A simple way to backup your files to a NAS

Introduction: The Importance of Backing Up Your Files

Backing up your documents and computers is crucial, and thankfully, there are plenty of tools available to help you do the job. One that I’ve found particularly reliable, especially when using a NAS, is ChronoSync. ChronoSync has been around for a long time and excels at backing up Macs, syncing folders between multiple devices, or even syncing with cloud services like Amazon S3 or Google Cloud.

I personally use a Synology NAS at home to back up my important files, photos, and projects. After trying nearly every backup solution for Mac over the past 15 years, I’ve found that the combination of ChronoSync and my NAS has been the most reliable and efficient method. At its core, I use ChronoSync to automatically copy my most important data to my NAS throughout the day. My NAS then keeps snapshots of that data for a set number of days.

But before diving into how this setup works, I want to emphasize that this is only one part of a complete backup strategy. Relying solely on cloud services for your data storage can be risky due to potential data loss, corruption, or access issues due to hacking or terms of service violations. Plus, while some cloud services offer versioning, it's not true backup and often doesn't support all file types.

The 3-2-1 Backup Strategy

You might have heard of the 3-2-1 backup strategy. This means keeping three copies of your data: two on different types of media (e.g., your computer and an external drive), and one stored offsite. There are many tools you can use to achieve this redundancy, ensuring you have copies of your most important files in multiple locations. Losing data can be devastating, so taking these extra precautions is worth it.

‍

Why ChronoSync and NAS Are a Great Backup Solution

Let me walk you through how I use ChronoSync and my NAS as essential tools in my backup process. This process ensures that my files remain secure and easily recoverable.

Setting Up Your Backup with ChronoSync and Synology NAS

Step 1: Create a Shared Folder on Your NAS

First, we need to create a shared folder on your Synology NAS. This folder will serve as the destination for your backups.

• Open Control Panel on your Synology NAS.
• Navigate to Shared Folders, and click on Create.
• Name the folder (e.g., "ChronoSync" or "Backups").
• Choose the volume where the share will be stored.
• Disable the Recycle Bin option, as we'll rely on snapshots for data recovery.
• If desired, enable encryption—but be aware that this might complicate the snapshot process. For simplicity, I leave this off.

Once you've set up the folder, assign user permissions, giving your account read and write access. Now, you’re ready to connect to this share from your Mac.

Step 2: Connect to the NAS from Your Mac

• On your Mac, open Finder and click Go in the menu.
• Select Connect to Server or press Command + K.
• Enter the IP address or name of your NAS, then connect.
• If prompted, enter your username and password.
• Open the shared folder you just created.

Step 3: Set Up ChronoSync

• Download ChronoSync from the official site. You can start with a 15-day free trial to see if it works for you.
• Install ChronoSync and open the app. It will likely start the setup assistant, but I recommend skipping it for now.
• Create a new Synchronizer Task. Give it a descriptive name (e.g., "iCloud to NAS Backup").
• On the left side of the task window, select the Source—this is the folder you want to back up (e.g., your iCloud documents folder).
• On the right side, select the Destination—this will be the folder on your NAS that you just created.

Step 4: Configure Backup Settings in ChronoSync

• In the middle of the task window, change the operation to Mirror Left to Right. This ensures that any changes made to the source folder (additions, deletions, or modifications) are mirrored on your NAS.
• Enable Synchronized Deletions so that deletions on the source side are mirrored as well. You can select the option to Delete Immediately.

At this point, you’re set up to start backing up your data. Click Analyze to preview the files that will be copied, then return to the Setup tab and start your first synchronization.

Step 5: Install Snapshot Replication on Your Synology NAS

Now, let’s add an extra layer of protection by using snapshots.

• On your NAS, open Package Center and search for Snapshot Replication.
• Install the package and open it.
• Go to the Snapshots tab, where you'll see a list of all your shared folders. Select the folder you created earlier for ChronoSync backups.

Step 6: Configure Snapshot Schedule

• Click Settings and set up a snapshot schedule based on your preferences. For instance, I like to take snapshots multiple times a day because my data changes frequently.
• Choose the frequency (e.g., every 4 hours) and how long you want to keep snapshots (e.g., 7 days).
• Enable Make Snapshot Visible so you can easily restore files if needed.

Restoring Files from Snapshots

With snapshots, you can easily recover deleted or modified files by accessing the snapshot folder in Finder. Simply browse through the available snapshots, locate the version of the file you need, and drag it back to your desktop.

Scheduling Regular Backups

To ensure continuous protection, set up a schedule in ChronoSync for automatic backups. Go to the Organizer Window, select your task, and click Schedule. You can configure it to run daily at specific times, syncing your files to the NAS just before your scheduled snapshots.

Conclusion: Backup Testing and Offsite Solutions

It's essential to periodically test your backups to ensure they work when you need them most. Regularly restore files from your snapshots to verify everything is functioning as expected.

Remember, ChronoSync and your NAS are just one part of a larger backup strategy. I also back up my files to an offsite location using Synology's Hyper Backup to Backblaze B2. Following the 3-2-1 backup rule will give you peace of mind, knowing your data is protected.