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Guys, if we’re already paranoid enough to be interested in a product like this, don’t make us paranoid to even want to “get started” using a product like this.

Sounds like a scam, even if they are totally legit.

Yes, but is this them being assholes, or them wanting to make sure that users aren’t making their system unreliable? I think there would be a huge distinction there.

For example, say a user wanted to create a cache drive using an SSD. But because the user doesn’t know better, they buy the cheapest crap they can find, install it, and set up caching. But because they’re using cheap shit, the drive is slow and the user reports poor performance, system hangups, and other instability.

Wouldn’t it be in Synology’s best interest to say “here’s a list of drives we know will give you the best experience.”?

Now, Synology has already done that, but users are ignoring it and continue to use poor storage drives expecting to use pretty sophisticated features. What now? Well, Synology disables those features.

For example:

De-duplication, lifespan analysis, and automatic HDD firmware updates could also disappear on non-approved drives

Um, yeah. That makes sense. If a shitty hard drive can’t reliably get firmware updates through the NAS, why on earth would they want to keep that option enabled? Same with lifespan analysis. If a crappy drive isn’t using modern standards and protocols for measuring and logging errors and performance data, Synology really can’t “enable” this to work, can they?

That’s what I think is happening. Although, this could be just greed, too. I don’t think there’s any real problem for most users, unless they say that we can’t use fairly common, high-quality NAS drives from Seagate or WD and must use their own branded drives. I’d have a huge problem with that.

Are we overreacting? Hasn’t Synology always had a list of “certified” drives for their NAS’, which end up being the same HDDs we would tend to use anyway?

I can understand that they don’t want people using any garbage storage drives, which could increase failure and make Synology NAS’ look unreliable.

Unless something has changed, this is how they’ve always done it, just like how every laptop manufacturer will say which RAM and storage works best (for reliability and performance) on their machines.

Yes, incoming.

Outgoing is another can of worms.

I try to run any of my iot devices on an isolated network. At most, they can see eachother, and that’s it.

Some devices need an internet connection, unfortunately.

The best you can do, if you’re unable to block their collection outright, is to run them through a tracker-blocking DNS (either self-hosted or something like Adguard DNS).

That can minimize unnecessary pings home.

Personally, if I think that a device is being malicious in their attempts to phone home, I stop using the device. I also try to make an effort to not get a smart device, if the alternative (unconnected option) works fine.

Digital minimalism is one way to protect ourselves from rampant data collection and profiling.

On my Synology NAS, I have it set to auto-block IPs after a few failed attempts. Some days, I’ll have like 50 of those come through at a time (all random addresses from random countries). Other weeks or months can go by without a single one.

So, I think it’s one of those “matter of time” deals, so as long as you are properly locked down, it should be viewed as normal.

Take the money and tell him to fuck off. He’s a con artist. Have him lose at his own game.

I don’t know if it works in iOS, but I found that Moneymanager EX was by far the easiest to set up.

Basically, you keep the database on your NAS and run the software client on Windows, Android, etc. and just open the file from there.

But I’m considering Firefly III just for the web interface (no software client needed).

That’s the difference between ethical governing and the unethical abuse of power.

If you want liberals to “get everything they want”, and ignore democracy, they’d have to do it unethically.

Wouldn’t it be better if everyone played by the rules, and governed like they are actually working in the best interests of voters?

Man, after decades, why does GIMP still have a marketing problem?

Just visit https://www.gimp.org/ and compare it to https://www.adobe.com/ca/products/photoshop.html

Just assume both did exactly the same thing and cost the exact same amount (free or otherwise). Which would you choose based on their website?

Why does GIMP (and pretty much all FOSS) have to be so secretive about their product? Why no screenshots? Why not showcase the software on their website?

It’s so damn frustrating that every FOSS app appears to be command line software, or assumed that the user knows everything about it already.

Devs, you might have a killer piece of software, but screenshots go a long way to help with gaining interest and adoption.

I love Audiobookshelf, my main complaint is the Android app crashes when killed by Android (so when I try to open it I get a message about it crashing and then have to reopen it). That might just be a me thing.

Hmm, I’ve been using Audiobookshelf on my Android phone(s) for at least the last year without issues like that. Are you using the F-droid or Play Store version? I’m using F-droid if that matters.

As I’ve been making an effort to replace apps with the browser version of the service. It’s so abundantly clear that companies don’t want you using their website.

Even if they don’t outright cripple functionality, they’ll hound you endlessly to install the app.

It’s infuriating to say the least.

My 90s bike.

Most of the components have certainly evolved when you look at a modern counterpart.

But it’s still fully repairable, serviceable at home or on the trail, extremely reliable, and doesn’t require any firmware updates or batteries to use 😄

• Cantilever rim brakes.
• Square tapered bottom bracket.
• Cup and cone hub bearings.
• External cables.
• Friction shifters (may latest “upgrade”!)
• Steel frame.

So much about it is “outdated”, but I love the hell out of it.

EDIT: Photo of my metal steed in “winter mode”. LOL

A friend of mine was a manager at a fairly upscale women’s clothing store.

She said that even at 95% discounts, they could turn a profit.