COMPLETE BEGINNER’S GUIDE for Synology NAS - 2023 DSM 7.2

SpaceRex・2 minutes read

The guide details setting up a Synology NAS with DSM 7.2, highlighting key features like btrfs snapshots and RAID system for data protection. It also covers important steps like creating an administrator account, enabling two-factor authentication, and managing shared folders efficiently for secure and streamlined access.

Insights

  • Setting up a Synology NAS for beginners involves crucial steps like installing hard drives, creating a RAID system for protection, and setting up network connections for operation.
  • Security measures such as creating an administrator account, enabling two-factor authentication, and using encryption options are emphasized to safeguard data, especially for business users.

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Recent questions

  • How do I set up a Synology NAS for beginners?

    To set up a Synology NAS for beginners, start by choosing a four-bay NAS and installing two drives for expandability. Follow the guide to install hard drives, set up a RAID system for hardware failure protection, and connect the NAS to your network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Power up the NAS, access it through a web browser, and install DSM, creating an administrator account for security. Consider signing in with a Synology account for benefits like active Insight notifications and enable Synology Active Insight for free licenses. Install essential packages like Synology Photos, Drive, and Office, and set up drives in Storage Manager with redundancy options. Schedule data scrubbing, set up SMART tests, and ensure to save encryption keys securely. Create shared folders, manage permissions, and enable btrfs snapshots for data protection.

  • What are the key features of DSM 7.2 for Synology NAS?

    DSM 7.2 for Synology NAS offers features like btrfs snapshots for data protection, RAID system setup for hardware failure protection, network port connection options, and DSM installation guidance. It emphasizes security with administrator account creation, Synology account benefits, and two-factor authentication. Users can access Package Center, Control Panel, and File Station for software installation, settings, and file management. DSM 7.2 also includes options for encryption, data scrubbing, SMART tests, and shared folder creation with advanced data integrity features. Users can manage permissions, create user accounts, and utilize groups for access control, ensuring efficient storage management and security.

  • How can I ensure data protection on a Synology NAS?

    To ensure data protection on a Synology NAS, follow best practices like setting up btrfs snapshots for file versioning, enabling RAID for hardware failure protection, and scheduling data scrubbing for file corruption checks. Utilize SMART tests for drive health monitoring, save encryption keys securely, and enable autoblock under security settings to prevent unauthorized access attempts. Consider options like full volume encryption, two-factor authentication, and checksum for advanced data integrity. Manage permissions, create shared folders, and utilize groups for streamlined access control, especially for business users. Regularly update DSM, install essential packages, and follow security recommendations for optimal data protection.

  • What are the recommended security settings for a Synology NAS?

    Recommended security settings for a Synology NAS include creating an administrator account for system access, enabling two-factor authentication for added security, and saving encryption keys securely. Utilize autoblock under security settings to prevent unauthorized access attempts, consider full volume encryption for enhanced security, and enable checksum for advanced data integrity. Manage permissions, create user accounts, and utilize groups for access control, especially for business users. Regularly update DSM, install essential packages, and follow security best practices to ensure the security of your Synology NAS and data.

  • How can I efficiently manage storage on a Synology NAS?

    To efficiently manage storage on a Synology NAS, set up task schedulers to automatically empty recycling bins, adjust HDD hibernation settings for drive lifespan preservation, and manage permissions by creating user accounts and utilizing groups for access control. Create shared folders, set quotas if needed, and enable checksum for advanced data integrity. Consider power settings like automatic restart after power supply issues and UPS for safe shutdowns. Regularly update DSM, install essential packages, and follow storage management best practices for optimal storage efficiency on your Synology NAS.

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Summary

00:00

Setting up Synology NAS with DSM 7.2

  • The guide focuses on setting up a Synology NAS for beginners using DSM 7.2, the latest version.
  • Emphasizes setting up crucial features like btrfs snapshots for data protection.
  • Recommends starting with a four-bay NAS and initially using two drives for expandability.
  • Explains the process of installing hard drives in the NAS, highlighting the specific steps involved.
  • Describes the importance of setting up a RAID system for hardware failure protection.
  • Details the network port connection for NAS operation over Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
  • Guides on powering up the NAS and accessing it through a web browser for setup.
  • Walks through the installation of DSM on the NAS, including data deletion warnings.
  • Instructs on creating an administrator account for security purposes, especially for business users.
  • Recommends signing in with a Synology account for benefits like active Insight notifications and discusses the security implications of Quick Connect for remote access.

13:43

"Maximize Synology NAS Security and Efficiency"

  • Enable Synology Active Insight for free license for up to three per account and DSM configuration backup.
  • Utilize email notifications with DSM 7.2 to receive alerts about NAS activity without complex setups.
  • Consider enabling diagnostic services to assist Synology with better data, though optional.
  • Install Synology Photos for photo management and backup, Synology Drive, and Synology Office for document editing and file sharing.
  • Opt for two-factor authentication for added security, especially if accessing the NAS remotely.
  • Access Package Center, Control Panel, and File Station as primary apps for software installation, settings, and file management.
  • Set up drives in Storage Manager, choosing SHR, RAID 5, or RAID 6 for redundancy based on the number of drives.
  • Opt for Btrfs file system over ext4 for enhanced features, and consider full volume encryption for security.
  • Schedule data scrubbing every three months to check for file corruption and set up SMART tests for drive health monitoring.
  • Ensure to save the encryption key securely to prevent data loss in case of recovery needs.

27:33

Efficient Shared Folder Management for Business Users

  • To create a shared folder, access Control Panel, then Shared Folder, and proceed to create a new shared folder by naming it, enabling a recycling bin, adding a description, and selecting the volume.
  • Further encryption options are available, but for simplicity, skip advanced features and enable checksum for Advanced Data integrity, setting a shared folder quota if needed.
  • Choose who has access to the shared folder, with options to add users or groups for permissions, ensuring efficient management, especially for business users.
  • Access the shared folder easily through Mac OS Finder or Windows File Explorer by connecting with your Synology username and password.
  • Install btrfs snapshots from the Package Center to enable going back to previous file versions without taking up extra space, ensuring data protection.
  • Set up snapshot schedules, retention policies, and visibility for snapshots to efficiently manage file versions and protect against data loss.
  • Ensure security by enabling autoblock under protection in the security settings to prevent unauthorized access attempts.
  • Consider power settings like automatic restart after power supply issues, UPS for safe shutdowns, and adjusting HDD hibernation to preserve drive lifespan.
  • Set up a task scheduler to automatically empty recycling bins to free up space and ensure efficient storage management.
  • Manage permissions by creating user accounts, assigning access levels, and utilizing groups for streamlined access control, especially beneficial for business users.

41:53

Efficient Shared Access, Secure Admin, NAS Guides

  • Family or employee groups can be created for shared access to folders, ensuring convenience and efficiency.
  • The admin user account within the system should always be deactivated to prevent easy guessing of the username "admin"; a new admin account can be created and added to the administrators group instead.
  • Recommended videos include a complete remote access guide, Synology photo guide, common mistakes new users make, backup methods, and understanding btrfs snapshots, providing essential knowledge for NAS setup and usage.
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