WD Smartware

Do I have to install Smartware on my computer or can i use the “External hard drive-my Passport” like a usb stick.  Where i just decide what to save and when.  I wanted to use this for many computers saving files, pictures, videos.  Also wanted to be able to download movies onto it and then attach to a TV or blue ray player and use it that way.

Will using the Smartware cause any problems or benefit me when doing all these different types of things ??  Also don’t want password protect because if I use it connected to a TV or Blueray player i won’t be able to retrieve movies or pictures? Also heard horror stories of not needing a password in Smartware then it asking you for one and not being able to retrieve files???

Any guidence would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Installing smartware is optional, but you can use it to automatically backup your files. If you use password protection you wont be able to unlock it from the TV or Bluray player.