Mac mini As a Server or Just Transition to iCloud?

iNexxFear wrote:

Hello,

With the recent expansion options available to iCloud, is it still worth using a Mac mini as a File Server/Home Theater Device?

I'm considering the cost and options and effectiveness, I typically only need one device in the household since its what I use and if I transition to iCloud I can save resources by not needing the device running, the storage connected and maintenance. Essentially lightening the carbon footprint and extra items in the home.

Yes I think so and use one of my 2012 Mac mini's with a 1T SSD as a File and Media Server.

In most cases, the Mac mini has a very very small foot print compared to the other devices in a Home Theater setup.

Additionally the iCloud would offer an off-site safe keep for my data in the cloud with the options to expand since I can pay for that service. In the long run depending on the iCloud storage plan I need I can see where the cost effectiveness really would pay off, not needing to maintain that hardware, electricity etc and need for any other third party back up solutions.

iCloud is not a true backup that you can totally recover from like a Time Machine or a Clone backup on an external drive.

I'd plan on probably still archiving that data to a local HDD for safe keeping or internet outage, etc...

That is a good idea. You should always keep a minimum of two local backups.

Personally I keep at least 3 full local backups. A Time Machine backup on an external HDD, a daily CCC backup on an external SSD and a weekly CCC backup on an SSD that resides in the Fire Safe.

Also with Apple I feel "safer" with my information being secured in the iCloud than maybe some other services but do understand now days with all the cyber security risks that having it on the cloud means for exposure, but then again if someone hacks in through my router and has enough knowledge that running Mac mini housing the data is still at the same risk.

Just wondering what others are dong now a days, are you leveraging a NAS, Mac mini, Local backups only or transitioned to iCloud/Other service platform as I'm contemplating here.

Sorry I don't and I never use Cloud services for a couple of reasons. I don't trust them, but mostly because I do not like paying a monthly subscription for anything. (not to Apple, not to Netflix, especially not to Disney, not to anyone for anything)

I backup my iPhone and iPad to my Mac, which are also backed up in the Mac's local backups.

Interested in your thoughts and feedback. Thanks!

I personally am using an old MacMini as a home file/media server. I do it because unless there is a power outage it is always available. With any cloud service, you are susceptible to internet outages (which tends to happen when you need access the most). Internet outages can have a multitude of different points of failure. Then there is the outages of the cloud services themselves, though better than in the early days. While these services are pretty secure they can be vulnerable to attacks not just for data gathering but to disrupt the service itself. Another is that the mass of content on the server can be pretty much accessed by any device that I have in a local and secure way. The only point of failure in my home network is the router and the Mini used as a server. The advantage, if there is a network issue, if worse comes to worse, I can always disconnect a drive from the server and plug it in where needed.

I personally use cloud services for what they are best at, an easy means of sharing data across devices. I can upload rom one device and download to another via the cloud service. Generally, most things are easier to transfer that way than device to device, especially when they reside in different techno-ecosystems.

Then there is one other point, the old Mini continues to be used instead of ending up in a landfill where "recyclers" end up dumping old outdated tech.