Turn PowerMac G5 into server

Question

Turn PowerMac G5 into server

I replaced my PowerMac G5 with a new iMac. I needed an Intel Mac to run Adobe CS4. I feel like it's a waste of a perfectly good computer to let the G5 become a doorstop.

I was thinking of turning it into a server. I was going to download a demo of the Mac server OS, but they stopped offering it as a demo. Can I turn it into a Linux server? Any recommendations?

PowerMac G5, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Aug 14, 2009 9:11 PM

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Answer 1

Mac-Medic

Level 6

17,301 points

Aug 14, 2009 9:57 PM in response to SimonJester753

You can use OS X's built-in Web server.

I'm running this website right off my MacBook Pro that I'm typing this on.

http://bmer.servemp3.com/

There are instructions there on how to do it.

Dave M.
MacOSG Founder/Ambassador  An Apple User Group  iTunes: MacOSG Podcast
Macsimum News Associate Editor  Creator of 'Mac611 - Mobile Mac Support'

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Answer 2

Aug 15, 2009 8:38 AM in response to Mac-Medic

Don't you need a fixed IP address to run a server for the outside world? My DSL connection assigns the IP address every time you connect.

I'm more interested in a server to use on a local network for backups and file storage, than for web hosting, though I might do that, too.

My main reason for wanting a server is that I want to learn about running a server– learning by doing works best for me.

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Answer 3

The hatter

Level 9

61,031 points

Aug 15, 2009 9:41 AM in response to SimonJester753

What do you define as a server? a linux box was popular. You can run YDL, not sure of current versions (gave up on Suse on Mac).

What do you want to run on it? NAS?

Have alook at Atom-based (Intel) boxes? HP has a nice unit with 5-10TB of storage, eSATA and USB as well as internal drives, just needs a good giga switch.

For what it costs to run a G5, well, they do make nice room heaters in the winter, I don't think turning it into a server is always the best, and you are probably looking at spending on internal or external storage in most cases unless you have a storage array already.

Donate. There are lots of places in need that would be happy to have one, schools, charity organizations...

Windows Home Server SP2 $99 - even if you don't go for it, the WHS Bible or manual show how to get the most out of it (comes with many of your NAS boxes). Supports Macs, PC, iTunes, TimeMachine and more.

I'm sure there must be similar $499 devices or should.

This question comes up about once a week lately.

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Answer 4

Aug 15, 2009 10:23 AM in response to The hatter

I have no idea what I'd be running on it. I don't know much of anything about servers, but I'd like to learn. I've heard that Mac servers are the easiest to start on and that makes it easier to move on to Windows or Linux.

I don't have any real need for a server, except to learn about them, which I'd like to do to add to my professional skill set and make myself more marketable.

I'm not worried about energy usage, as I'd probably only have it on when I was home and using it.

We have servers at work. We keep client files on them and they get backed up to tape nightly. I've set up Backup on my Mac to backup my documents folder to the sever each night. I guess that's how I define a server.

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Answer 5

Mac-Medic

Level 6

17,301 points

Aug 15, 2009 10:26 AM in response to SimonJester753

Don't you need a fixed IP address to run a server for the outside world?

Not if you use something like no-ip.com.

Dave M.
MacOSG Founder/Ambassador  An Apple User Group  iTunes: MacOSG Podcast
Macsimum News Associate Editor  Creator of 'Mac611 - Mobile Mac Support'

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Answer 6

The hatter

Level 9

61,031 points

Aug 15, 2009 12:07 PM in response to SimonJester753

Using a server to manage multiple clients and accounts would require Mac OS X Server and not what you seem to need or want to do, though the administration part is easier. And you don't need the full Apache etc web services.

Apple TimeCapsule ? I don't think it comes close to the tools and services or features of even Windows HS, which is very popular for sharing and streaming media on LAN (like home network).

And yes there are multiple static IP services if needed.

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