Can the mac mini 2018 run headless 24/7

I realized that I can't edit my original post but I have found https://support.apple.com/guide/security/welcome/web and the table of contents has a lot to offer.

I am beginning to think that if I have I have FileVault turned on a T2 or security enclave Mac that the login window will over ride the Automatic Login option in the Users and Groups System Preferences pane.

As I write this, I checked the security guide and found this:

Volume encryption with FileVault in macOS

… … … After a user turns on FileVault on a Mac, their credentials are required during the boot process.

I don't use FileVault. Regardless, will the login window, whether obliged by FileVault or triggered as a result of automatic login being switched off show up at all on another Mac that has requested for a screen share session.

Hi Loner, that was a very helpful reply. Actually I am not running Apple's Server software (MacOS Server) but I appreciate the info on how Apple's server solution has changed (watered down) over the years; (some of its functionality migrating over to the Sharing Preferences pane).

Thank you kindly for your reply!

The rest is just FYI with no relation to the topic at hand.

Ah, the server software I run is CrushFTP which is Java based. It does much more than just the FTP protocol. That said I only expose an FTP connection with explicit FTP with TLS and a Lets Encrypt cert with no fallback to plain FTP. Not to go off topic but the software is brilliant and the support staff have been first rate without falter.

One more point, I just bought the i3 based 2018 MacMini which is the lowest end but it will truly cover my needs. What I don't like about this model is the soldered on PCIe based SSD (shame on you Apple and yes, I know, I can hang an external SSD but still. Apple is just building a point of contention that becomes apparent as the machine ages and storage space becomes a potential challenge, aka a reason to upgrade). What I do like however; is the removable RAM that can go up to 64GB (nice one).

Hi MrHoffman

I appreciate the reply and links, thank you.

(notes in this reply are not related to the topic at hand)

In my case, I am using CrushFTP which I am most happy with.

The Synology is a solid device from what I have heard and many customers stand by their product line.

I prefer a Mac over a Synology only because it gives me more choices as an "appliance" if you will. The choices the Mac platform offers me in terms of server side options offered by closed and Free/OpenSourceSoftware are plentiful and cover a wide gamut and that is appealing to me because it allows me the opportunity to discover new ideas that are out there, try them out and fail or succeed at deploying them.

Brew.sh is also important to me as I end up installing packages that add more functionality. On my old Mac mini 2010 core2duo I was limited due to 10.13.6 being pretty much abandoned by Brew and Apple so I knew that it was a matter of time before I would need to upgrade my hardware. In terms of the CrushFTP it continues to work but Brew is that important to me. MacOS, not so much.

The Mac appeal, for me, over say a Synology are all those things plus the external expansion options that are available for consideration. Unfortunately, Apple today is making their machines more and more closed leaving only external bus expansion as a way to grow the system. I wish Apple wouldn't do that because it turns people's desks into a jungle of cables but that aside I think the Mac mini is still a great option for server side apps and as a general Mac to tinker with.

Of course the nice thing about Synology is that it does the things it does and does them well. People love their Synology devices.

Thanks again MrHoffman!

Thanks for the reply. To suggest that I consider another platform to run an FTP server on is much easier said than done.