CAN I BUY IT?

[ramadan73]

I had an experience with the SC101 device, from NETGEAR too, but it seems that I made a little mistake in order of my application running in.
So, is there someone that can answer some question, I would like to be sure that I'm going to buy the right product.
I work in a small office, with 9 users and relative PC's.

1) We would like to use the READYNAS DUO to archive and share files tipically MICROSOFT OFFICE files, AUTOCAD files, IMAGES and so on...), with or without permissions, but, first of all, we would like to menage, write and edit our ACCESS DATABASES that can and MUST be used simultaneously too (taking care obviously of permissions!!!).
I think that those are the main applications we normally run in the SC101, but wit a lot of problems.
Than, can it be the READYNAS DUO the right choice?

2) After that...
May I install two HDD and mirror them (in raid1 mode) to be sure that my data will be in a safe place?
If I buy the unit with the 500Gb HDD in, which type will be?
May I use differend HDD (also in size) and mirror them (also in raid1 mode)?

3) Another question, reporting my previous matter with an SC101 device.
I had a trouble with the SC101 and I accidentally formatted the mirrored disks.
I had the necessity to recover those data and no software available from Internet was able to open the file system of the device, so I had to send the device to a RECOVERY CLINIC and I hat to pay a lot of money.
Which file system is used by the READYNAS?
Can I menage is using the NTFS file system?
Is there a freeware recovery software for the READYNAS DUO file system?

4) Another thing...
How to access to the data?
Will the device create a letter in my COMPUTER RESOURCES that can be managed (i.e. we prefer to use the S:\ letter)?

5) May I create several partition and attach them to all the PC's?
Let me explain...
I would like to create several partitions into the same disk (so, whick tool i've to use) and then place in my local network in order to be available to all the users.
It can be done?

Thanks in advance and excuse me for my poor english.
Regards,
Giovanni

[Staffan]

Some answers

1) Access applications are problematic to run in a shared environment. I would also say that any Access application that doesn't support MS SQL Express as backend should be replaced.

2) More safe than on a single drive. A good backup schedule is always required to be safe. But if we talk uptime and data access two drives are doubly safe than just one.

3. The process of rescuing a broken raid-array is always a long and hard one. It can be done with a lot of skills in RAID configurations and some Linux kernels skills. So again a good backup option is vital. The filesystem is ext3 with a blocksize of 16k (meaning special Linux kernel or Itanium server to read it).

4. It can be connected as a drive to any machine (or mount in the Linux case). Several protocols are supported.

5. Not partions, but diffrents shares. It will be the same as setting up partions but more dynamic when it comes to space and quotas.

That was my short answers
.staffan

[ramadan73]

First of all thanks for your explanations!
Then let me investigate having more details around this device.
You know, I had an experience with the SC101, I bought it in a blind way, I supposed that it could be the best for me, but I committed a big mistake.
In the SC101 forum, everyone suggested me to buy a READYNAS DUO, then I want to be sure that it can be the device made for me!!!

1) Access applications are problematic to run in a shared environment. I would also say that any Access application that doesn't support MS SQL Express as backend should be replaced.

About this problem we could open another discussion apart!!!
In the origin every ACCESS FILE was shared and located in a PC.
For my office wasn't the best solution becouse if someone wanted to work with a particular file had to switch on another PC...
But all the DATABASES worked well since I copied them inside the SC101...bad idea!!!
Now, what can happen if I decide to use the READYNAS?
You have to know that several DATABASES have a crossed links in other DATABASES, so often it can happen that more that one user is working on the same file.
But let me repeat that before I used the SC101 everything was running good.

2) More safe than on a single drive. A good backup schedule is always required to be safe. But if we talk uptime and data access two drives are doubly safe than just one.

And is it real that the READYNAS controls and resyncs the DRIVES everytime?
And obviously I agree with you that a backup schedule will be the best!
Does the READYNAS can schedule a backup?

3. The process of rescuing a broken raid-array is always a long and hard one. It can be done with a lot of skills in RAID configurations and some Linux kernels skills. So again a good backup option is vital. The filesystem is ext3 with a blocksize of 16k (meaning special Linux kernel or Itanium server to read it).

Do you mean that I could try to install any HDD in a LINUX based PC and try to run a recovery software available on the NET?
And this file system could it be recognized from a software available on th NET also using a WINDOWS XP platform?

4. It can be connected as a drive to any machine (or mount in the Linux case). Several protocols are supported.

Which procedure may I have to use to connect this DEVICE to all the PC's in my office?
\\IPADDRESS\somefolders...?
Or is there the opportunity to find it as a letter near my C:\?
In any case, how to do it?
How to attach it in every PC?
It is really important for me due to the connections and links in my ACCESS FILES, so it is really important for me to know the syntax and the way to find the READYNAS in every PC.

5. Not partions, but diffrents shares. It will be the same as setting up partions but more dynamic when it comes to space and quotas.

About this I had a look to an Internet demonstration of the application and it seems I can create privileges to open folders?
Is it correct?



So, I don't know how to thank you for your precious informations.
I would take care of them.
I appreciate what you wrote for me and the time you spent for me.
Thanks again!
Best regards.
Giovanni

[Staffan]

1) If your databases worked on the SC101 it should work on any ReadyNAS. It will work exactly the same (maybe faster).

2) RAID in mirrored mode makes the drives synced every single second. So in reality you can pull one of the drives and continue working (you will get a error msg from the ReadyNAS that the RAID-array is broken).

The ReadyNAS can schedule backups in many diffrent ways. It works well and reports any errors by email.

3) It's not so easy, but it can be done with some skill in Linux, LVM and RAID technologies. It will not work under Windows (might happen in the future)

4) In Windows you can mount a network resource using Explorer. I don't have a XP machine close by so I can't say exactly where in the menu, but it is there.

The ReadyNAS series are connected to a standard network. You will connect to it in the same way as the SC101. There is an option in the ReadyNAS to make it WINS-server which means it will keep track of your network and improve browsing it.

5) Yes, you can set permissions per share/folder if you want.

.staffan

[ramadan73]

So it seems I have a perfect situation around the READYNAS, thanks to you, Staffan.
Probably my only doubt is around the way to connect the device to all my PC's.
By the way, I looked up to the DEVICE around INTERNET and I found that the disks are HOT-Swap!
Another precious feature!

Ok, I'm going to convince that it can be the DEVICE made for my case.
Only the last question I wrote on the top of my post...
How to connect it.

Thanks again, Staffan.

Giovanni

[dbott67]

Connection is quite simple - just plug it into your switch or router:



For best performance, you may want to invest in a gigabit switch. Check the hardware compatibility list:\

http://www.readynas.com/?page_id=84

-Dave

[ramadan73]

Thanks, but due to my bad english probably there was a misunderstanding...
I want to know how to connect the disk to my PC's, not phisically, but via software.
For an example:
When I manage the SC101, I use a software from NETGEAR to ATTACH or DETACH the HDD letter to all the PC's, then I have a letter driv available in my PC and from the MANAGE SETUP I am able to modify the letter (that we prefer to have a S:\ for some stupid reasons... )
How to do it with the READYNAS?
Thanks in advance!
Giovanni.

[dbott67]

Sorry....

The ReadyNAS supports the CIFS protocol (aka Samba) which is the same protocol that Windows-based computers use (the ReadyNAS also supports AFP, NFS, FTP, HTTP/S & Rsync, too).

Under normal circumstances you should be able to "find" the NAS under Network Neighborhood or by mapping a drive letter.

Suppose that your NAS is setup with the name "READYNAS_DUO" and you have created one CIFS share called "Data". Under the "Data" share, you have created sub-folders for all of your documents as follows:

Code: Select all

\\READYNAS_DUO
          └───Data
              ├───Images
              ├───MS-Office
              ├───Personal
              └───AutoCAD

From here, you would just need to map drive S: to your "Data" share on each client workstation:

Code: Select all

net use S: \\ip.address.of.nas\Data

or

Code: Select all

net use S: \\READYNAS_DUO\Data

Code: Select all

S:\
├───Images
├───MS-Office
├───Personal
└───AutoCAD

[ramadan73]

Now it seems I've collected all the informations, thanks for your explanation, dbott67.

Probably the only thing is to know something around the CIFS...
and the next thread will ask about the best configuration suggested for my use...

But now the next steps will be:
1) Put my hands in my pocket!
2) Play with the device at home in order to make practice.
3) Install it in the office!!!

I know that I'll post again here in this thread to have some other informations.
But, congratulations, this is a good forum with good and special people!
Thanks again.
Giovanni!

[ramadan73]

Code: Select all

net use S: \\ip.address.of.nas\Data

or

Code: Select all

net use S: \\READYNAS_DUO\Data

Due to a problem I'm having everytime I switch off (and then on again) the READYNAS DUO or during a long inactivity period, or at the startup of my PC, can someone explain me how to map (where to write) using this code that dbott67 provided me so gently?
Thanks
Giovanni

[dbott67]

Command Line:

The map commands can be typed in at the command prompt (click START > RUN and type CMD ). From here you can enter the net use commands.

Graphically:

If you'd prefer to have the drives mapped automatically, you could perform the steps graphically and click the "Reconnect at logon" option:





Choose whichever drive letter suits you (i.e. 'S') and change the folder path to \\READYNAS_DUO\Data.

-Dave

[ramadan73]

Command Line:The map commands can be typed in at the command prompt (click START > RUN and type CMD ). From here you can enter the net use commands.

Can I do something in the STARTUP of my operative system (WIN XP PRO SP2)?
I'm thinking about it becouse I've to install this marvellous device in my office and every user has to menage the READYNAS using the same letter in order to launch and menage some ACCESS applications that have some internal link.
Well...(but it seems to be another problem outside the device...) probably I can use the DEVICE NAME instead of the letter...probably is the same...what do you think?
Thanks dbott67, so gentle!!!
Giovanni

[dbott67]

This is taken from Thomas (user THN here in the forums) and modified for your setup. His original post is here:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=24221

1. Open Notepad

2. Paste the following text:

Code: Select all

strLocalDrive = "S:"                                '<<< Change this to fit your needs.
strRemoteShare = "\\READYNAS_DUO\Data"       '<<< Change this to fit your needs. nas-server could also be an IP address.

Set objNetwork = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Network")

on error resume next
objNetwork.RemoveNetworkDrive strLocalDrive
on error goto 0

EFlg="set"
While EFlg="set"
         strPer = "FALSE"
         strUsr = InputBox("Please enter your NAS User Name", "User Name")
         strPas = InputBox("Please enter your NAS Password", "Password")
         On Error Resume Next
         If strUsr="" or strPas="" Then
             objNetwork.MapNetworkDrive strLocalDrive, strRemoteShare, strPer
         Else
               objNetwork.MapNetworkDrive strLocalDrive, strRemoteShare, strPer, strUsr, strPas
         End If
         If Err.Number<>0 Then
             EFlg="set"
'            MsgBox Err.Description
         Else
             MsgBox "Connected " & strRemoteShare & " successfully to " & strLocalDrive '& ":"
             EFlg=""
         End If
Wend


3. Save the file to the local computer (i.e. My Documents) as "Login_Script.vbs".

4. Create a shortcut in the Startup folder than points to the script file.

[ramadan73]

I was looking for this, you gave me something really impressive!!!
I've never imagine something similar!
Thanks

[ramadan73]

I'm boring, I know...
But how to do it without any question to answer?
I prefer that it will done automatically at the startup.
Is there the opportunity?
I created \\STORAGE\Storage, the share named "Storage" has all the permissions that allow to open without passwords, I haven't any users or groups created, why program asks me everytime the password to access?
Thanks and be patience for my stupid questions...
Giovanni