We are always looking for ways to store, backup & share data from our computers. In particular, I am talking about our video & photo storage. They quickly fill up our space on hard drives and it can be tough to figure out a good system to store them (without potentially loading up and bogging down your main computer) and access them easily – all while having a system for backing them up.
NetGear ReadyNAS 202 received.
Many of us have heard of servers, and we instantly associate them with business usage. Well, servers aren’t just for businesses anymore.
We recently had an opportunity to try out and review the Netgear ReadyNAS 202. We are excited about adding the ReadyNAS 202 to our system – NAS stands for Network Attached Storage.
The ReadyNAS 202 comes with 4TB (2 2TB drives) of storage, and those 2 drives provided can be replaced in those bays with a drive up to 6TB, so your max storage is 12TB – insane! The potential storage provides most home users with more than enough video and photo storage space, even for the avid photographer & videographer.
The ReadyNAS 202 is pretty compact for how much it can handle, it is sturdy, made of metal and not plastic and overall it is a pretty impressive looking device.
Connecting it to your network is pretty straightforward; you have to connect it to your router, walk-through the setup. Part of the setup requires you to setup a ReadyCloud account, which is what you will use to access your files on your ReadyNAS 202 from anywhere, on just about any device.
After doing completing the walk-through, there are updates to the device that need to take place an then you are up and running.
You can use the ReadyNAS 202 in a ton of different ways, but I would guess the average family would be best using it to store, backup and access photos and videos from anywhere. This option will make parents seem much cooler to a teen, since they will be able to store videos and movies on the ReadyNAS and access them anywhere!
Your data is kept safe on the ReadyNAS thanks to the 5 levels of protection offered to home users. Your files will automatically be protected from viruses, malware, media degradation (bit-rot) and can easily be replicated to the cloud or a 2nd ReadyNAS as a backup.
A 1.4 GHz Dual Core Processor helps expedite the storage, organization and accessing of all the data on your network attached server. In addition, there are 3 USB 3.0 ports on here as well for increased options for backups and storage.
There are over 100 advanced settings which will help you customize your ReadyNAS anyway you like, which makes this a great option for someone who is not as tech savvy and just wants to use it for the basic needs. Or the ReadyNAS could make a great addition to a home or small office to provide a customized solution to your specific needs.
There is one minor thing which could be improved with the ReadyNAS, the addition of a HDMI port would be preferred, most NAS systems have this incorporated to allow access to videos directly from the unit on a TV or screen of some sort. 
A more advanced user may find this minor issue to be more significant, but it is less significant for the basic home user, who will most likely be drawn to Netgear because they are a known manufacturer and have been around forever and consistently make great products.
If you are struggling with how to safely backup and store all of your data, the Netgear ReadyNAS 202 could be the perfect option for you. It is available for under $300 and will improve your storage, backup and access immediately.
How do you setup your video and photo storage currently? And how would the ReadyNAS 202 improve your process?
