TechKnowSurge
CompTIA Tech+ 2.5 CompTIA A+ Core 1 2.4 CompTIA Server+ 2.5 CompTIA Server+ 3.3 CompTIA A+ Core 2 1.6 CompTIA Server+ 2.3 CompTIA A+ Core 2 2.5
TechKnowSurge Catalog Videos Network Attached Storage (NAS)
VideoComputeFree

Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a dedicated device that connects to a network switch and provides shared file access to all devices on the network. This content covers how to configure a NAS, create user accounts, set up shared folders, and access those shares from a Windows client machine.

⚑ Complete this video to capture a CTF flag worth 1 point.

About this video

Network Attached Storage, commonly referred to as NAS, is a dedicated device that plugs into a network switch via a standard network cable and serves as a centralized file repository for all devices on that network. Unlike direct-attached storage, a NAS makes its contents available across the entire network without requiring a host computer to be running, making it a practical solution for both home networks and small business environments. Synology is one of the leading NAS manufacturers, and its management interface provides a straightforward way to configure storage and access controls. Setting up file sharing on a Synology NAS involves two foundational steps: creating a user account and creating a shared folder. A new user is added through the Control Panel, assigned a password, and given standard user-level permissions — without administrative access. A shared folder is then created through File Station, given a name, and configured with read/write permissions for the appropriate user accounts. This permission structure ensures that only authorized users can access specific shares on the device. Accessing the NAS from a Windows client is done using the Run dialog or the Windows+R shortcut, entering the device's IP address in UNC format with double backslashes. After authenticating with the user credentials configured on the NAS, the shared folder appears and behaves like a standard network location. Files created or saved to that share are immediately visible on the NAS itself, confirming that the storage is accessible and functioning correctly across the network.

What you'll learn

What's covered

Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Aligned to

CompTIA Tech+
2.5 Compare and contrast storage types.
CompTIA A+ Core 1
2.4 Summarize services provided by networked hosts.
CompTIA Server+
2.5 Explain server roles, features, and services.
3.3 Given a scenario, implement group policies and access controls.
2.3 Given a scenario, configure and maintain server functions and features.
CompTIA A+ Core 2
1.6 Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking on a client desktop.
2.5 Given a scenario, manage and configure basic security settings in the Microsoft Windows OS.

Key terms

Network Attached Storage
NAS
A file-level storage device connected to a network that provides centralized data access for multiple clients, functioning as a dedicated file server. NAS devices use standard network protocols such as NFS and SMB/CIFS to share files across a LAN.
Shared Folder
A directory on a networked device that has been made accessible to other users or computers on the same network.
Authentication
The process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system.
Authorization
The process of determining what actions or resources an authenticated user is permitted to access.
Access Control
A security mechanism that restricts access to resources based on policies, roles, or identity.
IP Address
A numerical label assigned to each device connected to a network that uses the Internet Protocol.

Topics

Network Attached Storage File Sharing Networking Access Control Windows Client User Permissions

Transcript

What a network attached storage is

One way that we can share out files across our network is using a network attached storage. A network attached storage is a device that we can plug into our network via a network cable, so that we can share out files across that network.

This is an example of just a home network, or a small network with a few devices on it. A network attached storage is a device that we can attach into our switch and then give access to files across any devices that we have on this network, and so we call this a network attached storage.

One of my favorite devices on my network is my Synology drive. I have three of these and I use them for a lot of different things. Synology is the name of the company, but this is a network attached storage, and this network attached storage has a network adapter, so I can plug it into my network, then I can get onto it and share out files to the rest of my computers.

Creating a user

I have logged on to one of my Synology drives, and what we are going to do is take a look at how we can configure it to share out files.

The first step is that I am going to create a user, so that I can share files to that user and log into the file system as that user. To add a new user to this, I am going to open up the control panel and click on User, and then within User I am going to create a new user. We are just going to call this demouser, all one word, and then I have got to give it a password, so I will create a password.

Once I have created the password for this, I am going to click on Next here and start giving it permissions into the system and what I want to give it permissions into. For instance, this is just going to be a user, so I am not going to give them access to the administration or any of these other areas. We will just keep it simple, so User. Then I am going to create my own folder here, so we will create one here in a second. I will keep all the defaults here and finish this up.

Creating a share

Next we need to create a share on here. I am going to click on File Station. You can see I already have some shares popping up here, but I am going to create a new share for this purpose. I am going to give it a name of demo share, and we will give it the same description here, select any options that I want to have, and click on Next. I do not want to encrypt things at this point, so I am just going to click Next and hit Apply.

Now I have got this folder here that I have created that is going to be shared out on the network. I do have to set who has permissions to actually get into this, so I am going to give read/write access to both the admin here, well, it already has it, and the demo user here. So I will click on read/write here and click OK to apply those changes, so that the demo user can now get into that demo share.

Connecting from a client

I am on my demo laptop here, and what I am going to do is open up the start menu and type in run. There are many different ways to get to this, but this is one of the ways I like to get to it, just using the Run menu. Another way you could open this up would be the Windows R button.

Then I am going to do a backslash backslash and the IP address. The IP address of this machine is 192.168 4214. I am going to hit enter. It is going to ask me to authenticate, and this is where my demo user account comes in, and then I am going to grab the password here, paste the password inside of there, and hit OK.

Here we see that demo share right here. I can open this demo share up, I can right-click, and I am just going to say create a new document. I will call this hello, and just say this is a test, and then we will save that.

I am back on my Synology NAS drive, so I am going to click on this demo share right here, and there is my hello document that I saved on here. So now this is shared out to the rest of the network, and you just need to log in using that demo user account and then you are able to see and use this share.

About TechKnowSurge

TechKnowSurge builds IT and cybersecurity professionals through hands-on, concept-first training built around real understanding — not memorization. Free interactive tools, structured programs, and 25+ years of real-world experience, all in one place.

Explore free tools and programs →