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Can a web site be created and hosted using OS Mountain lion server installed on a Mac mini?

I am new to Mac computing, "I recently purchased my first Mac." Now I am considering adding a Mac mini with OS Mountain lion server installed on it to my growing list of apple gadgets. Would someone please tell me whether or not I will be able to create a web site and host it using only OS Mountain lion server installed on a Mac mini. I understand that if I am able to host the web site, that I will not be able to use that particular Mac for any other purposes or the web site will not be available online. I am open to other ideas/suggestions for creating and hosting a web site, but "prefer a system or application that will allow me to create and host the site myself." (familiar, but not expert with coding.)

Mac mini, OS X Server

Posted on Nov 30, 2012 12:30 PM

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Posted on Nov 30, 2012 12:51 PM

I have a Mid 2011 MacMini Server & use Apple's iWeb software to create websites. I haven't tried hosting my website on my computer (though it is possible) when I can get reiliable web hosting for $48 a year I'd rather save my self the headache.


You may be able to find mor info on hosting your site localy in the Lion Server section of the forum:


https://discussions.apple.com/community/servers_enterprise_software/mac_os_x_lio n_server


Some of what I have done with iWeb:


http://jeffnitschke.com/Web.html

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Nov 30, 2012 12:51 PM in response to Mak Book

I have a Mid 2011 MacMini Server & use Apple's iWeb software to create websites. I haven't tried hosting my website on my computer (though it is possible) when I can get reiliable web hosting for $48 a year I'd rather save my self the headache.


You may be able to find mor info on hosting your site localy in the Lion Server section of the forum:


https://discussions.apple.com/community/servers_enterprise_software/mac_os_x_lio n_server


Some of what I have done with iWeb:


http://jeffnitschke.com/Web.html

Dec 1, 2012 3:31 AM in response to Mak Book

Mak Book wrote:


I understand that if I am able to host the web site, that I will not be able to use that particular Mac for any other purposes or the web site will not be available online....

Totally untrue. OSX is a fully multitasking/multithreaded operating

system. Once the web server is up and running it is like any other

task on a computer,


I will say that if you are working on any app that uses lots of CPU,

lots of memory, lots of disk access, or lots of network bandwidth

it will slow down access to the website. This would be true of any

server, beit Mac, Windows, or Linux.


Also, with that said, if you do intend multiple uses, max out

the RAM and get faster hard drive (maybe even SSD).


Also, Jeff's approach is quite attractive and there are a

multitude of hosting services out there. The biggest advatage

of that approach, all you need to deal with is the code for the

website.

Dec 13, 2012 3:20 PM in response to Jeff Nitschke

Thanks Jeff! I viewed your website, and found it extremely helpful, especially what you did with iweb. If you ever decide to host your site on your Mac mini, update me on that status. Actually, it would not be a headache for me, it would be a challenging learning experience, but I may defeat my purpose, and end up paying for reliable hosting anyway.

Dec 14, 2012 3:27 AM in response to Mak Book

Mak Book wrote:

... I simply want a small website to begin web developing and hosting.

If that is the case, you will be much better served by a

web hosting service to start.


Your internet connection to your own server can be

costly and just a real pain depending on your ISP.

The ISPs do not really like having people running websites

on their networks and not getting revenue for it, so they

make it difficult and force you to pay extra for things like

a fixed IP address.


Cable companies change your IP address periodically to

defeat non-commercial subscribers from website hosting.


You will also be on your own for getting and maintaining

your unique domain as well.


The various web hosting services supply all this at a pretty

low monthly fee, some including domain name.


So, you will have to weigh, not just the costs, but the headaches

involved in webhosting locally or with a service.

Dec 28, 2012 11:42 AM in response to Mak Book

Thanks Woodmeister50 and Jeff Nitschke for replying to my post. Your replies have been extremely helpful. I did a little more research and found that I can use the Server App to configure, start and stop, two or more websites on any OS Server computer, including a Mac Mini. Additionally, there are at least three methods for hosting websites on an OS Server computer: IP address, domain name, and Port Number.


Now that I know that I can host a website on a Mac Mini. Can anyone tell me if OS X Server comes with a built in web site developer or would it be best to use software such as Dreamweaver. Since iWeb is no longer supported by Apple, can someone reccommend an alternative web development software to build this website on a Mac Mini. (familiar, but not expert with coding)

Can a web site be created and hosted using OS Mountain lion server installed on a Mac mini?

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