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Synology DiskStation DS119j

 & John R. Delaney Contributing Editor

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

Our Expert
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65 EXPERTS
43 YEARS
41,500+ REVIEWS

Front View

A strip of black trim on the front holds a power switch and three LED indicators (system status, drive activity, and LAN activity).

Side View

The enclosure measures 6.5 by 2.7 by 8. 9 inches (HWD) and has a glossy white finish with a Synology badge on the right side.

Rear Panel

The rear panel holds two USB 2.0 ports, a Gigabit LAN port, a reset button, and a power jack.

Control Panel

The Control Panel is where you go to do things like assign user rights, create shared folders, configure network settings, and enable push, email, and text message alerts for when system errors occur.

File Station

In File Station you can read and move files, modify file structures, search for files, view and edit file attributes and privileges, and share file links.

Package Center

Use the Package Center to see what apps have been pre-installed and to install new apps.

System Health

When you first start DSM you’ll see the above-mentioned icons on a desktop screen along with a System Health window that displays CPU and RAM usage.

About Our Expert

John R. Delaney

John R. Delaney

Contributing Editor

My Experience

I’ve been working with computers for ages, starting with a multi-year stint in purchasing for a major IBM reseller in New York City before eventually landing at PCMag (back when it was still in print as PC Magazine). I spent more than 14 years on staff, most recently as the director of operations for PC Labs, before hitting the freelance circuit as a contributing editor. 

The Technology I Use

I do all of my writing on my aging but trusty Lenovo Thinkpad T460.

At home I have two wireless networks running: one for streaming, gaming, and other day-to-day networking tasks, and another for testing all sorts of smart home devices including smart plugs and switches, lighting, indoor and outdoor security cameras, home security systems, air conditioners, smart grills, robotic lawn mowers, pool cleaners, and whatever else finds its way to my door.

It’s not uncommon to find people standing in front of my house taking video of a robotic lawn mower traversing my lawn during the summer months. Now if only someone would come up with a robotic snow blower, I’d be all set. 

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