This installation procedure is a pain, but it eliminates the possibility of anyone remotely accessing the box using a default password. It’s also easier than installing dedicated connection software, as was necessary with older Windows-based NAS boxes. But if you ever forget the admin password, you’ll need to plug in the USB key that comes with the system, restart it, and follow the menus that come up to recover. Don’t lose that USB key.

The operating system on the eval unit Seagate sent (model number STDM16000100, a four-bay NAS with four 4TB drives) was set only to share files. I initialized FTP, SNMP, TELNET, and the lightweight Active Directory services (Microsoft’s user-control software), but Windows Storage Server 2012 Workgroup isn’t nearly as easy to configure as most Linux-based boxes. There’s a server manager and some language to learn, for starters. It’s all doable, but it’s hardly as simple.

Managing storage isn’t quite as simple, either. While the concepts are essentially the same as RAID, you’ll be using Storage Spaces technology and “storage pools” (arrays, basically), and then defining the volumes (D:, E:, and so on) that sit on top. You can use all the storage, or employ simple mirroring or parity (rough equivalents of RAID 1 and RAID 5, as well as other RAID levels).

All Seagate Business Storage servers sport dual gigabit ethernet connections that support link aggregation and failover. The STDM16000100 also features a 2.5-inch Universal Storage Module bay at the top of the box. USM drives have recessed SATA power and data connectors and can be paired with USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt, and other interface adapters. These drives can can also dock with USM bays or docking adapters. If you buy in, USM can be extremely handy for backing up the unit and storing backups offsite. Finally, the NAS has a USB 3.0 port in front for making quick copies, and another in back for connecting USB storage devices or a printer.

The Business Storage Windows Server has a two-line, front-panel LCD that displays the IP address and various other data. There are two buttons up front for navigating and selecting options. Quick button-presses navigate, while pressing and holding either button selects an option. Having a dedicated select button would be quicker and more intuitive.

The box is sturdily built with an all-metal frame and case cover, and it runs quiet and cool. The CPU is a dual-core 2.13GHz Intel Atom D2701, paired with 4GB of RAM. This model comes with four of Seagate’s ST4000DX000 hard drives (7200 rpm, 4TB capacity) mounted in four quick-change bays hidden behind the swing-open door. There is no provision for securing the drives with a lock and key.