Can I download everything I need to setup a ReadyNAS?

The NAS has its OS in an internal flash. Put in disks, boot it up, should install. If your disks are used also, need to do a factory default: www.readynas.com/kb/faq/boot/how_do_i_use_the_boot_menu

Only software you may need is RAIDar, to discover the NAS on your LAN: http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/20684/

Fantastic, thanks. The drives will be new. I'm thinking to start with, one WD Red 2TB drive as someone told me its more suited to being read constantly for steaming, and is better suited to being turned on and off a lot than normal drives like Barracudas.. that right?

So do I install the RAIDiator software on the laptop first, then put the blank disks in the NAS, and boot it up to set it up? And it really is that simple to set the NAS up? Does it format the drives when you first boot it up?

Obviously I'll download the manual to do it but I'm just wondering! Thanks

Install RAIDar on laptop. Boot NAS with disks, it will format them. Read the manual. Have fun! ;)

Sounds good! Thanks Chirpa.

The manuals are here: http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/20683

Double-check the model, a lot of v1 owners mistakenly think they purchased a v2. Here's a guide: http://www.rnasguide.com/2012/01/09/how ... -or-nv-v2/ Don't trust the label on the back, it is misleading...

On the drives, there's been quite a few issues reported here with newer seagates, and very few with the WDC Red drives.

Thanks Stephen. I shall check once I get the drive. Thanks!

So WD Red drives will be good then? My workmate reckons they must be a bit of a marketing gimmick - that their can't be any advantage over a "normal" desktop 3.5" drive, as all HDs are designed to power up and down a lot and read for long periods when streaming... what do you think?

I have 7 Red drives deployed now (all in ReadyNAS). They have several tweaks which make them better for RAID arrays (low vibration, correct settings for TLER, no drive parking), and actually are slightly more green than the current green drives. They also have a 3-year warranty (normal WDC desktop drives are down to 1 year warranty).

In my view they are worth the extra cost, partly because Netgear and WDC both say they are suitable for ReadyNAS - which eliminates some of the support headaches that you can get into with other drive models, and partly the extra warranty.

They've performed flawlessly so far. I have not used them in a duo v2 though - only in my pro-6 and RN102.

Great, thanks Stephen. WD Red it is then!