Latest news with #storage
Geeky Gadgets
2 hours 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.
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Gizmodo
SanDisk 64GB mixroSDXC Card With Adapter Is Going for Nothing Thanks to Prime Day Effect
A lot of devices these days can have storage added via a microSD card. Seriously, consoles, phones, tablets, and even things like dash cams can sometimes be boosted with a good microSD card. It means that they stay in high demand pretty much all the time, which also means they hold their value really well. Because of this, any chance to save on a good microSD card is one that you should probably take if you've got a device that needs one. Right now, you can pick up a SanDisk 64GB Max Endurance microSD card with an adapter for just $16. It'd normally cost you $21, so while this is only a $5 reduction, that still equates to 24% off. That makes this thing an absolute steal, especially as these kinds of SD cards can be so useful. See at Amazon This style of microSD card is designed specifically for dash cams and security cameras. There are two reasons for this. The first is that it's designed to be able to be used over and over again over the course of a staggering amount of time. The other is that they're highly durable. It just means they do very well when outdoors, or in the kinds of temperature fluctuations you'd expect in a car. This particular microSD card is capable of being used to record and re-record up to 30,000 hours worth of video, which is a truly silly amount of hours. You could comfortably use this for over a decade without any major issues, and that's the kind of reliability you want from a microSD card. It's also the kind of reliability you want when using a security camera, so it's a great match. Then there's the durability. This thing's hardier than most homes. It's temperature-proof, waterproof, shockproof, and x-ray proof. It means that you'd have to really go for it to try and destroy it while it's in a device, at least when it comes to any conditions that might normally impact a security camera or a dash cam. You can even use this to save video in either full HD, which will allow for more video to be recorded at once, or in 4K, just in case you need the additional detail. This thing does an incredible amount of work for just $21, so being able to get it while it's down to just $16 instead is the kind of deal you should pounce on. See at Amazon
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
This UGREEN Data Storage Lets You Build an At-Home NAS for Less Than Prime Day Pricing
Photos, school projects, and work documents pile up faster than we notice. One day your laptop feels roomy, the next you are hunting for a spare thumb drive or paying another cloud fee just to store last month's video clips. A home server solves that headache and keeps everything in one secure spot that you own, not a distant data center. The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus 4‑Bay Desktop NAS turns any spare corner of the house into a private cloud that backs up every device, streams movies, and shares files with family members in only a few clicks. Head over to Amazon to get the UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus 4‑Bay Desktop NAS for just $595, down from its usual price of $700. That's a discount of $105 and 15% off. See at Amazon Setting up the NAS feels a lot like sliding books onto a shelf. Pop the front door, insert up to four standard hard drives or solid‑state drives, and lock them in place with the included tool‑free trays. The drives show up in the friendly web dashboard, where a quick setup wizard helps you choose a storage pool and turn on automatic backups for laptops and phones. If you change your mind later, the bays swap drives without powering down, so the system grows alongside your photo library rather than forcing a full rebuild. Inside, a quiet quad‑core processor and eight gigabytes of memory keep things moving smoothly even when several people stream or back up at once. That means you can watch a 4K movie on the living‑room TV while your partner syncs vacation photos and your teenager plays music upstairs. Two gigabit Ethernet ports handle fast transfers, and a pair of USB slots let you plug in an external drive for one‑button copies of old data. Because the unit sits on rubber feet and uses a smart cooling fan, it hums softer than most desk fans and tucks neatly beside a router or game console. Security is built in from the start. The NAS creates user accounts with individual passwords, so siblings see only their homework folders while parents keep financial records private. Daily snapshots guard against accidental deletes, and remote access works through an encrypted tunnel that shields traffic from snoops on public Wi‑Fi. A mobile app lets you browse files, stream music, or share a link while you wait in line for coffee. If you are tired of juggling flash drives or paying monthly fees for extra cloud space, giving your household its own shared hub is a smart step. The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus 4‑Bay Desktop NAS is still available for $595 at Amazon, a solid drop from the regular $700 price. See at Amazon
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
10 Things You Should Never Store In Plastic Containers
When it comes to storage, odds are you have a collection of plastic containers on standby in your home. While these products make tough, cost-effective solutions, sometimes they're not the best for the items you're actually putting inside. Here are 11 things experts say you should never store in plastic containers—and what the best storage substitutes are. Aaron Taub is the owner and leader of My Professional Organizer in Dallas. Becky Hardin is a blogger and founder of The Cookie Rookie. Grace Vallo is a self-taught chef, recipe creator, and blogger at Tastefully Grace. "I honestly don't feel comfortable putting raw meats in plastic containers for potential cross-contamination reasons," says Traub, who prefers to store them in glass containers instead. Simultaneously, it's always best to make sure whatever vessel you're using to house raw meats comes with an airtight, sealable lid. Open lids, or ones that open easily, can cause leakage, which is the absolute last thing you want with uncooked meat. Do you have that one bowl of Tupperware that's forever stained with the remnants of your beloved spaghetti sauce? That's because, according to our experts, tomato sauces and curries are best left out of this kind of storage. "The acidity in tomato sauces can cause the plastic to degrade and absorb odors over time," says Vallo. "Same with curries." But as for the left-behind reddish tint, Hardin says that this acidity reacts to the plastic and can causes chemical leaching. Whenever you're in a pinch and need a place to store the head of garlic you just peeled or fresh herbs from your garden, experts say to reach for anything except for plastic containers. "Foods with a strong odor such as onions, garlic, and certain cheeses can penetrate the plastic, which will leave it stained with the smell and potentially ruin foods stored in the container in the future," says Hardin. As for fresh herbs, Vallo says that plastic containers cause them to wilt and lose flavor quickly since they do not provide proper ventilation. Similar to herbs, fruits such as berries, avocados, and citruses should be left out of plastic, too. "Im a big fruit eater, and I've noticed that fruits like berries and avocados tend to go bad faster in plastic than in glass containers," says Traub. Additionally, Vallo says that the lack of ventilation in plastic containers causes fruits to get moldy and mushy because of the moisture buildup. "Hot food and liquids should never be stored in plastic containers as the high temperatures can cause the plastic to release harmful chemicals," says Hardin. "Always make sure to let food cool before storing in plastic containers." When you're cooking, it's important to know the type of foods you're making so you can put them in proper storage. Oily, fatty, and greasy food do not react well to plastic and should be put in better alternatives, like glass, according to our experts. "Foods that have a high oil content or produce a lot of grease can break down plastic over a long period of time, which puts the food at risk of being contaminated," explains Hardin. "Foods with a high fat content such as lasagna are best to avoid when it comes to plastic containers as the fat can absorb more chemicals from the plastic compared to other food types." Food isn't the only item that has a lot of limitations when it comes to using plastic storage. Some household items make the list of things to keep out of plastic tubs, and according to Traub, one of those is books. "Living in the South, I see many clients store books in large plastic containers in their garages. This would be fine in a temperature-controlled room, but with all the humidity, any trapped moisture can cause pages to warp or mildew to form, which can ruin books over time," he says. Traub also says that any leather you may have— in the form of purses, boots, jackets, and more—should be kept for away from plastic or placed in these storage items strategically to preserve the material. "Leather items like purses in plastic containers are okay if the container is kept in a cool, dry place," he says. "But if there's any moisture, the leather might develop mold or mildew and could even cause your leather to crack. If you're going to store leather items in plastic containers, I recommend using silica gel packets." Precious momentos like photographs sadly can be damaged if you leave them in plastic. "Plastic containers can damage photos if heat or moisture gets trapped inside," Traub warns. "They might even stick together or fade over time. I recommend using containers made specifically for photo storage to keep them safe for extended periods." "Keeping candles in plastic containers in a cool, dry spot could be okay," Traub says. "However, if the container is exposed to any heat or sunlight, the wax can soften or melt. I've had this happen before, and it created a mess and caused my candles to lose their shape." So with that in mind, choose wisely when finding a place to store your favorite wax candle so you can enjoy its scent and form. Overall, the material for storage for most of these items, especially the food, is glass. According to Vallo, glass is safe for most foods because it's nonreactive, stain resistant, and good for hot and cold things. Silicone bags are also a wonderful, eco-friendly option that you can wash and reuse. Read the original article on Southern Living
The Sun
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
The five cheap ways to HIDE cluttered toilet paper in your bathroom – and you won't need any extra storage
NOTHING ruins a chic bathroom like an old roll of toilet paper. But it turns out there are numerous ways to make the room feel luxurious and like a spa, while still keeping supplies stocked up. 3 Professional organisers have shared their best ideas for storing loo roll so it still looks fancy. Here are the top five…. 1. Lidded baskets Why not tuck away your toilet rolls in a stylish basket, which is a bathroom feature in itself? There are numerous options which could do the job, such as wicker ones with a lid. Petya Holevich, house cleaning expert and supervisor at Fantastic Services, suggested to Home and Gardens: 'Place a lidded basket or decorative storage box near the toilet, either on the floor or on a shelf. Choose a container that complements the bathroom's decor to keep it discreet. 'Opt for a box with a hinged lid for easy one-handed access.' 2. Add floating shelves Instead of putting your rolls in full view, why not add shelving to the walls which can help keep them hidden. Petya advised: 'Installing a floating shelf with a slide-out or lift-up compartment. A custom floating shelf above or beside the toilet can include a hidden compartment that opens with a push or lift mechanism. 'These are excellent for storing a few extra rolls while keeping them completely out of view. Make sure the mechanism is easy to operate even with one hand.' 3. Rolling carts Another option is to use a rolling cart, or a slide-out unit, which discreetly stores extra toilet roll supplies. 3 You can pick up a narrow option on Wayfair, which could be narrow enough to be housed between your toilet and sink. Choose a rolling cart with a solid back, like this one, so you could also turn it against the wall to hide the shelves from sight. 4. Base or upper cabinets 3 One of the main ways to hide toilet rolls is in a bathroom cabinet, which could be placed under or above a sink or by a toilet. Tammy Cailliau, bathroom supplier and owner of Tampa Bay Granite, added that if you are doing this, you should add something to protect the rolls from water. She said: 'We often recommend people use a plastic Rubbermaid storage tote or just an extra cover, to help elevate the bottom rolls off the base when storing in a base cabinet because a water leak from a P-trap under the sink can damage the rolls.' 5. Keep them out of the bathroom If you really don't have the space, you could remove spare toilet rolls from the bathroom altogether. In fact, some home organisers prefer to do this for their longevity as well as for aesthetic reasons. Some of the popular locations outside the bathroom include airing cupboards or a hallway cupboard. Sarah Day, storage expert at Pay Less for Storage, explained why this is beneficial. She said: 'Toilet rolls are by their very nature hugely absorbent. This means they soak up ambient moisture in the air, especially in condensation-filled bathrooms after a hot shower or a bath.' She said over time, damp and soggy toilet rolls can even harbour mould spores.
