The first boot is quick with Synology Assistant app that scans the network to find the device and then initializes the volumes. Note that it can start with one disk, and then to mount a RAID1 second later.
Then the access is through a web page and you get a graphical desktop fairly simple to use.
Comes with the latest version of the OS Synology (DSM v5.0 or 5.1) which seems to have greatly changed the menu environment.
The manual is very poor, it is strongly advised to consult the knowledge base and forums, unfortunately most information is still based on the DSM v4 so we cope ...
We arrive here besides the problem background, it may well be a mainstream product, it is none the less a NAS, we feel that behind the beautiful icons is a flanged version of professional products. It is imperative to have computer knowledge / correct level networks to get by. Configuring this machine is virtually a network administrator job, the menus seem simple but in fact no configuration is obvious is a cascade of functions and options that clash without always obvious logic, besides configurations are avoided because they understand nothing (sometimes we really like a pro interface).
If some things are simple and powerful, others require trial and spend time there (the forums on the net are not provided).
In short beginners or no computer (if you do not know what a DNS server, a URL, a TCP port, etc ..) abstain, you will lose up quickly.
It is possible to install applications (like a smartphone) in order to manage servers photos / video / audio and multimedia in the "Package Center" (which translates this nonsense?), But also more specific apps for Development web, Perl, Python, manage DNS, Mail Server, etc ... in short very complete, there is something fun for those who develop.
Thanks to the applications mentioned above, it is possible to access their media (photos / audio / video) via web pages dedicated and organized (managing photos such as an album or an integrated audio player), c ' is really very good for access to members of his family or non-computer, even if I found however that the operation of these media applications is a bit weird or without common sense.
One can have the same thing from their smartphone via Synology apps on Android or IOS (a bit complicated to sort out at first because there are at least 6 or 7 different: DS audio, DS photo, etc ..).
The only problem with these specific interfaces is that they are governed by mandatory policies directories (somewhat limited) and specific rights not very homogeneous and must go fishing to understand everything.
In general, I find that the way to manage access for multiple users is somewhat tortuous (probably the Taiwanese spirit?).
External access via the Internet is pretty damn good, super simple to configure Guided after inscription on a DynDNS server, it connects to a specific URL (like "nom.synology.me:5000") and include the graphical environment at home.
The NAS is UPnP, it automatically passes the ports of redirections to do in your box (Box fiber Numericable for me) without having to configure anything in the box. By default port 5000 is used by Synology, any access to the external IP of your box to port 5000 is redirected to the NAS.
Note that there is a function called QuickConnect allows external access via a specific URL. When connecting to this address Quickconnect (like "nom.quickconnect.to"), we will visibly towards Synology relay servers based in England, the relay is for your SIN (that have the information on your NAS memory) which in turn initiates the com directly with you. This bypasses the problematics of those who NAT at home in their non-compatible router (UPnP port forwarding and IP Plug & Play). The connection opening in "exit", the problems of Port Forwarding disappear (NAS already has a connection open with the output relay servers so no problem for them to connect with you). In any case, I find it effective in my case, because it allows me to connect my company whose proxy is blocking my access to the address to my NAS for some reason I have not yet understood.
Do not forget to properly protect (strong passwords, change the name, go to https, change port 5000, etc ...) because the Synology NAS now known are fairly common targets and some have already exploited faults (since corrected). Note that since v5.1, there is an app that analyzes and an audit of the level of security of your NAS, great idea and effective to identify gaps in your NAS (FTP or SSH port remained open such words too low passes, etc ...)
Finally it should be noted that despite the difficulties inherent in the product, it's still a pleasure to work on it, it is very responsive, very fast, very little buggy though bugs, there are for sure (see the forum) in any case, I did not manage to plant it, yet I try :-)
I do not regret my purchase rather nice to have a cloud at home, it empties into many conversations ....
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For those who have already acquired the NAS, a small guide and some explanations on the functioning of the media apps and user access because I have struggled to understand (also valid on the new 215J)
If you enable the "User Home" (home English) in Control Panel / Users then:
Each user will have their directory called \ home and only see him when he is logged in under his login web page / personal password in DSM. It has access R / W and will do what he wants in there (or as its permissions). You can of course give him access to other root directories.
The administrator he shall see all directories under \ homes (plural, enjoy the Actuce ...)
This is valid also for FTP access under \ home
Media applications (AudioStation, or PhotoStation VideoStation), they operate de facto in 3 types imposed directories: \ music \ Photo \ video
If you do nothing, everyone will go into the default directory (which you can not change the name, but you can add others), and everyone will see the same files from apps (web or smartphone ).
This is true for the server Multimedia DLNA / UPnP on your TV you will see that these directories, it is not customizable and that's a shame.
To customize a AudioStation access applications, or PhotoStation VideoStation according to users, you will be playing with the permissions in subdirectories of \ music \ Photo \ video or better validate the "User Home" above.
Say you have a type of external address: utilisateur.synology.me (if you are registered on the DDNS server Synology example)
AudioStation
Just create a \ music directory under the \ home of your user
If you want to give access to personal, it will then go to each station and then Audio Settings, Personal Library and check "Enable personal library" and "Personal Music"
Each user will be restricted in its own directory \ music under his \ home personal (unless you leave on "shared and personal Music", it will also have access to the \ music general)
The direct external access will be through http (s): //utilisateur.synology.me: 5000 / audio if you saved on the Synology DynDNS service, along with DS audio smartphone as (but without the "/ audio ") utilisateur.synology.me:5000 then name and password and https as your conf and it will go to the app settings Source and then select" Personal Music "
PhotoStation
The most comprehensive application (and more complex), noted that it does not serve only to pictures but also can read the videos (so why VideoStation? We will see the difference later)
The basic PhotoStation manages the \ Pictures folder shared by everyone (accessible under the external link: utilisateur.synology.me/photo without https or port 5000. Start the application in PhotoStation DSM opens a parallel web page.
To manage permissions for that specific web page, go to Settings, User Accounts and select your users and add your permissions.
Do not fun to deal with it in the general DSM permissions or set of opposites permissions, otherwise you will crash PhotoStation.
To manage a user already PhotoStation by going to DSM options (top right) and PhotoStation and check "Enable staff PhotoStation"
If you have not already done so, create a directory \ under each picture \ home of your users.
An icon will be located in DSM-PhotoStation username will be, if you click it will access another web page, but specific to each user. External access is: utilisateur.synology.me/~nom_utilisateur (note the ~ front of the name and not https, port or 5000!)
From the app DS Photo +: utilisateur.synology.me then name and password (useless port), but there is a specific field in addition to the name (arrow on the name field to enter the account so personal photo the "~ name" is not useful). If this field does not appear, type anyway: utilisateur.synology.me/~nom_utilisateur and it will appear.
Note that http is the default service PhotoStation, if you want a https service, it will go to Control Panel and then select Web Service Enable HTTPS for Web services and you can also choose a specific port. In PhotoStation personal web page it will be necessary to redirect requests http to https (in Settings / General)
Specifications PhotoStation: In it we can give free rein to each user to provide access to his photos to its own user (and therefore manage their own permissions)
This will somehow user users.
To configure these sub-users, the user must log PhotoStation under his personal web page and then Account Settings and Users.
We practice just as an administrator (name, email, password, permissions, etc ...)
Also note that since Albums Shared can give public access to a photo library (for everyone without creating sub-users) to select from existing libraries (no need particular directory)
VideoStation
If you do share your personal videos, it is likely that you PhotoStation suffice. VideoStation is rather seen as a film library (movies, TV shows, etc ...) so more like a personal media server to use at home instead.
The application accesses the \ default video directory, this application is not customizable in the strict sense as PhotoStation (no personalized access under \ homes, no specific web page)
All users will go into \ video to read and share your movies. Accessible external access in http (s): //utilisateur.synology.me: 5000 / mobile video or SD video app: utilisateur.synology.me:5000 then name and password and https as your conf.
The default app organizes videos as Movies, TV Show, TV recording, personal video. It is possible to select directories to classify more precisely all these elements by clicking the info message to the mid asking you to do it the first time or only: Library Settings, Edit, Edit Folder.
It is also possible to create personal libraries completely unrelated to the default collation and restricted access to a particular user, simply go to Settings, Create, Create a type library permissions: private and award permissions you want.
These personal videos will also be classified by default in \ video or other if you want to change the name of the folder.
Other applications:
Cloud Station
Synchronize directories on your PC or mobile with your NAS (2-way).
For a PC you need to install the app Cloud Client and it's pretty easy to configure, just follow and select the directories to synchronize. The only problem is precisely that it is necessary to choose a specific folder but mostly our documents are scattered throughout, we must initiate different timings configurations for each directory that you want to save, so a little heavy .
Not necessarily useful if you already made your backups in Windows or by hand.
For a mobile cloud app with DS is the same principle, select a directory or on your external SD card or internal memory (sdcard0 Android). selecting \ sdcard0 only, the app syncs almost all the multimedia content of the phone, it's not bad to make a complete backup of the phone (not necessarily useful knowing that the smartphone manufacturers have their app to do the same and more successful). Automatically docs, photos, videos, ... are synchronized (which I think is enough)
Each user can log in with their account and the directory will be created on the NAS itself: \ home \ username \ Cloudstation
Synchronization can be done only in WiFi coverage according to the settings app (recommended to avoid fees)
From DS Cloud: utilisateur.synology.me:6690 name and then pass the word and according to your conf https, the application is then "bound" to the server.
Do not forget to open the 6690 port settings Router external access
DS File
Allows you to download files or from your smartphone
Access: utilisateur.synology.me:5000 then name and password and https as your conf
All records of its \ home and shared folders are accessible under the permissions, you can download a file either from local files to a NAS or the reverse directory (strangely does not read mp3 files under \ music)
Very simple to use and advised to make copies or small transfers (file by file, because you can not transfer a whole directory, damage)
Small new since DSM v5.1: NoteStation
Simple enough, this application allows smartphone to take notes and they will be automatically archived on the NAS.
Also works by users of course if you go into the Control Panel / Users and if you enable Note Station in permissions.
Using the simplest possible (just notes synchronized)
From DS Notes: utilisateur.synology.me:5000 then name and password and https as your conf, the application is then "bound" to the server.
Do not also forget the valuable applications such as Anti-Virus Essential, Download Station to automatically download files from FTP links, eMule, BitTorrent, etc ... or the Multimedia Server to automatically read the contents of your UPnP devices home (TV, DVD player, etc ..)
Finally, do not forget to secure your NAS hard way (by helping you of "Security Advisor" integrated) as permanently connected to the Internet, it is critical (I regularly suffered attacks by scanning ports, attempts FTP access, ...)
Change port 5000 (now known too), strong password, avoid plans 192.168.0.x address, lock the FTP (SFTP enter), etc ...
