DiskStation Manager 4.2 Tour. Part#1

Along with several fixes and improvements, DSM 4.2 also offers several new features over DSM 4.1. For starters, the storage manager now allows you to designate some HDDs as hot spare disks. You can also perform S.M.A.R.T. tests according to your individual schedule, the file services support the SMB2 protocol, and transfer rates for the Apple File Protocol have been improved significantly.

The package center has been redesigned, and you are now able to browse packages by categories, or search for specific packages. Screenshots are included to give you a preview of the app before installing it.

Regarding security features, a 2-step verification has been added as an extra layer of security to the user's DSM account. Once 2-step verification is enabled, anyone trying to access your account will need your DSM password and a one time 6-digit code that is displayed on your smartphone. An account-activity option has been added as well. Finally, a Denial of Service (DoS) protection option is now also available, and you should have the ability to manually add IP addresses to your "Block and Allow" lists, which will help in protecting your network.

DSM 4.2 also has a task scheduler and Bluetooth, network UPS, and network printer support. Some Wi-Fi Hotspot and connectivity enhancements were also added. Here, we should note that DSM 4.3 is around the corner with more updates, options, and fixes.


The most important icon on the desktop is probably the control panel because it provides access to all settings and functions. All choices are categorized into four main categories: File Sharing and Privileges, Network Services, System, and Application Settings. The icons used are quite self-explanatory and won't confuse you.


These options allows you to enable the FTP service. It allows users to upload or download data from your NAS via FTP.


By enabling WebDAV, you can remotely manage and edit files or calendars stored on the NAS.


You can create new users and groups and assign access permissions to them through the "User" and "Group" choice. You should enable the guest account since it is deactivated by default; that is, if you want to make some folders on the NAS accessible to anyone.


This group of options allows you to add your NAS to a directory service as a Windows domain or LDAP client.


The Web Services panel allows you to setup your website through Web Station, which is integrated with support for PHP and MySQL.


If you don't have a static IP, you can register a DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System) hostname, which allows your NAS to be accessed from anywhere since you will know its address on the net.


QuickConnect is a solution that can help client applications connect to your NAS via the Internet without setting up any port-forwarding rules.


Your NAS needs to have a static IP on your network for you to configure the rules for your router.


A built-in firewall in DSM 4.2 can prevent an unauthorized login and controls which services can be accessed. You can also allow or deny access to certain networking ports from specific IP addresses. This group also allows you to control the outgoing traffic of services running on your NAS.


Auto block gives you the ability to prevent an unauthorized login.


The terminal services options can be enabled through these settings.