Latest news with #Synology
Geeky Gadgets
6 days ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
UGREEN vs Synology : Which NAS System is Right for You?
Imagine investing in a storage solution only to realize it doesn't quite meet your needs—whether it's too rigid for your creative projects or too complex for your small business. Choosing the right Network Attached Storage (NAS) system can feel like navigating a maze of technical jargon and competing priorities. Enter UGREEN and Synology, two distinct players in the NAS market. While Synology is a household name renowned for its reliability and polished ecosystem, UGREEN is an up-and-coming contender offering innovative performance and flexibility. But which one truly aligns with your goals? The answer depends on what you value most: stability or innovation, simplicity or customization. In this comparison, SpaceRex explores the unique strengths and trade-offs of UGREEN and Synology, breaking down their hardware, software ecosystems, and target audiences. Whether you're a tech-savvy home lab enthusiast seeking high-performance hardware or a business owner prioritizing seamless data management, this piece will help you uncover which system fits your needs. Along the way, we'll highlight surprising insights—like how Synology's shift toward proprietary drives could limit future upgrades or why UGREEN's flexibility might come with a steeper learning curve. By the end, you'll have a clearer picture of which NAS solution is not just a tool but a partner in your digital workflow. UGREEN vs Synology Comparison Performance and Hardware: Speed vs. Stability UGREEN focuses on delivering high-performance hardware at competitive prices. Its systems incorporate modern CPUs, DDR5 RAM, and faster networking options, making them ideal for users who demand speed and flexibility. For instance, UGREEN devices equipped with Intel Quick Sync CPUs excel in hardware transcoding, which is particularly beneficial for media streaming and virtualization. Additionally, UGREEN separates its operating system from data drives, enhancing both performance and adaptability. On the other hand, Synology prioritizes reliability and stability over innovative performance. While its systems often feature older CPUs, they are optimized for energy efficiency and seamless operation. Synology's hardware is tightly integrated with its software, making sure a smooth and consistent user experience. However, starting in 2025, Synology's shift toward requiring proprietary drives in newer models may limit hardware flexibility, which could deter users seeking more customization options. Operating Systems and Ecosystems: Flexibility vs. Maturity Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) is a mature and user-friendly operating system renowned for its extensive features and third-party app support. It includes tools like Active Backup for Business, MS365/Google Workspace integration, and robust data protection options such as snapshots and cloud backups. However, Synology's tightly controlled ecosystem, while reliable, restricts customization opportunities for advanced users. UGREEN's Ugo Pro OS, although newer, offers a familiar interface for users transitioning from DSM. While it lacks some of DSM's advanced features and polish, UGREEN compensates with flexibility. Users can install alternative operating systems or use Docker for containerized applications, making it an attractive option for tech-savvy individuals. However, this flexibility often requires a higher level of technical expertise, which may not appeal to general users. UGREEN vs Synology : The Battle for NAS Supremacy Watch this video on YouTube. Discover other guides from our vast content that could be of interest on NAS (Network Attached Storage). Media and Backup Capabilities: Simplicity vs. Customization Both UGREEN and Synology support media streaming, but their approaches differ significantly. UGREEN provides a theater application and relies on Docker to configure Plex, offering greater customization at the expense of simplicity. Synology, in contrast, supports Plex natively, making sure a straightforward setup for media enthusiasts. Although Synology has discontinued its Video Station app, its native Plex support ensures a smooth and hassle-free streaming experience. In terms of data protection, Synology stands out with advanced backup solutions, including snapshots, cloud integration, and Active Backup for Business. These features make it a strong choice for businesses and users prioritizing data security. UGREEN, while offering basic backup features, lacks the comprehensive tools found in Synology's ecosystem, making it less suitable for users with complex data protection needs. Target Audiences and Practical Applications UGREEN is tailored for advanced users, home lab enthusiasts, and those seeking high-performance hardware for demanding tasks like virtualization, Docker containers, and media transcoding. Its flexibility and modern design appeal to users who value customization and control over their NAS systems. Synology, on the other hand, is designed for businesses and general users who prioritize reliability, ease of use, and a mature ecosystem. Its tightly integrated hardware and software provide a dependable, long-term solution for managing data and applications without requiring extensive technical expertise. Limitations and Considerations Each system has its drawbacks, which may influence your decision: UGREEN: While powerful, UGREEN lacks some enterprise-grade features, such as advanced email notifications and built-in VPN servers. These omissions may limit its appeal for business environments. Additionally, certain configurations could lead to performance bottlenecks if not optimized properly. While powerful, UGREEN lacks some enterprise-grade features, such as advanced email notifications and built-in VPN servers. These omissions may limit its appeal for business environments. Additionally, certain configurations could lead to performance bottlenecks if not optimized properly. Synology: Synology's reliance on proprietary drives in newer models restricts your ability to customize or upgrade storage. Furthermore, its use of older CPU technology may not meet the needs of users seeking innovative performance for demanding applications. Build Quality and Design: Innovation vs. Functionality Both UGREEN and Synology deliver high-quality build materials and thoughtful designs. UGREEN's tool-less design and modern aesthetics stand out, appealing to users who prioritize innovation and ease of use. Synology's design, while less flashy, emphasizes functionality and durability, aligning with its focus on reliability and long-term performance. Future Outlook: Emerging vs. Established UGREEN is rapidly evolving, with frequent updates and improvements expected as it continues to establish itself in the NAS market. Its focus on high-performance hardware and flexibility positions it as a strong contender for advanced users and tech enthusiasts. Synology, with its proven track record and extensive support network, remains a reliable choice for businesses and general users. Its commitment to ecosystem integration and long-term support ensures continued relevance in the NAS landscape, even as new competitors emerge. Making the Right Choice Your decision between UGREEN and Synology ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities: Choose UGREEN if you value high-performance hardware, flexibility, and customization. It's an excellent option for advanced users and home lab enthusiasts who want control over their NAS setup. if you value high-performance hardware, flexibility, and customization. It's an excellent option for advanced users and home lab enthusiasts who want control over their NAS setup. Choose Synology if you prioritize reliability, ease of use, and a feature-rich ecosystem. It's the better choice for businesses and general users seeking a dependable, long-term solution for data management. By carefully evaluating your requirements and understanding the strengths and limitations of each system, you can select the NAS solution that best aligns with your goals and ensures optimal performance for your specific use case. Media Credit: SpaceRex Filed Under: Hardware Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Android Authority
6 days ago
- Android Authority
I tried going self-hosted but Google Drive is just too convenient
Karandeep Singh / Android Authority A network-attached storage (NAS) is supposed to give you an alternative to cloud storage — one that's safer, more private, and free from monthly subscriptions. A lot of home users may still consider those strange black boxes nerd territory, but Synology wanted to make the transition easier for Google Drive users. Its own alternative, deceptively named Synology Drive, is made to offer Google Drive-like storage. While it sounds compelling in theory and is genuinely useful in many cases, Synology's solution didn't feel quite there when I switched over. Google has mastered the art of making things seamless — something I sorely missed on my NAS. Here's how it went for me when I switched to Synology Drive — and why my fondness for Google Drive grew even more. Would you ditch Google Drive for a self-hosted alternative? 0 votes Yes NaN % No NaN % Synology Drive has got it all This wasn't the first time I tried going all-in with Synology Drive. When I first got my NAS a few years ago, I gave it a shot and came out impressed. The interface still looks quite similar to Google Drive — from the side menu and right-click options to the columned layout and shortcuts at the top. It's clearly designed to feel familiar to anyone coming from Google Drive. But Synology didn't stop there — it built its own office suite to complement Drive. You get a Docs alternative, one for Slides, and one for Sheets. Of these, I use the document editor the most because that makes up most of my everyday work. I wrote a few pieces in it, and the experience was alright — it handles basic formatting well and has most of what you'd expect from Google Docs. Synology Office even lets you share access with others — both on your local network and publicly if remote access is enabled using QuickConnect. Your collaborators can leave comments, and everyone can see each other's cursor live. Sounds familiar, right? Synology really did try to mirror Google's suite. It's got AI too — but at what cost We often talk about how good Google and OpenAI's AI tools have gotten. But Synology has also been quietly building its own platform to integrate AI into its mail and office apps. However, if you expected it to be as seamless as Gemini in Google Drive, you'd be mistaken. It inherits the DIY nature of setting up a NAS. Synology doesn't have its own large language model — the foundation of tools like Gemini. Instead, it offers Synology AI Console in beta, where you can set up AI using supported models like Gemini, OpenAI, and others. You have to get an API key (often paid) to set up your own AI server that integrates into Synology Office. I used Gemini since the Gemini 2.0 Flash API doesn't require a paid plan for a limited number of free tokens. The process to set up AI in Synology Office is too involved and technical for most people, especially someone getting their first NAS. I managed to set it up — the AI worked surprisingly well inside the docs app, helping with summaries, grammar, tables, and whatnot. But the process is too involved and technical for most people, especially someone getting their first NAS. And these AI features haven't come to Synology Drive yet. So, you can't ask questions about your files like you can with Gemini in Google Drive. Google Drive is the benchmark for convenience I don't say this lightly — Google Drive is the best cloud storage service for everyday users. It now comes with Gemini, which helps with everything. You can ask it to summarize folders, read your files, convert plain text into tables, find sources — all of it. And the best part? You don't have to lift a finger to enable Gemini in Drive — or any Google app. I can't believe I'd one day call Google force-feeding AI a good thing. At least I don't have to mess with API keys to get basic AI tools. I also don't have to deal with slow upload speeds on my home network or the risks of messing with router port forwarding that could expose my data. My modest home internet with a small router just can't match Google's enterprise-grade servers, making large file transfers painfully slow on the NAS. Synology Drive feels stuck in time, while Google has given Drive a fresh, modern look that feels like a product from 2025. On the other hand, Synology Drive looked like Google Drive when it launched — but it hasn't had a visual update in nearly four years. It feels stuck in time, while Google has given Drive a fresh, modern look that feels like a product from 2025. And I certainly don't want to be stuck in the past. Another drawback with Synology Office is its proprietary file extension. It can open .docx files, but only after converting them, which sometimes messes things up. And this format makes sharing harder, especially when someone needs to download a copy. Also, Google Drive has far, far, far more third-party integrations. For instance, a simple issue I hit was that Grammarly didn't work when editing in Synology Office. Synology Drive has its shining moment Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Like Google Drive (yeah, again), Synology Drive has a desktop client that syncs folders both ways, so changes reflect across devices, or you can back up files to your NAS. It's been fantastic for keeping my stuff backed up, especially my Downloads folder, which is overflowing with random, years-old but important files. My Synology NAS is still the main place where I store everything long-term. It's also where I back up full-quality family photos using Synology Photos. But that's where files go after I'm done using them — for archival or future reference. For everything else, including my active projects, Google Drive is the place. It's my default for everything — no other service comes even remotely close.
Android Authority
7 days ago
- Android Authority
How I use Synology and Google Photos to build the perfect photo backup system
Andy Walker / Android Authority Google Photos is the go-to photo backup app for quite literally everyone. It's fast, reliable, and everyone has a Gmail account, so it's the most accessible app out there for backing up your family memories. It's got tons of smart features and uses AI like no other photos app, from its almost magical AI editing to something as simple as natural language searches. It just works. However, a lot of things have weakened the case for Google Photos. For instance, I have to deal with media compression to save space — otherwise, I'd be hitting storage caps if I were to upload everything in full quality. Or worse, I'd have to keep upgrading my subscription and pay Google more every few months just to preserve my media in original quality. My current plan wouldn't even last a couple of months, and 2TB isn't worth the fee for me, despite the perks. I'd rather get my own storage for the same price — and I don't mean an external hard drive that awkwardly dangles from my computer. Would you consider moving away from Google Photos? 0 votes Nope, never ditching Google Photos NaN % Maybe, if I find a nice alternative NaN % I already use a hybrid setup like Synology + Google Photos NaN % I invested in a Synology NAS a few years ago. While it has streamlined my digital life but my most prized setup remains Synology Photos. It has changed how my family and I back up our media and turned it into a unique system. I'll tell you how I pieced it together and why it's perhaps the go-to strategy for a lot of home users who own a NAS. For once, I don't mind a clone Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority We all know how good Google Photos is. It's the benchmark in smart media management that all other apps should look up to. Besides its AI perks, it's also the easiest tool to create cross-platform shared albums. I have numerous of them with my family and friends, all of which I treasure. So, it was out of the question that I'd ditch the app entirely, no matter the platform I'm on. I want all the convenience, but I wanted something that didn't cap me in any way. When I first got my trusty Synology DS920+, I played around with a lot of its built-in features. What stood out were Synology Drive and Photos — almost exact replicas of Google's apps, as if Synology was trying to make things familiar for people switching over — if their names weren't already a dead giveaway. Synology Photos has quite a lot of similarities with Google Photos, from the general layout to facial tagging for easy searches. You can create albums, share media with your family, cast them to your TV, add widgets that auto-rotate your photos, and whatnot. And the best part — you're not limited by cloud storage capping. Sky's the limit (or the remaining hard drive space). I'll admit Synology Photos isn't the most intuitive app by far, so it's not something I'd want to use every day. It feels more like a 'tool' you pull out when needed — which is why I needed a middle ground. Why pick one when you can go hybrid? Rita El Khoury / Android Authority I didn't want to give up Google Photos and was tempted by the freedom Synology offered. So, I did what any sane person would do — I included both in my setup. And they now work beautifully together. Google Photos remains my primary app to access media on my phone. It's fast, easy, and always accessible. Most importantly, I'm not missing out on the thousand AI features Google keeps adding. Whenever I need to look up an old photo, I fire up Google Photos like it's muscle memory — even on iPhone. It's my default for quick photo editing and album sharing too. Synology Photos is my bottomless pit where I dump all my high-res photos in bloated formats while all my 4K videos stay crisp. Meanwhile, Synology Photos also gets the same copies of my media — but in full quality. It's my bottomless pit where I dump all my high-res photos in bloated formats while all my 4K videos stay crisp. All our phones and devices back up to the NAS with zero worries about running out of space, poor internet, or compressing files. My NAS is my safe space for all our family media. Things happen to our devices and the cloud all the time. Even if I hit the limit with Google Photos, lose my phone, or accidentally delete something from Google, I know a full-res copy still exists on local storage. They live on a server I control, and won't be subjected to random cloud policy changes I must reluctantly agree to. My only hiccup Rita El Khoury / Android Authority But there is one downside to this otherwise flawless system. Indian summers don't let me run the NAS all day — it'd fry the drives if I did. In the little window that it works every day, there are times when Synology Photos misses backing up some media. And if it goes on for a few days, I end up with a backlog of unsaved photos. It's made worse by the fact that I don't open the Synology Photos app on my phone that often, putting it in deep sleep, I have to wake it from every few days — or weeks — depending on my memory. That's the only hiccup in this otherwise fully automated setup. How the twins play together nicely Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority This setup is the reason I can get by with the basic Google One plan with 100GB shared across my family. Since our photos go up only in storage saver mode, we're all well below that limit. And the full-res versions? They're safe on the NAS. It actually aligns with the expert-recommended strategy of keeping an off-site backup for extra safety. And this dual strategy works really well for anyone tired of ballooning Google One bills, but who can't stop taking a zillion photos and videos on vacations. And honestly, you shouldn't either — capturing memories over everything else, always! This dual strategy actually aligns with the expert-recommended strategy of keeping an off-site backup for extra safety. If you're a first-time NAS user or on a tight budget, any brand would work in case you want something to just set and forget, though Synology Photos remains more intuitive among NAS offerings (not a high bar). Even 8TB is more than enough for regular home use and storing 'unlimited' photos, while Google handles all the smarts in a low-storage version of your library. That double backup is far more trustworthy and gives extra peace of mind. And given how moth-eaten and torn my old, physical photo albums are, I wouldn't take any chances with my memories.
Channel Post MEA
30-06-2025
- Business
- Channel Post MEA
Synology Rolls Out DiskStation DS1525+
Synology has announced the launch of the DiskStation DS1525+, a compact and high-performance storage solution, designed for small and medium businesses, as well as professional users. 'The DS1525+ offers a powerful foundation for data management and collaboration,' said Owen Liao, product manager at Synology. 'With evolving needs for data management, it's designed to deliver business-grade performance, scalability, and reliability.' Superb Performance and Scalability To ensure optimal performance for demanding applications, the DS1525+ is equipped with dual 2.5GbE ports and can be upgraded to 10GbE using the E10G22-T1-Mini module. Two M.2 slots enable the creation of an all-flash cache or storage pool to accelerate high-performance workloads. In performance testing, the DS1525+ achieved SMB sequential throughput of up to 1,181 MB/s read and 1,180 MB/s write using SSDs. The DS1525+ is engineered for scalability, supporting up to two 5-bay DX525 expansion units, allowing for up to 15 drives total. This provides up to 300 TB of raw storage1 capacity, enabling businesses to scale their infrastructure as their data needs grow. To ensure consistent performance and reliability, the DS1525+ is designed to operate with compatible hard drives. It follows a carefully curated drive compatibility framework, backed by over 7,000 hours of rigorous testing. DSM on the DS1525+ requires the use of compatible hard drives2 for installation. Versatile Features for Business Workloads Powered by Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM), the DS1525+ offers a wide range of tools for business data management: Synology Drive transforms the system into a private cloud with cross-platform file access and site-to-site syncing. Active Backup Suite provides centralized backup for Windows, Linux, macOS devices, virtual machines, and cloud services, with flexible off-site options. Surveillance Station enables scalable video management and real-time intelligent analytics to safeguard physical assets. Availability The Synology DS1525+ is available, starting June 25, 2025, through Synology's network of partners and resellers worldwide. For more information, visit the DS1525+ product page.
Geeky Gadgets
11-06-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Why Your macOS Keeps Crashing with Synology NAS and How to Fix It in 2025
Imagine this: you're in the middle of editing a high-resolution video in Final Cut Pro or color grading a project in DaVinci Resolve, and your macOS system suddenly crashes. Frustrating, right? For many creative professionals, this scenario isn't just a one-off—it's a recurring nightmare, especially when working with a Synology NAS for file storage. These crashes don't just disrupt your workflow; they can cost you hours of progress and potentially compromise your deadlines. The good news? These issues are often rooted in fixable problems like compatibility conflicts or resource bottlenecks, and with the right approach, you can reclaim your system's stability and focus on your craft. In this coverage, SpaceRex uncovers the most common causes behind macOS crashes when paired with Synology and creative software like Lightroom, Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro. From network misconfigurations to outdated software, you'll learn how to identify and address the culprits that are derailing your projects. Beyond troubleshooting, we'll also explore strategies to optimize your macOS setup for demanding creative workflows, making sure smoother performance and fewer interruptions. Whether you're a video editor, photographer, or designer, these insights will empower you to take control of your system and keep your creative momentum alive. Because when your tools work seamlessly, your creativity can truly thrive. Fixing macOS Crashes with Synology Understanding the Causes of macOS Crashes Crashes involving macOS, Synology NAS devices, and creative applications are often linked to compatibility issues or resource limitations. Common causes include: Outdated Software: Running older versions of macOS, Synology DSM firmware, or creative applications can lead to conflicts and instability. Running older versions of macOS, Synology DSM firmware, or creative applications can lead to conflicts and instability. Network Misconfigurations: Unstable connections or improper protocols, such as using AFP instead of SMB3, can disrupt file transfers and cause crashes. Unstable connections or improper protocols, such as using AFP instead of SMB3, can disrupt file transfers and cause crashes. Resource Overload: Insufficient CPU, RAM, or storage resources during tasks like rendering or large file transfers can overwhelm the system. Insufficient CPU, RAM, or storage resources during tasks like rendering or large file transfers can overwhelm the system. Driver or Plugin Conflicts: Updates to macOS may introduce incompatibilities with third-party drivers or plugins used by creative software. For example, transferring high-resolution video files between Synology and a creative application can strain system resources, leading to crashes. Similarly, macOS updates may render certain plugins incompatible, further destabilizing the system. Effective Troubleshooting Steps Resolving these crashes requires a systematic approach. Follow these steps to identify and address the underlying issues: Update All Software: Ensure macOS, Synology DSM firmware, and creative applications are updated to their latest versions. Updates often include critical bug fixes and compatibility enhancements. Ensure macOS, Synology DSM firmware, and creative applications are updated to their latest versions. Updates often include critical bug fixes and compatibility enhancements. Optimize Network Settings: Use a stable, high-speed connection like Gigabit Ethernet for file transfers. Configure your Synology NAS to use the SMB3 protocol, which offers better compatibility with macOS. Use a stable, high-speed connection like Gigabit Ethernet for file transfers. Configure your Synology NAS to use the SMB3 protocol, which offers better compatibility with macOS. Analyze System Logs: Review macOS system logs to pinpoint error messages related to crashes. These logs can help identify specific issues, such as memory allocation errors or problematic plugins. For instance, if DaVinci Resolve crashes during rendering, system logs might reveal a GPU memory issue or a conflict with a specific plugin. Addressing these errors directly can resolve the problem and prevent recurrence. Fix macOS CRASHING with Synology Lightroom, Premier, Final Cut Pro, Davinci Watch this video on YouTube. Dive deeper into macOS with other articles and guides we have written below. Optimizing macOS for Creative Workflows To enhance performance and reduce the likelihood of crashes, consider optimizing your macOS setup for resource-intensive tasks. Key strategies include: Close Unnecessary Applications: Free up system resources by shutting down background programs that are not essential to your workflow. Free up system resources by shutting down background programs that are not essential to your workflow. Upgrade Hardware: Adding more RAM or switching to an SSD for scratch disk storage can significantly improve performance when working with large media files. Adding more RAM or switching to an SSD for scratch disk storage can significantly improve performance when working with large media files. Customize Application Settings: Many creative applications allow you to adjust settings for GPU usage, memory allocation, and cache management. For example, optimizing cache settings in Lightroom or Final Cut Pro can improve handling of high-resolution files. These adjustments ensure that your system is better equipped to handle demanding tasks, reducing the risk of crashes and improving overall efficiency. Preventative Measures for Long-Term Stability Taking proactive steps can help you avoid future crashes and maintain a stable system. Consider the following measures: Regular Backups: Use Time Machine or third-party tools to back up your data. Redundant backups ensure you can recover files in the event of a crash or system failure. Use Time Machine or third-party tools to back up your data. Redundant backups ensure you can recover files in the event of a crash or system failure. Verify Compatibility Before Updates: Before installing macOS updates, check for compatibility with your creative software and Synology DSM. Waiting for developer confirmations can prevent unexpected issues. Before installing macOS updates, check for compatibility with your creative software and Synology DSM. Waiting for developer confirmations can prevent unexpected issues. Perform Routine Maintenance: Clear application caches, update firmware, and monitor system health to keep your macOS and Synology NAS running smoothly. By implementing these measures, you can minimize disruptions and maintain a reliable workflow for your creative projects. Best Practices for Seamless Integration To ensure a smooth experience when using Synology with macOS and creative software, follow these best practices: Use Wired Connections: A wired Ethernet connection provides faster and more stable file transfers compared to Wi-Fi. A wired Ethernet connection provides faster and more stable file transfers compared to Wi-Fi. Enable SMB3 Protocol: Configure your Synology NAS to use SMB3 for improved compatibility and performance with macOS. Configure your Synology NAS to use SMB3 for improved compatibility and performance with macOS. Organize Media Files: Efficiently organizing your files reduces the load on both your NAS and macOS system, improving overall performance. Efficiently organizing your files reduces the load on both your NAS and macOS system, improving overall performance. Monitor Resource Usage: Use macOS Activity Monitor or similar tools to identify and address potential bottlenecks in CPU, RAM, or storage usage. Use macOS Activity Monitor or similar tools to identify and address potential bottlenecks in CPU, RAM, or storage usage. Use Community Resources: Consult user forums, support documentation, and online tutorials for application-specific optimization tips and troubleshooting advice. Adopting these strategies can help you maximize performance, minimize crashes, and create a more efficient workflow. Media Credit: SpaceRex Filed Under: Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
