Qfinder

Before we proceed with the NAS's installation, we installed Qfinder onto a PC that belongs to the same network as the NAS. Qfinder will allow you to find every QNAP server on the network if you don't know its IP address, or to set the NAS up without the cloud. Qfinder can also check for any available firmware updates since QNAP releases firmware updates quite often. You can even map network drives, search for network cameras, and shutdown or restart the NAS, or perform other such useful functions.

Initial Setup

There are two ways to start the setup procedure. The first is to type "start.qnap.com" into any browser on a client PC that is on the same network as the NAS once the hardware is ready and the NAS has been turned on. You will be asked to enter your cloud key after you have done so. Do and you will get to register the NAS by creating a myQNAPcloud account. You can also start the procedure in Qfinder.


This step will have you pick the usage model that best describes your needs. Based on your selection, corresponding applications will automatically be installed during initialization.


You will now only have to follow the steps of the quick setup guide.


The most important step is the RAID level selection of all installed HDDs. Whether you want to conduct a bad block scan is up to you as it will take some time to finish, but it is recommended.



The guide's last screen will summarize all the choices you have made. Hit the apply button and you will have to wait until all these settings have been applied. The whole process doesn't take long unless you picked a RAID level to synchronize.


You will be given access to the login page after the NAS has been configured. The login page for QTS 4.2 looks great!

QTS 4.2 & QNAP's Quick Start

According to QNAP, QTS 4.2 is more intuitive, convenient, and polished than QTS 4.1, and it features a much nicer interface. Its improved design minimizes unnecessary interference and clutter, and the redesigned interface allows even inexperienced users to quickly familiarize themselves with the OS and its different functions. The improved multi-tasking operation and enhanced modal windowing feature also enhances productivity. Like in a traditional Windows PC environment, you are able to minimize running apps in QTS 4.2 onto the task bar to easily switch between them. You can also drag and drop a desktop icon on top of another in order to group them together like in Apple's iOS. The three QTS modes, Tab, Window and Frameless, will allow you to use QTS more efficiently on the device you are accessing it with. Tab mode, for example, allows you to more conveniently switch between screens on a tablet, while Frameless mode improves the browsing and viewing experience of photos in Photo Station.


The first time you log into QTS 4.2, you will be greeted by Quick Start, which will offer to take you through a quick but highly informative tour that will familiarize you with the NAS's major functions. Exploring some of the capabilities of your new NAS server, this is a good guided tour to take if you have never used a QNAP product before.