Hearthkeep and Synology Photos
Synology Photos is the photo app on a Synology NAS. Hearthkeep Home installs like any program on a computer at home, with no NAS needed, and keeps the family tree, stories and recipes beside the photos.
Side by side
| Synology Photos | Hearthkeep Home | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on | Synology PhotosA Synology NAS. | Hearthkeep HomeA computer at home: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), or Linux. |
| Built around | Synology PhotosEach person’s own space, and a shared space for the household. | Hearthkeep HomeOne archive for one family, which everyone adds to. |
| Family tree, key dates, stories, recipes | Synology PhotosNot part of the app. | Hearthkeep HomeKept beside the photos. |
The tree beside the photos
Move across the family tree and open anyone: their page has their photos, their stories and their key dates.
What the main computer needs
- Always onA computer that can be on most of the time.
- Storage spacePlenty of room: ideally 1 terabyte or more.
- Graphics card — optionalThe AI runs without one, just slower. A card makes faces, search and the rest much faster.
- Docker — optionalIf you know it, run it that way.
Your family’s computers
Your computer runs the archive, or we do. Other computers in the family can help.
- A standbyA relative’s computer keeps a copy and takes over when yours is off.
- An encrypted backupA copy at a relative’s house that they cannot read.
- An AI helper computerA computer with a graphics card finds faces for the archive and keeps no photos.
Questions
Do I need a NAS?
No. Hearthkeep Home runs on a computer at home: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), or Linux.
Do I need a graphics card?
No. Faces, pets, photo search and transcribing run without one, just slower. A card makes them fast.
Do I need Docker?
No. If you’re familiar with it, you can run it that way.
What if the main computer is off?
Add a relative’s computer as a standby. It keeps a copy and takes over when yours is off.
Start your family’s archive.
Leave your address and we’ll tell you when Hearthkeep opens.
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