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Fast & Easy Synology NAS Setup: Beginner’s Guide

Synology NAS Initial Setup: A Beginner’s Guide for Fast Deployment

Setting up a Synology NAS for the first time is easier than many beginners expect. Synology’s intuitive design, guided installation tools, and user-friendly DiskStation Manager (DSM) interface make the deployment process smooth, even for non-technical users. With the right steps, your NAS can be up and running quickly, ready for file sharing, backups, collaboration, or business applications.

This beginner’s guide explains the essential steps for a successful initial setup and lays the foundation for a secure, scalable Synology environment.

Step 1: Install Drives and Power On the NAS

Start by inserting your hard drives or SSDs into the NAS drive bays. Ensure they are seated correctly and locked in place. NAS-grade HDDs are recommended for reliability and longevity, especially in 24/7 environments.

Once the drives are installed:

  • Connect the NAS to your network using an Ethernet cable.

  • Plug in the power adapter.

  • Turn on the device

Your Synology NAS will boot and prepare for the setup process.

Step 2: Access DiskStation Manager (DSM)

To begin configuration, open a web browser on a device connected to the same network and go to:

find.synology.com

This will search for the NAS automatically. You can also use Synology Assistant if preferred.

When the NAS appears:

  • Select Connect

  • Follow the setup wizard.

  • Install the latest version of DSM.

  • Create your administrator account.

DSM is the operating system that powers your NAS, enabling storage management, applications, backups, and security features.

Step 3: Configure Storage Pools and Volumes

Storage configuration is one of the most important steps in your initial setup.

Choose a RAID Type

Synology offers multiple RAID options depending on your goals:

  • SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID): Flexible and ideal for beginners

  • RAID 1/5/6/10: Offers redundancy or performance for more advanced setups

Choose the option that best matches your capacity needs and tolerance for drive failure.

Create Storage Pools and Volumes

Storage pools define how your drives work together, while volumes are where your data is stored. Use the Storage Manager in DSM to configure these settings easily.

Step 4: Create Shared Folders and User Accounts

Shared folders organize your data and make file access simple for users or teams. Common examples include:

  • Documents

  • Projects

  • Media

  • Backups

Next, create user accounts and assign permissions to ensure secure access control. Synology also supports integration with directory services such as Active Directory and LDAP.

Step 5: Configure Network and Security Settings

Before using your NAS in production, apply essential security enhancements:

  • Enable HTTPS for encrypted connections.

  • Activate 2-factor authentication

  • Change default ports for DSM access.

  • Enable the built-in firewall.

  • Set up QuickConnect or secure VPN for remote access

These steps help protect your NAS from unauthorized access and external threats.

Step 6: Install Important Synology Applications

Synology offers a rich ecosystem of apps through Package Center. Beginners typically start with:

  • Synology Drive for private cloud and file syncing

  • Active Backup for Business for PC, server, and VM backups

  • Hyper Backup for NAS-to-NAS or NAS-to-cloud protection

  • Snapshot Replication for instant rollback and ransomware defense

These tools turn your NAS into a powerful, multi-purpose platform.

Step 7: Test System Functionality and Begin Using Your NAS

Before fully deploying your NAS in daily operations, perform a quick test:

  • Upload and download files.

  • Verify user permissions

  • Run a small backup job.

  • Test remote access if enabled.

Once everything works as expected, your NAS is ready for real-world use.

How Epis Technology Ensures Successful Synology NAS Deployment

Many organizations require more than a basic setup; they need optimized performance, strong security, and a scalable storage architecture. Epis Technology specializes in delivering fully configured Synology environments tailored to business needs. The team evaluates your storage goals, selects the right RAID levels, configures networking, applies industry-standard security practices, and sets up automated backup workflows using Synology’s advanced tools. Epis Technology also offers ongoing monitoring, updates, performance tuning, and disaster recovery planning, ensuring your Synology NAS remains reliable, secure, and ready to support business operations long after deployment.

A Strong Start for Long-Term Reliability

A properly configured Synology NAS provides secure, high-performance storage that grows with your needs. By following this beginner-friendly setup process and leveraging expert assistance when necessary, you can build a foundation that supports everything from routine file access to mission-critical backups and enterprise applications.

About Epis Technology

Epis Technology provides enterprise IT infrastructure, Synology consulting, and data protection solutions for organizations of all sizes. The company specializes in Synology NAS deployments, large storage systems, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace backups, and hybrid cloud integrations. Through expert configuration, security hardening, ongoing optimization, and disaster recovery planning, Epis Technology ensures that your data remains secure, scalable, and always available.

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