Synology offers a very friendly network attached storage (NAS) device experience, but that doesn’t mean unpacking it and launching it is just a one-click event. Let’s get started, so we can get into all the interesting projects, and a compact NAS with server-like features can be handy.

Synology is a company founded in 2000 that specializes in network attached storage (NAS) devices. Simply put, NAS is a computer optimized for data storage, usually with additional features layered at the top. Synology has two main product lines, DiskStation and Rack Station, the former for home users and small offices, the latter for larger business environments.

DiskStation models range in size from simple single-rack models providing non-redundant parking data locations up to large models supporting 12 drives and support for advanced multiple disk redundancy, even with auxiliary disk bays.

The DiskStation model comes with an operating system for Linux called DiskStation Manager. With a very intuitive web-based interface, DiskStation Manager feels like you’re using a desktop computer, including easy-to-recognize icons, well-arranged menus and rich help files. In addition to core NAS features such as file management, you can add a large number of custom plugins for organizing your family photos, creating files, and everything in between. The end result is a multi-function device that can perform the task of a full-size computer, but without energy consumption. (Even the most powerful DiskStation models don’t go to half of a desktop or full-size home server.)

Physical settings: fill, insert, start and enjoy silence

Your Synology NAS is equipped with a power cord, Ethernet cable, and driver mounting screws. If you have a higher-end model, it may also have a hot-swappable drive bay and a second Ethernet cable (high-end DiskStations support). Network card, improve network throughput). Before we look at the actual unit and how to fill it, let’s talk about disk selection.

Hard disk selection

For the best NAS experience, we recommend using a new drive with the largest size allowed by the budget. For our purposes, we will use the 8TB Western Digital Red Drive, which is designed for NAS use, where operation is expected to run around the clock in tight spaces. Regardless of which hard drive you use, you want to avoid at least budget or desktop drives and stick to the server/NAS drive. Let’s take a look at the case where the detachable cover is closed and then eject (and fill) the drive bay. To remove the panel, simply swing it away from the NAS chassis. The board is held in place by a thick rubber finger (designed to help eliminate vibration) and should be easily detached on the first touch.

Where to Park Your NAS

With the drive in the NAS network attached storage, it’s time to look at the back of the NAS, see what’s going to be inserted, and briefly describe where you put it at home. First of all, this is the back.

With this in mind, let’s talk about the NAS layout. No matter where you place the NAS, ideally it should be a colder area of ​​your home (the ground floor and basement are great, the attic rooms are not stuffy) and you can access your router or network switch via the hard drive. If you are a wireless home, this means you may only be able to place the NAS next to the router installation location.

First boot setup: Configuring NAS

Once you find the right place for your NAS and connect it all, you should start it for the first time. Unlike traditional computers, the mouse, keyboard, and monitor are not connected. When you press the power button, it will start up quickly and then sit there (if you don’t hear any sound, don’t panic unless our ears are a few inches, otherwise we can’t hear the fan on our device from it behind). After turning on the power, go to any computer on your local network (Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection is working as long as it is on the same network as the NAS.

Learn about DiskStation Manager

After completing the final step, you will be prompted to briefly introduce the DiskStation Manager interface. We are now looking at a few key areas. This is what the DiskStation Manager “desktop” looks like. You can access applications with shortcuts and menu systems, notifications.

File Station is a file manager that allows you to easily create and browse folders on your NAS and supports right-clicking on file operations built into context menus such as cut, paste, move and delete.

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