Q. What is the Central Axis Network Storage Server?
A. The Central Axis hardware/software solution that integrates high-capacity storage backup, remote access, and sharing. Central Axis makes it easy to securely share files and access them over the web while delivering peace of mind through a reliable, automatic backup process.
 

Q. When I buy a Central Axis, what do I get?
A. You receive the Central Axis hardware and the Central Axis software on CD-ROM, as well as a Central Axis Web Services account for no additional charge. Included in the packing box are a power lead and an Ethernet cable to be used to connect the Central Axis to your home network.

Q. Is Central Axis a storage device?
A. Yes. Central Axis is a storage device specialized for backup and sharing of data on computers connected to a local network.

Q. How many gigabytes can it back up?
A. The current storage capacity of the Central Axis is 1 terabyte (1000 GB) and it is capable of backing up all the computers on your network, provided the Central Axis Manager software is installed on each computer to administer backup scheduling.

Q. Is Central Axis a RAID device?
A. No. Central Axis uses a single drive.
 

Q. What if I have a static IP address?
A. The Central Axis and Global Access sharing services work with both static and dynamic IP addresses from your broadband Internet supplier. Once you connect your Central Axis to your local area network, it works automatically with DHCP to configure itself on your network.
 

Q. Can I program Central Axis to back up my files once a day?
A. Yes.  By default the Central Axis software installs with the backup feature defaulted to backup your computer every night at 10 p.m.
 

Q. Can the Central Axis Personal Server run applications over the network or remotely through the web?
A. No. The Central Axis Personal Server is not an application server.
 

Q. How do I access my files through the web?
A. Once you've created a Central Axis Web Account, you can enable your files for web access. You can sign in to your account from any Internet-connected computer and see the files you've shared on your Central Axis. Simply select the documents, photos, MP3s or other files you want to access and, if you wish, download them onto the local computer. Web access works even if you turn off your home or office computers, because the Central Axis is always on and available.
 

Q. How does Central Axis web sharing work?
A. Using the web-based Global Access interface, choose folders to share and provide email addresses of people with whom you'd like to share. Global Access notifies those people by email that you have shared files with them. When they open the email and click on the enclosed link, they are invited to create a free Global Access Web Account (if this is their first visit to the site). Then they can sign in and view the folder you've chosen to share and/or download the shared files. If you've granted them permission, they can upload their own files to your shared folder.
 

Q. How secure is Central Axis?
A. Central Axis uses 128-bit SSL encryption when your folders are accessed over the Internet, either by you or by people to whom you have granted access. Folder sharing and access to your personal files require a password- and email address-protected account that is authenticated every time a folder is accessed. Only authorized users are allowed to access your folders, and then only those folders you specify. For more information on Central Axis security, please refer to the Central Axis product manual.
 

Q. Are my files stored on the Global Access web site for web access and sharing?
A. Global Access does not store any of your files on its servers. Your files always remain safe and secure on your Central Axis. The Global Access Web Service ensures secure access to your data by authenticating all those to whom you've granted access to your data.
 

Q. Can a virus on my PC or Mac infect files backed up on a Central Axis?
A. No, a virus cannot infect your backed up files. The Central Axis uses the Linux operating system, which is not susceptible to Windows-based viruses. If a virus attacks your computer, you can use your Central Axis to restore previously backed up, virus-free versions of your files.
 

Q. How does Central Axis work with firewalls?
A. Central Axis communicates out through a router firewall using the same port that you use to visit secure web pages. If you can surf the web from your computer and visit secure web sites, such as shopping sites, Central Axis can function in your home or office. No inbound ports need to be opened, so your network stays fully secure. If you are using personal firewall software on your PC, some ports might need to be opened manually to allow communication between the PC and Central Axis. Most software firewalls detect Central Axis during installation and prompt you for permission to open the appropriate ports.