. To personalize your drive's name, click Basic, then Browser Management.

What a Network Storage Drive Can Do for You

1. Archive Important Files
Network drives often come with backup programs such as Memeo AutoBackup (included with Buffalo LinkStation Live) or an internal, proprietary backup system such as the one included with the Netgear ReadyNAS.

2. Access Your Files Remotely
Most network drives, such as the Buffalo LinkStation Live, allow you to access your files over the Internet. Simply set up your router for UPnP access--it's typically just a checkbox in the router configuration screen--and then use the Web Access feature to enter your drive via BuffaloNAS.com.

3. Share Files with Other Users
At the most basic level, a network drive opens the door to network file sharing. If you have a 50MB video file, you can save it to a network drive and have another user in your home access and watch it--without needing to copy it locally.

4. Print over a Network
Newer network-attached storage drives, such as the Netgear ReadyNAS NV+, provide USB ports for connecting to printers. As long as the specific printer is supported--a network drive will support most common Canon, Epson, and HP models--it will be available from Windows. When you add a printer, search for a network printer and add the driver.

5. Stream Music, Movies, and Photos
Media-streaming devices, such as the Netgear Digital Entertainer HD, can read files directly off a network drive using a technology such as UPnP or DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance). This frees you from having to keep your PC running at all times, since the media player connects to the network drive directly.