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Date: June 1st, 2009
Article by: Jackie Mueller (Hardware Reviewer)
Edited By: Nathan Glentworth (Owner / Head Editor)
Product was submitted by: Synology
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PRODUCT INSTALLATION AND TESTING

Before installing any hard drives, it's a good idea to check the drive compatibility list on Synology's website to ensure the drives you are using are supported. Installation is very easy. The drives simply slide onto the rails with the SATA connectors pointing towards the back of the unit. Each drive is then secured with four screws that are provided.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each drive has its own power cable and SATA cable. They are short, but I was able to get everything plugged in without any trouble. At this point we are ready to close up the unit, plug in the power and LAN cables, and turn it on.

With the DS-209 powered on, we can insert the included CD and begin the setup wizard. There are a few other things on this CD too, including a full manual that I would recommend going through before beginning.

Clicking on the “Set up the Synology Server” link brings up a screen with the name, IP address, and status of the system. To go right to the interface, click on “Manage”.

After logging in with the admin account (the password is provided in the manual), you are greeted with a colorful, well organized interface with some quick links to commonly used tasks in the center of the screen. On the left side is where the remainder of the settings can be accessed. They are organized in a folder structure that will look familiar to anyone who has used Windows Explorer.