Synology NAS Setup Guide

UPDATED AUGUST 2026 FOR DSM 7.4

Also applicable to DSM 7.3 & 7.2

“The missing manual that should have been supplied with the DiskStation”

With superb functionality and ease of use through the acclaimed DSM operating system, Synology DiskStations are the NAS of choice for the discerning purchaser. Whether it is the storage and sharing of information, the streaming of videos, music and photos to computers and smart devices, video surveillance, or the ability to have a private cloud that allows access to information from anywhere without subscription charges, the DiskStation can do it. But this power and flexibility comes at a price and setting up a DiskStation for the very first time can seem a daunting prospect, especially as it is not supplied with a manual. This comprehensive, experience-based guide, with over 380 illustrations and screen shots and proven easy-to-follow instructions, will take you through the process from start to finish and help ensure that your home or small business network is a success. Covers working with Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebooks, Smartphones and tablets. Whether you have just purchased a DiskStation, are about to, or simply want to find out more about Synology NAS and DSM, this regularly updated guide has helped thousands of people over more than a decade and will help you.

Contents:

1 GETTING STARTED

2 INSTALLING DSM

3 SHARED FOLDERS

4 USERS

5 CONNECTING TO THE SERVER

6 SECURITY

7 BACKUPS

8 HOUSEKEEPING & MAINTENANCE

9 MEDIA & STREAMING

10 SYNOLOGY DRIVE SERVER & OFFICE SUITE

11 OTHER REMOTE CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS

12 STORAGE

13 SURVEILLANCE STATION

14 VIRTUALIZATION & CONTAINER STATION

15 MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS