I’m an EX2 Ultra customer and have resisted upgrading to OS5 because of all the tremendously negative community posts. I do not use any remote access features - purely within my home network. But with support being discontinued for OS3, I am quite concerned. I couldn’t find a specific post for this subject after the very recent announcement - apologies as it likely does exist.
ANY comments, suggestions from those in the “know” would be GREATLY appreciated!!
We know nothing.
OS5 has not improved.
OS3 is a security risk and functionally obsolete.
If you keep an OS3 device on your network; all access to the internet should be blocked using your routers firewall settings. (i.e. don’t let this thing get on the WAN).
NAS_user I have completely blocked it from the internet. My target usage for device was as a Plex server and PC backup tool. Since getting it, I’ve moved my Plex server to a recently purchased Shield ATV Pro. What PC backup tool will be used if I switch to OS5?
I am a windows drag&drop type of guy.
I tend not to trust backup software for data - - so I have no recommendations.
Reloading programs from source files every once in a while (due to a computer problem) is not that big of a chore; and good to get cruft out of the systems.
NAS_user Thanks for sharing 
I hav3e been playing with GoodSync today. It works well though it isn’t as easy to figure out as the old WD Smartware was. A few more steps involved but it does a good job syncing the one folder (and it’s subfolders) I need backed up. Just be sure to set the correct parameters in the auto backup section to your liking. Any file change I make is set to back up 30 seconds later. The free version works on 3 computers and does 1 job. The pay version does 5 computers and multiple jobs.
David_Bennett Thanks for that reply as it was what I was most curious about at this point. WD’s site and instructions and what was “included” with the EX2 Ultra drive were very confusing when I received the unit. In addition, this was when they were pushing OS5 and all the community was screaming how it broke everything while the WD benefits touted were all focused at addressing security concerns basically by breaking everything! Anyhow, is the “free” Goodsync you are using what came with WD drive or what anyone can download?
It is in the apps section of the dashboard itself but an updated (.bin file) version can be manually installed on the server itself than v11 of Goodsync installed on your computer after you create an account to link.
OS5 doesn’t really break anything and I don’t understand all the complaining other than it isn’t easy to figure out for the casual user. I run IT for small a small nonprofit with an office of 4. Only 2 need private file backup and the rest use the public area for file shares. I do a remote back up to an offsite EX2 Ultra and I will see how easy the app they included makes that. I had to do it all manually under OS3.
No, I never update an OS when first released due to bugs. I’m sure Win10 will be near the end of life before I update any units to Win11.
How do you know there are security holes of concern bigger than OS3? Unfortunately I have no choice. Workers need access to the devices files from home and the offsite backup is a must which is why they went with this unit several years ago.
I can understand complaining about an update that was full of holes and definitely one with security concerns. Thank you.
You are definitely a better judge than I. Thanks for your input. I’m kind of a shade tree mechanic when it comes to IT. Self taught since the late 80’s with hundreds of hours of reading and tinkering with a tad of pretending I know what I’m doing.
