Top 8 Synology Features for Home Users (DSM7)

[@vrvretro]

Thanks, I have my first Synology NAS installed in my home thanks to your videos. My use case was accessing many dozens of small creative writing files from numerous computers in my home, to replace Dropbox, which has a connection limit.

[@rpwoodjr]

Just stumbled across your KZbin page by doing a search on Synology Diskstation manager. I've learned more about using my NAS drive in the past 20 minutes watching two of your videos than I had in the previous couple of months. Will be watching a lot of your stuff in upcoming weeks. Thanks so much for taking the time to do these videos!

[@SpaceRexWill]

Hey thanks! Glad you like the content!

[@photophrenic]

The Synology Drive tip has been an absolute game changer, thanks for that one

[@tantanman2852]

You put out so many good videos and such high quality. In 2023 it’s quite difficult to learn where to even start with NAS and Synology. So many videos (or series of videos) for how to get started!

[@Allanator]

Thank you for all your help. I switched from WD MyCloud and I'm so glad I did. Synology NAS is new to me and your teaching/Training videos have been very helpful. Thank You!

[@stevenchernus2409]

Thanks you for these superb presentations. As a new Synology NAS owner, I am learning from scratch. Your videos are invaluable in allowing me to do this myself and skipping the large consulting fees I had anticipated. As I am not very technical, so I don't know if this is correct: I hope widespread adoption of NAS will help to restore the original peer-to-peer web architecture.

[@pak0rn]

thank you for your video. Just setup a NAS for family home use. Superb resources.

[@acidpunk7423]

Your videos have enabled me with environment s I used to dream of before. Thank you for helping me navigate and acquire digital real estate 🏡.

[@ademkollari8992]

Hey SpaceRex, appreciate your videos. Coming to almost 10 yrs of using NAses/Synology, still watching to learn and refresh. Really appreciate topic videos, such as how to setup synology drive or hyper backup, etc. Thank you!

[@unknownKnownunknowns]

Thank you . very helpful. I understand your caution around quick connect. Is using synology photos to store and later access your photo library from your telephone or device remotely the same thing as opening up your Nas to the Internet? Or am I misunderstanding the function of Synology photos?.

[@sandgroper1970]

Just put in an order for a Synology 2 bay NAS, which is to store my ripped CD collection, to stream through a streamer in the house. Plus to store Photographs and Videos, soI can edit on my computer and store the finished product off the computer.

[@Chazwozel1]

A Synology NAS is probably the best computer accessory purchase I've ever made!

[@Gman4MF]

great advice, especially for nas-starters I use filestation for Mobile (android), smb for my laptops & desktops

[@UtahDarkHorse]

One of the big features of HyperBackup is setting up rsync backups between NAS's. I just moved from a Asustor to a Synology, so I mostly used it's counterpart on the Asustor, but if you upgraded to a newer Synology or from a Synology to a different brand NAS, or just have more than one NAS, moving that much data NAS to NAS; this is the only way to go. Thanks for a great video and thank for sharing.

[@SpaceRexWill]

Yeah its super useful!

[@allanmarsh1]

From my perspective there are some glaring omissions in Synology Photos. No on screen GPS map display, either showing you where all of your photos were taken, nor a map location for each photo. Also HVEC format is not supported (official advice from Synology Helpdesk) unless those files already existed on DSM 6 when the upgrade was done.

[@niccopernicus8966]

Love your Synology tutorials. Will you do a video on essential apps new users should consider? After Hyper Backup and Synology Drive, are there other applications I should install?

[@JeremyCobb]

You really are one of the best and easiest NAS experts to watch. Thanks again for a great update

[@SpaceRexWill]

hey thanks!

[@PatrickBijvoet]

Your video's are so great. I learn so much. Thank you. One question; If I want to use quickconnect during my holiday, can I switch it off afterwards and just toggle it on when I need it again without setting it up again?

[@SpaceRexWill]

You can, but you MIGHT loose your QC ID

[@PatrickBijvoet]

@@SpaceRexWill Thank you so much again. You are wonderful!

[@Coolcmsc]

Really enjoying the improvements with DSM 7. I’m happy to agree this upgrade has real value and is a great reason to invest in a Synology NAS.

[@jeroenvdw]

Thanks a lot for this video! I'm a photographer and lately also doing some video work. I store all files on a M2 SSD with a backup on a HDD, but all on 1 PC. I was thinking about buying a NAS so I can backup the files on there and when I'm travelling or just somewhere else I can just upload and download my shots to the NAS without worrying to lose my files. I also have a website that I want to host from there, I would save me some fees from hosting.

[@fastgalix]

Hey SpaceRex, I'm new to Synology and NAS configurations in general so thanks a lot for your many videos that help me lot it is greatly appreciated! That being said I'd like to discuss the SMB vs Drive point (granted with the lens of a windows user using his Synology as a private cloud storage mainly for the family, inside and outside of the household). Under this usecase, it seems much more convenient to set up the Drive and access all the directories through there (also when on the local network) rather than SMB. That way nothing changes when you're out and about or locally plugged in, all your files are at the same place. This is especially convenient in the case you're doing edits on massive files as you're working on the local version where you're not limited by network speed or NAS usage, granted this could lead to merge issue on Teams files but that can be managed easily in a small family setting. Granted it requires a bit of work to configure your network correctly (if you're not using quickconnet) but once it work it seems pretty seamless. Finally on PC (I understand this might not be the case on Mac) you have the added benefit of being able to select which files should always be made available locally on your machine while the rest remains "in the cloud" and are available on demand. That's a long bit of text but I wanted to have your view on why you suggest to use SMB over Drive. Many thanks!

[@bensims8275]

What a legend! doing the lords work!

[@SpaceRexWill]

Thanks!

[@middle_pickup]

SMB is a well known security risk. Windows now works with NFS, and both linux and mac OS both use it too. It's faster, and more secure.

[@NotGuilty93950]

Ok. I really love (NEED) your tutorial videos as I am a NOOB, but that being said, your voice portrays a very calm and chill person. Does this smoothness work in fights with your partner or do you sometimes just loose it?

[@jennifermedia6288]

Hi Will I would really like you to do a update on how you export from Lightroom ( where you store originals ) and Where you store your exports to do this

[@jennifermedia6288]

Hi Will, you put your links you mention in the description. I need to go to the link and can never see them

[@jsfranks840]

Best explanation of snapshots ever! Well done!

[@joeglennaz]

Phoenix Arizona I just came across your channel today and been watching a few videos. I’m a little bit confused. I’m just starting to do my research and Nas drives. I’m just a Home user. But when you say you’ve got to make sure you back up your stuff. The whole purpose of this Nas drive is the back of everything you have. That’s my understanding, correct? So why would we need a separate back up application? Doesn’t Synology have built-in back up scheduling and all that so I can tell the back up my laptop and back up my iPhone and back up my PC different days and times? A little bit confused here when you said that you still need to keep back ups even though you have an ass drive. I do understand about keeping a separate back up outside because it’s your house catches fire in your Nas box burns after you don’t have a back up maybe that’s what you’re referring to. Thank you.

[@shinmugen]

How to rebuild the entire NAS and fixing everything? I have it setup sometime but didn’t know there are so many feature. Also, I don’t quite understand the files structure like home and homes? Can you show us step by step how to rebuild the NAS? I hope to reorganise the folder and everything to start the NAS afresh

[@S1L3nCe]

What's the benefit of using snapshots if I already have Hyper Backup running daily in my system with file rotation? Wouldn't it be kind of redundant? This channel is bliss, btw. 🙏 Thank you for sharing all your knowledge.

[@SpaceRexWill]

They let you do 2 things 1) instantly restore files as they don’t have to be copied back to the NAS 2) get higher granularity of files, like hourly. 3) (bonus) let’s you look at the old versions much quicker to find the one you need

[@S1L3nCe]

@@SpaceRexWillThe granularity aspect is pretty awesome indeed. Thank you! 🙏

[@JLBA14]

So what’s the difference between synology drive for sharing and creating folders on your volumes for others to have access.

[@diegogarriz3857]

Thanks for your great job !. I am a great fan. Question about the log center package, there is a way to use and view without been administrator ?. Nothing in control panel/app privileges and nothing in users / app permissions. If this package is only for admins, would you recommend me the most compatible syslog app windows or linux to configure synology to report ?. Thanks in advance.

[@yesmanhk]

upgrading to DSM7 now. thanks!

[@specialk22tt]

Having trouble with Synology's video encoder on my DS920 and various file types. Is it a thing to have my macos plex server & encoder connect to my media files stored on my NAS through SMB and just play them that way?

[@BarDelRey]

Hello There, I have Sonology NAS with DSM 7.0, I use Video Station and my movies have AAC audio, video with DTS audio don't work. After upgrading to 7.1, AAC audio-encoded movies will also not be supported on the video station? I do not get it

[@HealthCraze88]

@SpaceRexWill on the back up issue, this is a newbie question: if i have 2 hard drives with 1 backing up the other, does it mean my files in Synology have been automatically backed up already? Also since I do not have "Active Backup for Business" in my package, How do I backup my Laptop on Synology for home users?

[@SpaceRexWill]

So you likely have RAID1 or SHR1, as your 'one drive backing up the other' which is good for redundancy, but not for an actual backup. The reason its not a backup is any change is immediately on both drives, so if the volume crashes, both crash. I would look at a cheap external HDD when you can afford one! Having RAID is better than nothing, but not a full backup if you don't have ABB your NAS might not be compatable with it (non plus models)

[@qwertyqart]

When doing active backup? What happened to prior software licenses from previous hard drive?

[@SpaceRexWill]

That completely depends on the license. Most should just work on the new machine, but those that are tied to the hard drive will likely require you to call and get it switched over

[@MichaelStrong0112]

I've been pulling my iCloud photos and putting them in my NAS for the same reason. Presently, I have to do the little tedious bit of selecting them in the iCloud web interface, and then clicking on the little hard-to-see down arrow by the download icon to specify full resolution. Then I download it all and manually get it over to the NAS. If you have a cleaner, more elegant workflow that preserves the best resolution, please share! Thank you!

[@SpaceRexWill]

Sadly Apple loves their walled gardens and don't play very nice with others!

[@ardentdfender4116]

Two questions. I have DSM 7 installed on my main Desktop to setup and access my NAS package software. If I also have multiple laptops, do I a So have to install DSM 7 on that particular laptop in order to access my NAS and access those other software or so any setup? Can you also at some point do a video on DSM 7 Audio Station. Which includes setup, Mobile Access and or Remote Access?

[@Fo0tie]

What are the benefits if I use "Synology Drive" or "SMB network Drive"? Are there only the differences in syncing options?

[@jcchangshik3701]

Awesome! This guy knows his stuff! Thank you!

[@KimmieB008]

I appreciate all of your videos...so informative! ...but I have not been able to connect within network ever. :( Every time I am in DSM 7.1...I try to login to my synology account and it is an endless loop of logging in and nothing happening. can't connect quick connect. Can't open packages or anything. I have reset network settings. I Don't know what I am doing wrong, and Synology has not helped. Have ticket open. :( Any suggestions?

[@GregDolan]

Another great video 👍 Would love to see a video on Plex. It's something I use but not to its fullest potential. I don't even know how to get it working with Port Forwarding etc so that I can share externally 😫

[@TeddyWalla]

Would you recommend the FFMPEG Wrapper for Video Station?

[@rmal8076]

Thanks for the tutorial and have watched many of your videos setting up my NAS as a newbie! You explain why something that needs to be done or how something works. I have my Hyper Backup, Time Machine, Snapshots and upgrading to DSM 7 all with your help. Now I'm moving over files from my Mac. Can you make a video on importing your iPhone photos to the NAS please?

[@SpaceRexWill]

Definitely going to make one of these!

[@MirabelliStudio]

@@SpaceRexWill If you can include iphone photos AND video that would be great. We take lots of home videos with our iphone, and pictures of course. Should they both be uploaded using Synology Photos the same way, and if so, are videos searchable and if so how ... is facial recognition supported? Also, should they be viewed thru Photos or is the viewing resolution better thru Video Station?

[@DavidM2002]

Re: SMB... Unless I'm doing something wrong, when using only SMB2 or above, the Synology ( or QNAP ) will not appear under "Network" in Windows Explorer. As a result, you have to map every shared folder that you want to access. I ignore current advice, and use SMB 1 to avoid this problem. I do not access my NAS over the internet and do not forward any router ports so I assume that I'm a low level target. I'd really like your thoughts.

[@secallet1]

Hello, could you clarify if DSM 7 can show preview of files such as pdf, docs, etc. without having to open the document in file viewer or google docs??, but in a simple, fast and comfortable way as well as productive as in macos.

[@gfriedman99]

Good stuff. BTW... anyone ever say how much you look like Kurt Warner?

[@UCMF4SIJqf75d5wWKVzbTtDg]

06:50, don't enable quick connect if you want protect your data, quick connect allows Synology technician login to your NAS even when you sleep. Use it only when your ISP is somehow blocking your connection outside of your home - in example your IP is private and only when you need it in example you are going for vacation. Even if you have dynamic IP use DDNS which is even built in NAS (I personaly use DDNS on my router). Always do prefer port forwarding and never show how ports are forwarded. This step is easy so even if you don't know it in your family or work should be at least one person who can make it, just ask. Also don't use uPnP feature, disable it on router and manually forward specific ports. This will work for years until you change router or reset it to factory state - so always make backup of configuration of your router.

[@SpaceRexWill]

??? Quick connect does not allow for synology to login…

[@staffusersakadekarper238]

Hi SpaceR. I have a question. Want to update my ds-216+II to dsm 7.1! Is this wise? Does this make my dsm very slow? Is it better to buy a new dsm 220+? I'd love to hear your thoughts on my question

[@waltermenzel6937]

Great Tutorial on Important usages of the Synology ds. One more question: is it at all possible to have a digital picture Frame automatically receive its content From a synology nas? If so, what do I have to watch out for? (Both, the Synology and the picture frame will be within the same WLAN). Hope, you have an idea.

[@SpaceRexWill]

You would want to get a frame that can hook up to a SMB server

[@DJaquithFL]

Excellent video and great information. My concern is if you have an off-premises NAS connected via VPN and a crypto attack. Won't that off-premises data also get encrypted??

[@SpaceRexWill]

For the highest security I will enable BTRFS snapshots on the remote NAS to allow you to roll back changes

[@DJaquithFL]

@@SpaceRexWill .. Thanks! 😎👍

[@sproid]

People who don't use the photos search function is because either they don't have many, never look or share, or haven't try searching. Because once you experience it, you will ask how is this not the standard.

[@canadianlocomotivelogistics]

Is there a way to manually install DSM 7.1.1 from a jump stick? I've lost my ethernet connection, and I'm at a loss. something happened... can't ping, not sure where to go from here.

[@ryanmiller6887]

Thanks!

[@ermecejour]

Hi , Great tutorial and thanks for the walkthrough. For now my DSM shows that it's up to date with a version 6. Is it safe to manually download the new version from Synology will it be updated automaticall? Thanks @SpaceRex

[@ermecejour]

@@wojtek-33 Thanks !!

[@bhanajczyk]

Pity there is no Synology Photos app on Apple TV

[@builtdifferent3745]

Thank you

[@nickclement]

Think I'd quite enjoy a BBQ, beer and a Synology chat with Rex.

[@SpaceRexWill]

If you are buying…

[@Wombats-1]

How do I access SMB outside of my network/from the internet. I love how SMB mounts the shares directly on my desktop for mac

[@SpaceRexWill]

You have 2 options: 1) setup a VPN sever (most secure) then connect back as if you are on a LAN 2) use WebDAV (like SMB uses https and designed for the internet)

[@vicwoo]

Great videos thanks for that!! Question I am now using hyper backup but thinking about getting in to active backup for businesss…. What is in your opinion the plus benefits using active versus hyper? I am guessing using both is a bit over the top? So what’s a good backup setup : active with snapshot or others ?? Love to hear. Your opinion on this… thanks in advance!!

[@SpaceRexWill]

So active backup backs up things like PC's, servers, to the NAS. Then hyper backup backups your NAS to another source like a cloud. You want to use hyper backup to backup your NAS

[@vicwoo]

@@SpaceRexWill thanks!! Thinking fault on my part 🙂i am currently using the windows backup feature

[@MikeS29]

Thanks Will, for another great video. fyi @19:39 you call it "security station" instead of "surveillance station." When will 7.0 be available through the normal update process, without having to download seperately?

[@Manly]

I have DS218j. Do you recommend upgrading to DSM7? Thanks in advance!

[@SpaceRexWill]

No! Not enough ram in that machine

[@LiveHappy321]

Noob question - if I set this up as a back up for our macbooks with Time Machine, will it back up wirelessly over the network or would we have to plug in the network cable?

[@SpaceRexWill]

It will work over wifi, just would be faster wired

[@whitedragon101]

The Lloyd Grossman of the NAS world

[@Sgtwebbpd]

Does it preview RAW files?

[@ramadassk85]

we have synology RS1219 & Ds1618 model , if DSM7 its possible to take the kvm vms backup

[@DoYourConquer]

When using hyper backup, my Synology doesn’t see my external HD once the drive has been disconnected (and then reconnected) I can see the HD in external devices but hyper backup doesn’t see it. Any ideas ? Thanks

[@KickingupDust]

How do I get my iCloud & Lightroom photos into Synology Photos? Thanks

[@unknownKnownunknowns]

Same question here!?

[@gfriedman99]

How about Google photos???

[@diverm2371]

How to get synology ds video covers?

[@CheDeLila]

@SpaceRex which is the best synology only ssd option? cuz the 620slim only has 2 cores, is there other option?

[@SpaceRexWill]

All the + models support 2.5 inch ssd

[@michaelchrestensen5842]

Info on synology 5/5. Hair 6/5.

[@dennismacwilliams196]

What type of security cameras can you use on the nas ? Does anyone have a recamdayshion ? Thanks

[@streets28mm]

How do you back up your pictures from Lightroom? I do back up my catalogs and pictures periodically but not from LR!

[@sproid]

Synology Drive have a Desktop app that can backup or sync your files. Select the Lightroom folder.

[@streets28mm]

@@sproid yes, I have been doing that, he was talking about "within the Lightroom", unless I misunderstood what he was saying!

[@debajyotinath5021]

SMB doesn't work with cellular network, that is if we connect to the Internet through a mobile hotspot. Infact, even FTP doesn't work.

[@SpaceRexWill]

check this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWPGnGSdaMSeadE

[@RAG0407]

I am waiting for photos to improve the tagging before I move. Moments maps pets and objects in its ai better. It has this been fixed.

[@djepodjepo]

Hi SpaceRex, any advise on the 'fan speed'. I see three options, but don't know which one to pick. Is the silent mode a risk?

[@SpaceRexWill]

I go silent. If your drives get up around 90+ regular you might want to speed it up

[@djepodjepo]

@@SpaceRexWill thank you so much, Very helpful

[@alexandertollet5875]

Thanks

[@JimmeeAnimAll]

Thank You for this review. May I ask if Active Backup for Business and what you've called bare metal restore does same thing as Norton Ghost :? >>> I'm looking for tool for backing up/mirroring/ghosting my System Drive, so in case of emergency, I just hook up new hard drive and ride my machine in no Time. Would you mind confirming Active backup for Business is the way to go, or give any other recommendations ? ( It sounded like Snapshot Replication does same thing "but with many restore points" , not sure though if it's the same thing as bare metal restore / mirror/ ghost ) Thank You

[@SpaceRexWill]

Active backup for business will do exactly what you are looking for. You would be back up in running in probably ~30 min with everything the way that it was

[@JimmeeAnimAll]

@@SpaceRexWill thank You 🐱‍🐉

[@Justcuz99]

@spacerex do you have a video on DS Video for Android?

[@SpaceRexWill]

Have been meaning to do one!

[@radiospank]

I love google drive but costs me about $3 bucks a month which for me is totally worth it and I know the data is backed up.

[@harriska]

But not as fast or as large as local storage, also do you really want Google scanning your photos?

[@radiospank]

@@harriska I only have sensitive documents but no photos, that’s why have the nas and backblaze for that. As for speed it’s perfectly adequate for my occasional needs and very convenient accessing from my phone when I need something

[@michaelcarraghan512]

Thanks for Your great insite. I want to stream with Plex atleast 2x4k movies at the sametime within my house would synogoly DS1621+ be able to handle this? or the Intels DS1520+ ? which would be better.? If I need to transcode I could buy a m1 mac mini?

[@SpaceRexWill]

If you need to transcode 2x4k movies at the same time, you are going to probably want an intel NUC running the plex server. They are a lot cheaper than an Mac mini. You will want one with quick sync

[@maxmeista]

After googling and redditing, one thing I found annoying with Synology Photos is the absence of an option allowing to delete a photo from your phone as you upload it to the NAS. I'm a new user, so if anyone is more NAS-savvy, I'd love to hear a solution!

[@SpaceRexWill]

Interesting. I thought I saw a setting that did that

[@tom210tc]

I love SpaceRex!

[@ryanragan8899]

So if I upload my photos from my phone to synology photos, does that mean those pictures are also saved to my NAS as well? Sorry for the stupid question, I'm new to this!

[@SpaceRexWill]

Yes anything stored in synology photos is hosted on your NAS (stored there)

[@unknownKnownunknowns]

@@SpaceRexWill is this the same potential vulnerability as opening up your nas to the internet via Quick Connect?

[@sweetdoodle11]

WHy SMB? NFS is faster and potentially more secure. Just curious.

[@alexsmedile]

I don't like your transition, but the video is great! Thanks for the info

[@kornshadow097]

is active backup the same as using windows to create a image? snapshot replication is really weird... especially for recovering photos on my computer... i tried to recover a snapshot and it shows up in file explorer recovered right...but on synology drive it syncs back to the wrong version...

[@SpaceRexWill]

Oh that's a funny issue to have! what I would do is disable your Synology Drive, recover the file, then copy that file back into Synology Drive (on the NAS) then turn drive back on

[@roscored1000]

Great, what a shame my DS411+ won't get DSM7 upgrade!

[@bliblabl8149]

Boy, your NAS is 10 years old!

[@Nathan-sk5sp]

" tonight at 3:00 AM,... we will be talking about the nas...."

[@DBR00]

SpaceRex, I still say that you have the best beard ever!!

[@insertrealname]

It's a Network Attached Beard!

[@grahamniven]

Find your videos really useful, but one thing confuses me about SMB. When I use Thunar file brower in Linux to copy/paste files from my Synology NAS to my laptop using SMB on my home network, the transfer speed is roughly half the speed I get if I use DSM 7 File Station to "Download" them from the NAS to the laptop. Very odd. Its using the same network and hardware, so why are the speeds so very different? Very confusing.

[@SpaceRexWill]

That’s really weird and seems like there might be an SMB issue there. SMB should be able to saturate pretty much any connection. I have a video on top reasons your synology is slow that you can try which hopefully should help you solve your problem

[@mikevannelli]

Do you know if DSM 7 will force me to uninstall Docker? We have some automation running through it on our DS. I just installed DSM 7 on a DS without Docker, but is said that Python and Node were not supported and needed to be uninstalled.

[@SpaceRexWill]

So the reason Python was uninstalled is it’s now part of the actually OS, not just a package. Docker does not have to be uninstalled

[@mikevannelli]

@@SpaceRexWill Thanks much! Keep up the great content!

[@eakfelhaber]

Does Auto Block still work for Quick Connect?

[@SpaceRexWill]

Yes it does

[@AbdulKareemAbdulRahman]

how do you access synology using SMB?

[@GetsOne]

Does the photo app have a duplicate finder option?

[@SpaceRexWill]

It does not. But storage analyzer does

[@skorpnikusclaw9516]

Totally unrelated. Have you ever tried pursuing ASMR content? You would be awsome with that voice...😍

[@stevecg1234]

please can you do a tutorial on duplicate files on a 720+

[@randfee]

why do you state to always use smb and then you show a mac? I've found afp: to be much more reliable on Mac OS for synology shares than smb (years ago) and I never went back to using smb on Mac OS.

[@SpaceRexWill]

AFP is deprecated and can (in edge cases) cause file corruption. SMB has improved a ton with never versions of MacOS and in my option is much better

[@michaelbobarev]

Backing up .... ! 🔥☺️