Server - Uses for a household

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Level 2

219 points

Server - Uses for a household

Curious as to what I might be able to gain out of utilizing a server for my home. I am at a loss on what a server may bring to the household. I would like a way to be able to share a single photo and itunes library for my wife and I (and maybe one day my kids). Is there a good use for a server for the household?

Since I have an old core duo white imac I will be upgrading to a new imac or mac mini and I am very curious if I should go the server route with Lion.

Will also be upgrading my MBP to Lion when it comes out.

Would greatly appreciate responses listing some of the benefits and pitfalls. Thanks for your help in advance.

MBP 2010, Mac OS X (10.6.8), iPhone 4

Posted on Jul 15, 2011 5:37 PM

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Answer 1

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PAHU

Level 6

16,705 points

Jul 15, 2011 6:06 PM in response to klwzscale

If you just want to view photos and stream iTunes to other Mac's and iOS devices in the home, then you don't need OS X Server, the client version will do the job fine. Server can be a bit tricky if you have not used it before and with your small home network I suggest that it would not offer you any benefits.

And if you are going to get Lion the second it is available, then I suggest you make a bootable backup of 10.6.8 in case your applications and peripherals stop working with Lion. Carbon Copy Cloner is a great utility for making a bootable image to an external HD. Then if Lion does break your apps you can boot off the USB connected external HD.

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Answer 2

klwzscale Author

Level 2

219 points

Jul 16, 2011 6:10 PM in response to PAHU

Thanks for your feedback.

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Answer 3

BobHarris

Level 9

53,117 points

Jul 17, 2011 8:20 AM in response to klwzscale

I have a Mac mini with lots of external storage that I use for network backups. This is it main purpose.

I also use it as an in-home web server.

Others use server for music, pictures, and movies shared with all the home systems.

Another use is to set your home server up as a VPN server, and then when you are in a public WiFi hotspot, you VPN back to your home server and surf the web, access mail, etc... as if you were at home. More secure when using an unknown network with unknown other systems sharing the bandwidth.

A home server could also be the print server (unless you already have network capable printers). Very useful if you also install AirPrint Activator that then allows your iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad to print through your Mac to any shared printer.

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Answer 4

baltwo

Level 9

62,362 points

Jul 17, 2011 2:24 PM in response to klwzscale

Adding to PAHU's recommendation. If you're MBP has FW ports, use a FWHD, since transfer rates are significantly faster than using USB. See for a comparison WRT Carbon Copy Cloner: http://help.bombich.com/kb/troubleshooting/backup-performance

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Answer 5

klwzscale Author

Level 2

219 points

Jul 17, 2011 4:08 PM in response to baltwo

I do have FW 800 on my mbp. Will perform the CCC via it.

Thanks

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Answer 6

Apr 1, 2015 9:32 AM in response to BobHarris

I Have a 2006 MacMini and am toying with the idea of using it as a Server for my home network. I like your idea of setting up a VPN so I can VPN back when am away from home. I know nothing about Server and how to set it up. Could you point me to a good book or website so I can educate myself about Servers.

thanks.

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Answer 7

BobHarris

Level 9

53,117 points

Apr 1, 2015 10:31 AM in response to waxwingDr

Could you point me to a good book or website so I can educate myself about Servers.

I have not implemented a VPN server on a Mac. I just know there are people that like to do that sort-of thing.

The easy route is to get the Mac OS X Server upgrade for Mac OS X, which includes a VPN server easy setup.

Or Google for "Mac OS X setup VPN server" and you will find hits.

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