7 Synology Apps YOU NEED TO USE in 2024

Introduction

This tutorial highlights seven essential Synology applications that can enhance the functionality of your Synology NAS, transforming it from a simple file server into a powerful device for managing various digital tasks. These applications are particularly beneficial for home users and small businesses in 2024.

Step 1: Snapshot Replication

Snapshot Replication is crucial for data protection and recovery.

• Purpose: Allows you to create point-in-time snapshots of your data.
• Setup:
  1. Open Synology DSM and navigate to the Snapshot Replication application.
  2. Select the shared folder you wish to protect.
  3. Configure your snapshot schedule based on your needs (e.g., hourly, daily).
  4. Enable replication to another Synology NAS if desired for added redundancy.

Tip: Regularly check the health of your snapshots to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Step 2: Hyper Backup

Hyper Backup is designed for comprehensive backup solutions.

• Purpose: Provides a way to back up data to various destinations, including local drives and cloud services.
• Setup:
  1. Open Hyper Backup on your Synology NAS.
  2. Choose a backup task type (e.g., Data backup, application backup).
  3. Select the backup destination (local, remote, or cloud).
  4. Schedule your backups and select the data to back up.

Common Pitfall: Ensure that the backup destination has enough storage space to accommodate your backup data.

Step 3: Container Manager

Container Manager allows you to run applications in isolated environments.

• Purpose: Utilizes Docker technology to manage applications efficiently.
• Setup:
  1. Install the Container Manager package from the Package Center.
  2. Launch Container Manager and create a new container.
  3. Configure the container settings (image selection, networking options).
  4. Deploy your container and manage it through the interface.

Practical Tip: Use pre-built images from Docker Hub for quick deployment of popular applications.

Step 4: Synology Drive

Synology Drive enhances file management and synchronization.

• Purpose: Provides a centralized platform for file storage and sharing.
• Setup:
  1. Install Synology Drive Server from the Package Center.
  2. Open Synology Drive and set up shared folders.
  3. Install the Synology Drive Client on your PC or mobile device.
  4. Configure synchronization options to keep files updated across devices.

Tip: Utilize the versioning feature to recover previous file versions easily.

Step 5: Synology Cloud Sync

Cloud Sync integrates your NAS with various cloud storage services.

• Purpose: Synchronizes files between your NAS and cloud providers like Google Drive or Dropbox.
• Setup:
  1. Install Cloud Sync from the Package Center.
  2. Connect to your desired cloud service by logging in.
  3. Select the local folder on your NAS to sync.
  4. Configure sync direction (two-way, upload, or download) and schedule.

Common Pitfall: Confirm that you have adequate bandwidth and storage to avoid sync issues.

Step 6: Active Backup for Business

Active Backup for Business provides a comprehensive backup solution for Windows PCs and servers.

• Purpose: Enables centralized backup management for multiple devices.
• Setup:
  1. Install Active Backup for Business from the Package Center.
  2. Add devices you want to back up using the management interface.
  3. Configure backup settings tailored to each device.
  4. Schedule regular backups to ensure continuous data protection.

Tip: Regularly test restoring from backups to confirm data integrity.

Step 7: Synology Photos

Synology Photos organizes and manages your photo library efficiently.

• Purpose: Combines photo storage and management with powerful sharing capabilities.
• Setup:
  1. Install Synology Photos from the Package Center.
  2. Upload your photos through the interface or the Synology Drive client.
  3. Organize photos into albums and enable sharing options.
  4. Utilize AI features for facial recognition and tagging.

Practical Tip: Regularly back up your photo library to prevent data loss.

Conclusion

Incorporating these seven Synology applications can significantly enhance the capabilities of your NAS, allowing for better data management, protection, and accessibility. Consider exploring each application further by following the linked tutorials for detailed guidance. By utilizing these tools, you can transform your Synology NAS into a robust system tailored to your personal or business needs.