The fastest way to expand your computer storage is via an external hard drive, but that only works with one computer.
If you want to extend the storage of multiple computers at a time, a NAS server is what you need.
Hello, my name is Dong Ngo and I have here today one of the most simple and easy-to-use NAS servers, the My Book Live from Western Digital.
This server is most similar to the My Book series of Western Digital external hard drives.
However, instead of a USB or FireWire port, the My Book Live comes with a network port.
This allows this to connect directly to a router or a hub and become accessible by all the computers within a local network.
And logging in is all you have to do to set it up.
By default, the My Book Live becomes instantly available to both Windows and Mac computers.
It also comes with software that quickly maps the network drives for those who are not familiar with networking.
The My Book Live comes included with either 2 terabytes or 1 terabyte of storage.
Its hard drive is, however, not user replaceable.
This means you have to call the vendors in case of hard drive failure.
Good thing is it also comes with a 3-year warranty.
For advanced users, the My Book Live has a robust web interface that allows for further configuring the device, such as setting up the user accounts, media streaming, and the remote access.
The server also comes with a free iPhone app called WD Photos that users can use to access and show photos stored on the NAS server to others.
In our testing, the My Book Live performed very well and it's one of the fastest single volume NAS server we've reviewed.
All in all, at the price of around $150 for 1 terabyte or $200 for 2 terabytes, the My Book Live is a perfect fit for home users who just want something that is fast and easy to use.
Savvy users, however, might want to look for other options.
For more information on the product and the other options, check out the full review at CNET.com.
Once again, my name is Dong Ngo and this has been the first look at the My Book Live from Western Digital.
