LaCie's Ethernet Big Disk application CD includes a device finder, which is easier to use than entering the IP in a web browser if the NAS is configured to an alternate IP.

A very simple configuration interface contains several blue icons for changing each setting.

The "Status" menu allows enabling and disabling of various server functions, including file sharing protocols for Windows and Apple operating systems (Linux is also included through SMB support). FTP and HTTP file server functions can also be enabled or disabled separately from CIFS/SMB.

Streaming media to a Digital Media Adapter is made easy through the system's Universal Plug and Play capability. A possible boon to set-top boxes and other simplified network media devices, Home Theater PCs can generally retrieve media using traditional file sharing protocols.

Simply click on the "Add New User" icon to add to the users menu.

The Shares menu is commendable in its simplicity, allowing easy selection of users and setting of permissions for each user.

One extremely nice feature of the Ethernet Big Disk is APIPA support. We were able to connect the device directly to our system without having a DHCP-serving router to alter performance.