Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Home 1TB STAM1000100 Review

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(More customer reviews)I give this item a 3.5 stars. It looses some stars because it really is not "simple set up" as it states. It takes some time to get it up and your files to back up the first initial time. I was extremely excited to try this product with my home network since we have two Windows PCs (1 XP & 1 Windows 7), and one Mac computer.For each desktop computer, I have installed wired external backup drives. The idea of having ONE back up drive to backup all my files, photos and iTunes music seemed to be like a dream come true. Features a 1TB storage, which is equivalent to 1024GB.
Lets start with the installation. I am using the Windows 7 PC for initial setup. First and most important, you need a Home Network, a wireless router and of course an internet connection. Enclosed in the box is a very basic "Quick Start" guide, I recommend going to the manufacturer's website and downloading the 82 page manual which gives more information. I plugged in power and Ethernet cable to my wireless router. I powered up the drive and inserted the installation CD. I named and registered my drive and added additional user accounts , one for each computer. After that was complete I had to install the software on my other Windows PC and Mac. After I installed the CD on the other PCs, a screen pops up asking to insert the username and password. It's that simple. On my Mac the installation was a little different, but I was able to easily follow the instructions and get it connected using Time Machine with no hassles. One bit of advice for Mac users, if you plan on using Time Machine to back up your files instead of using the optional Memeo Instant Backup, you need to go to Seagate Share Preferences before installing the program on the Mac. Once you are in the preferences page, enable ComputersBackup. Create a password, this password will be used to configure the program when it is installed on your Mac. This information can only be found in the downloaded Users Manual online. Luckily I read the entire manual before attempting to install the Seagate GoFlex. It did take a long, long time to backup all files and folders from all three computers, but I had no bugs or issues. Depending on how many files and folders you are having backed up, it may take all day and night. The program will just run in the background and you do not have to do anything.
The drive will automatically created three folders for each PC account, a public, personal and backup folders. The Seagate Dashboard is the centralized location for all the computer files. This only works with Windows, this is the reason I used my Windows 7 PC as the main system. On the Mac it is Seagate Share and you must use the internet to access the files. You do have the option to use the internet storage base for Windows as well if you like.
There are a few options on how you want to backup your files, I went with the automatic backup. I clicked on instant backups on my menu and the computer shows you the amount of storage that will be included in the backup. If you only what to choose certain files, you can use the advanced settings and drag which files to backup. After clicking "Start Backup", my files started backing up. Whenever I add a new file to the folder or make and changes, the Seagate GoFlex will automatically back up the new file.
Every computer in my home already has a wireless printer, so I really have no use to for the share printer option. But if you do want to use a printer wireless throughout your home network, you must attach the printer via the printer's USB cable to the Seagate GoFlex Drive.
There are many other features and options that can be used, but my primary reason for using this device is to backup the iTunes and photo files on all the computers. When you have thousands of songs and spent several hundreds of dollars on iTunes purchases for every iTunes account on each system, you want to make sure you can access your file in case something terrible happens like the internal hard drive dies. Trust me, I have had this happen to me. I always burn my photos to a CD for added protection, but this way we can share our photos from any computer.
Overall, once you get the unit installed and your files and folders backed up it is extremely easy to use. I guess time will tell if the unit is reliable for retrieving backup files if your system crashes or dies. Hopefully I will not have to find that out! :-)
UPDATE: Sometimes I am not able to gain access to my account online. This is because I use Firefox with a 64-bit operating system and currently "Flash" is not not supported for this OS. I keep getting the "Flash Crash Error Report". However, I can sign in with no troubles using Internet Explorer. So if you have troubles signing into the account online, try a different browser.
If you notice that the drives are not showing under devices in your computer, best thing to do is to unplug it for 15 seconds and then plug it back in to reboot.

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The GoFlex Home network storage system connects to your WiFi router, allowing you to wirelessly store and access files and back up multiple computers in the home. The GoFlex Home network storage system includes software to automatically and continuously back up all the files and folders on up to 3 PC and Mac computers in the home. By storing files in a central location on your network, you can use one drive for all your storage and backup needs. When connected to your home WiFi router, the GoFlex Home network storage system enables you to wirelessly store and access files from any PC or Mac computer in the home. The GoFlex Home network storage system also allows you to stream media to game consoles and the GoFlex TV HD media player. Store all your photos, movies and music on the GoFlex Home network storage system and enjoy your media and favorite memories from any room in the house. Additionally, you can share a USB printer with every computer in the home by simply connecting to the USB port on the GoFlex Home network storage system or you can plug in a USB drive to the port to increase storage capacity. The built-in drive can also be upgraded by simply removing the drive from the base and replacing with a higher capacity GoFlex Desk drive. With a simple guided setup process and just two cable connections, the GoFlex Home network storage system installs in just minutes, allowing you to quickly begin protecting your files, enjoying your media and accessing your content wherever you are. Additional licenses available for purchase

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Actiontec Ethernet Over Coax MoCA Adapter - Twin Pack Review

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(More customer reviews)My Environment:
I want to use my PS3 to access Netflix , HULU (via PlayOn) and the shows that are recorded in my PC (a combination of HD and SD). My PC is upstairs (where the cable modem is) and my TV is downstairs where i do not have any Ethernet port and rewiring is not an option in my home.
Various Methods Used for connectivity:
Tried Wireless G and N but was never able to stream anything from my PC. Then tried various power line products from Sling, Belkin (rated as 1000 MBPS) but was not satisfied. Belkin one worked quite well but was not consistent, something was interfering and impacting the performance as the output would vary wildly at different times. Then heard about MOCA technology and was initially skeptical but wanted to try it out.
Set up using Actiontec MOCA device:
Ordered these Actiontec ones as they are cheaper than Netgear ones. Received them and all the package had was the two units, two Ethernet cables, power cards and a sheet of paper with instructions. Just plugged them in with the following set up and within few min the set up was done and configured my PS3 to use wired connection.
Coax from wall --> Input of first unit ,Output of first unit --> Cable modem.(Office) and then plugged in the ethernet cable from my router to the ethernet port of first unit
Coax from wall --> Input of second unit,Output of second unit--> STB(Living Room)and then plugged in the ethernet cable from the second unit to the PS3.
Input is labeled as Coax and output is labeled as STB/TV on the two Actiontec units
So far did not see any degradation in the TV signal or the internet connection.One thing to note is, if you want to use this set up i,e use this as a pass trough for your Coax signal, you need a couple of Coax cables(F-pin) which are not included and might be better to order along with these units, if you want to do the set up right away.
Conclusion:
I did not measure the throughput and do not know if my home has any splitters or amplifiers but could see reliable connectivity and could stream HD video (only have 1080i) flawlessly,Netflix and HULU worked quite well and would recommend it to anyone who has Coax wires all around the house. I hope that the same performance continues in the future and do not have to update this review.


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The MoCA Network Adapter bridges the divide between coaxial cable and Ethernet networks, allowing users to experience the future of home multimedia experience home today. Designed specifically for homes with cable television, this MoCA adapter is strong enough to handle any transfer load and is optimized to provide high-speed delivery of all multimedia applications. Leverages the existing coax wiring in any home for fast network connections. Eliminates the need for rewiring or settling for lesser-performing wireless solutions. Perfect for home theater/home entertainment, gaming or simply adding an Ethernet connection where coax exists.

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Monster PowerNet 200 Powerline Network Adapter Starter Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)With my new Samsung Blueray, not only can I pop in a Blueray disk but my model has Netflix, Pandora, You Tube, and Blockbuster download and play capability via wireless connection. Problem was my router is upstairs on one end of the house and the Blueray is downstairs on the other end of the house, some 60+ feet distance; and not even a linksys WRT610N would send enough signal to get better than a 10% success rate on the download. Most of the time, it just chugged and chugged and then timed out. Solution: Monster Powernet 200 which sends the signal through your electrical wiring. It takes 2 units of equipment to get started - thus it's called a starter kit. You just plug one into a wall outlet at your PC and connect an ethernet cable from the Powernet to the router. Plug the other Powernet unit into a wall outlet at your Blueray and connect an ethernet cable from it to your Blueray player. Then go into setting on your Blueray and change the connection type from wireless to cable. Now the movies download in about 10 seconds. Another plus is now that the first 2 units are installed, I can add additional units in another room of the house where I have an ethernet ready TV. My only word of caution is that the Powernet unit plugs into both sockets of a typical wall outlet, then compensates by having an outlet on both sides of the unit; but not all plugs may fit into it because of angled plug shapes.

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Monster Cable PowerNet DX-PLN-200-2-B Powerline Network Adapter DX-PLN-200-2-B Powerline Network Adapters

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NETGEAR 5-port Home Theater and Network Gaming Hub GS605AV Review

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(More customer reviews)Take it out of the box, connect it to the AVR, Blu-Ray, Wii and then connect it to the 75ft Cat5e cable to the Router, apply power and was up and running. How much easier could it be?

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NETGEAR 5-port Home Theater and Network Gaming Hub GS605AV

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NETGEAR Home Theater Internet Connection Kit (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have only had this for a few days, but hookup is a breeze (took about 5 minutes from openning the box to fishing wires under my furniture behind the TV), and it is much faster than wireless G. I am streaming Netflix through my TivoHD without undue buffering, and at the claimed Netflix full HD quality. The utility software included with the product allows the user to turn off the three LEDs on the four port switch, implement security on the devices, and create network priorities if there are multiple adapters on the network. The utility software scans the powerline network and details the speed at which the network is operating. My speeds vary between 72 mpbs to 88 mbps in my 3,100 sqft house that is about 7 years old. My network router is upstairs and my home theater is downstairs. Longevity of the device is yet to be determined since I have only had it a few days, but so far I am very pleased with the product.
***UPDATE***
I had a lamp that operated by touch to turn it on and off. It kept turning on by itself after installing the netgear powerline adapter. Well, after unplugging the lamp from the wall, I am getting about 160 mbps transfer speeds on my network to my home theater. Its fast, stable, and streams video like crazy.

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Turn Any Electrical Outlet into a High-Speed Home Network Connection NETGEAR\'s Home Theater Internet Connection Kit (XAVB1004) is a convenient solution for extending your home network by using standard electrical outlets. This kit delivers the devices you need to set up an Internet connection in any room without running new wires.The XAVB1004 connects up to four (4) devices to your network: Game consoles including Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 Networked attached storage devices including: NETGEAR ReadyNAS, Notebook PCs, Wired and wireless routers, TiVo, AppleTV,VUDU box, Desktop PCs, Slingbox, BD Live enabled Blu-ray player Features Turn a power outlet into a high speed Internet and home network connection Connects up to 4 devices Delivers fast 200 Mbps speed, fast enough to stream HD videoFor use with both wired and wireless routers and gateways Simply plug an XAV101 into your router and connect as many as 4 Ethernet-ready devices to the XAV1004 Port-based Quality of Service (QoS), ensures that the highest priority applications are allocated more bandwidth Red, yellow, green status LEDs indicate maximum data rate 128-bit AES data encryption ensures privacy and security, secure your Powerline AV network by just pushing a button Supports Windows Vista HomePlug AV compatible

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