📄 Using Documents on the History Society Website
The Documents section gives society members access to shared files such as research papers, meeting notes, newsletters, presentations, and other resources. These files are stored securely on our Synology NAS and are only available to logged‑in members.
Members can access Documents in two ways:
- Directly through Synology Drive
- Through the NAS Desktop (DSM)
Both methods show the same folders and files, and both enforce the same read‑only permissions.
🔐 Access Restrictions
Documents are Members‑only. Public visitors cannot see or access any files.
Within the Documents area, normal members have:
- Read‑only access
- No ability to upload
- No ability to delete
- No ability to rename
- No ability to reorganise folders
This ensures the shared material remains consistent and protected. Editors and cataloguers do have access to
📁 What You Will See
When you open Documents (via Synology Drive or DSM), you will see three main folders:
- Documents — general society files
- Photos — images used in presentations or publications
- Presentations — PowerPoint and PDF presentations
These folders are identical whether you access them through Synology Drive or File Station.
🧭 Access Method 1: Synology Drive
Most members will use Synology Drive, because it is simple and works directly in your browser.
How to access:
- Click Drive in the Members Resources menu
- You will be taken either to a login page or straight to Synology Drive. Any problems see help here.
- The shared folders (Documents, Photos, Presentations) appear immediately
What you can do:
- Browse folders
- Open documents
- Download files
- Preview PDFs and images
- Search for filenames
What you cannot do:
- Upload new files
- Delete or rename files
- Move files between folders
🧭 Access Method 2: NAS Desktop (DSM)
Members who prefer a more “desktop‑like” interface can use NAS Desktop in the Members Resources menu
This logs you into DSM, Synology’s full web‑based operating system.
What DSM gives you:
- File Station — full file browser
- Synology Drive — same interface as the direct link
- Synology Photos — access to Members and Public photo collections
Why use DSM?
- It feels more like a traditional computer desktop
- You can switch between Drive, File Station, and Photos easily
- You can see more file details (size, type, modified date)
Permissions remain the same:
Even inside DSM, members still have read‑only access to Documents, Photos, and Pre
sentations.
📂 File Station vs Synology Drive
Both tools show the same files, but they behave slightly differently.
Synology Drive
- Modern interface
- Fast previews
- Easy navigation
- Best for everyday use
File Station
- More technical
- Shows full file details
- Allows multi‑window browsing
- Useful for members who prefer a traditional file manager
Both enforce the same permissions.
🔒 Why Members Have Read‑Only Access
The Documents area contains:
- Historical research
- Official society records
- Presentation materials
- Curated photo sets
- Files used on the website
To protect these resources, only administrators, cataloguers and editors can modify them. Members can view and download, but not change anything. If you feel that you need enhanced permissions contact the
📥 Downloading Files
You can download any file you have access to.
In Synology Drive:
- Right‑click → Download
- Or click the file → Download button
In File Station:
- Right‑click → Download
- Or use the toolbar
Downloads work on all devices.
📄 Opening Documents
Synology Drive can open:
- PDFs
- Images
- Text files
- Office documents (with preview)
For PowerPoint or Word files, Drive shows a preview; you can download the file to open it fully on your computer.
🛠 Behind the Scenes (for those curious)
The Documents system uses:
- Synology Drive Server for browser access
- File Station for DSM access
- Role‑based permissions to restrict editing
- Synology Photos for linked images
- NAS Desktop login for advanced users
All access is controlled by your member login.
📞 Need Help?
For general website problems please contact the website administrator via the contact form and select Website.
If you cannot access the Members area or believe you should have additional permissions, please contact the website administrator via the contact form and select Member’s Access Problems.