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

This video goes over how to setup a Synology NAS for the very first time for completely new beginners. It runs on the new Synology DSM 7.2 Operating system that just came out in 2023. It goes over the initial process of setting up the Synology NAS all the way to accessing files off of it using MacOS finder or Windows File explorer. This tutorial works with all Synology NAS units from a DS923+ up to any Rackstation. This tutorial is geared for people who has never installed a Synology or any other NAS before.

Product recommendations*:

#synology #nas

Next Videos to Watch for Beginners: (in order mentioned at end of video)

Other Videos Mentioned:

TOC:
00:00 Introductions
02:36 Installing your hard drives
04:31 Connecting to network ports and turning on your NAS
06:30 Installing DSM
09:10 Initial Settings Walkthrough
14:27 Exploring the DSM Interface
16:11 Setup Drives (pools, volumes, RAID)
20:17 Should you encrypt your volume?
23:31 Data Scrubbing
25:36 SMART Tests
27:36 Shared Folders
31:01 BTRFS Snapshots
34:49 Basic Security Settings
36:00 Power Settings (and beeping)
38:36 Emptying the Recycling Bin
39:47 Permissions
42:45 Other Recommended Videos for Beginners
45:25 Conclusion

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[WillViquez]

First off, I really love your shirts! I can't thank you enough for all your videos and the information you share. Your delivery is spot on—friendly and easy to understand. My wife always says you remember people by how they make you feel, and you, sir, are very kind and approachable. You have a great gift, and I appreciate you sharing it with the world. Thank you!

[BeauMcKeeRecordings]

I am extremely thankful for you Space Rex. Theres just no way i would've bought a Synology without these invaluable guides. DS923+ en route!

[jeagle]

Found many guides on NAS, but your videos are by far my favorite. Very concise and clear, it makes me feel very confident diving into getting my own as a beginner. Thank you!!

[Hall]

Thanks. I'm brand new to NAS. This guide was easy to follow and very informative. You are providing a valuable service to Synology NAS owners.

[ckenisell]

Normally I don't post on YouTube videos, but because of you, I bought a DS1821+ (my first NAS) with three 20TB Seagate Iron Wolf Pros and just now set it up by following your video. Thanks for the information! I can't wait to learn more about what it can do.

[Mikertt]

Thank you so much Will. This was my first time ever attempting a setup of a NAS. I just got my Synology DS223 yesterday and I was glad to see your video recommendation a few days ago on YouTube. You touched on every important aspect for beginners and we all appreciate it.

[mtownsend]

You Sir are an absolute hero. I bought a Synology DS223J on the strength of your review and have now spent the last three hours setting it up with the help of your excellent video. I honestly wouldn't have had a clue where to start but not only do you take it step by step but you explain why it should be done in a certain way and what the alternatives are. I hope someone from Synology puts you on the payroll, or links your channel in their FAQ's. It's a niche subject and you deserve more subscribers, but for those who are needing the information I doubt there is a better contributor. Your tutorials are clear, concise and superbly produced and am most grateful for the time you have taken to put this information together. I salute you!

[InvisageStudios]

I so badly wish you also did videos like this for QNAP systems. So thorough!
I wish I had this kind of education prior to setting our QNAP NAS up rather than trial by error.

Keep up the great work!

[tomdegnan]

Just set up my NAS and followed your instructions the entire way! Thank you!

[AlanChunkyMunky]

I cannot describe how useful this video is! just set up a synology for the first time and this video was the PERFECT step by step! you are THE MAN

[Whooooper]

Thank you so much for your amazing video with no fluff, straight to the point and with crystal clear instructions, thank you!

[steverosenblum]

I cannot thank you enough for this video, and your other videos! I set up a couple of older Synology NASs last year and was confused during the process. And I am a technically very sophisticated person, first took programming in 1971! This was exactly what I needed. If I ever need more specific services I will certainly tap you for consulting.

[redmadjr]

I have owned my Synology NAS for almost 4 years and was scared to death to do anything on it, until now. I believe you had not started this yet or I did not find you on youtube. I am also happy the versions are easier to understand but I still missed so much on my initial setup 4 years ago. I watched this excellent setup video and corrrected everything I missed 4 years ago and now feel much more comfortable that I can take this on. I am now following your channel Will. I will start watching your list of basic things to do and try not to be intimidated by a piece of hardware and menu selections. One thing for sure I will try to watch your videos first and foremost.

[ceedig]

This video was absolutely critical for setting up my first NAS. Thanks for doing this!

[koonYwong]

First time synology user had been wanting to try a NAS for a while. Just got a DS220+ on sale, great starter video and very easy to follow!

[pylonsquelch]

Thanks for your videos! I've watched dozens, they've helped me through the buying process and setup so far.

[billd]

Thanks so much. I normally consider myself an "advanced user", but this is my first NAS and it's a good thing I didn't plunge in alone because I know nothing! This video has proven to be invaluable and we just scratched the surface! I can't imagine what a storage admin in an enterprise has to know, though it seems that there is a lot of crossover with what an MS systems engineer deals with.

Thanks again, Will - I will be viewing a lot of your other stuff as well.

[djexel]

Wow! Just purchased my first NAS (Synology of course!) and you got me up and running with little hassle. Thank you for this excellent tutorial!

[richardharmon]

Absolutely one of the greatest guide videos I have EVER seen . Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for your invaluable direction

[AndreNeufeld]

Great video! Have been a proud owner of a DS920+ for a couple of years now, and I did picked up several things from your video that I didn't know about. Like very much the style, pace and quality of your videos.