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

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide for setting up a Synology NAS, particularly for beginners using the DSM 7.2 operating system. Whether you have a DS923+ or any Rackstation model, this guide will walk you through the initial setup, configuration, and usage of your NAS, enabling you to access your files from both MacOS and Windows systems.

Step 1: Install Your Hard Drives

• Open the NAS enclosure by removing the cover.
• Locate the drive bays and insert your hard drives securely.
• Ensure the drives are properly seated and locked in place.

Step 2: Connect to Network and Power On

• Use an Ethernet cable to connect the NAS to your router's network port.
• Plug the power adapter into the NAS and connect it to an electrical outlet.
• Turn on the NAS by pressing the power button.

Step 3: Install DSM

• Open a web browser on your computer.
• Visit the Synology website and enter the NAS's IP address or use "find.synology.com" to locate your device.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install DSM 7.2.
• Accept the license agreement and select the drives to be used for the DSM installation.

Step 4: Initial Settings Walkthrough

• Create a new administrator account and set a strong password.
• Choose the time zone and configure network settings (DHCP is recommended for beginners).
• Set up notifications if desired (e.g., email alerts).

Step 5: Explore the DSM Interface

• Familiarize yourself with the DSM desktop layout.
• Check the Control Panel for system settings and options.
• Use the Package Center to install additional applications as needed.

Step 6: Set Up Drives, Pools, Volumes, and RAID

• Navigate to Storage Manager in DSM.
• Create a storage pool by selecting your drives and choosing a RAID configuration (e.g., SHR, RAID 1, RAID 5).
• Create a volume within the storage pool to store your data.

Step 7: Consider Volume Encryption

• Decide if you need to encrypt your volume for added security.
• Follow the prompts to enable encryption if desired.

Step 8: Perform Data Scrubbing

• Schedule regular data scrubbing to maintain data integrity.
• Access this option through the Storage Manager under the "Data Scrubbing" tab.

Step 9: Run SMART Tests

• Navigate to the Storage Manager and select your drives.
• Run SMART tests to check the health of your hard drives periodically.

Step 10: Create Shared Folders

• Go to Control Panel and select Shared Folder.
• Click on Create to set up new shared folders for your data.
• Configure permissions for different users as needed.

Step 11: Utilize BTRFS Snapshots

• Set up BTRFS snapshots for data protection.
• Access this feature in the Storage Manager > Snapshot Replication section.

Step 12: Adjust Basic Security Settings

• Modify security options in the Control Panel under Security settings.
• Enable 2-factor authentication and firewall settings for enhanced protection.

Step 13: Configure Power Settings

• Adjust power settings to manage how the NAS operates during inactivity.
• Set preferences for beep sounds and sleep modes.

Step 14: Manage the Recycling Bin

• Access the shared folder settings to enable or disable the recycling bin.
• Regularly empty the recycling bin to free up space.

Step 15: Set Up Permissions

• Establish user accounts and permissions in the Control Panel.
• Assign appropriate access rights for different users to maintain security.

Conclusion

Congratulations on setting up your Synology NAS! You've installed the hardware, configured DSM, and set up essential features like shared folders and security settings. For further learning, consider exploring additional resources and tutorials on remote access, upgrades, and backup methods. Your NAS is now ready to serve as a reliable storage solution for your files.