Yes. Files can be played while the drive is connected with USB or when connected via Wi-Fi (if your computer has wireless capability). For instructions on how to connect via Wi-Fi and play your media, please see the user manual. Linux is not supported by LaCie. However, as long as your version of Linux has appropriate browser support, media player capability, and wireless connectivity, it should be able to connect and play files. When connecting via USB, the drive may go to sleep and cause errors if Linux does not wait for it to wake up. There is no tool available to disable the sleep feature under Linux.