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How to setup user accounts to retrieve and save user data on log on /log off?

Hi


It's probably a n00b question, but I can't figure out how to set up the user accounts to automatically retrieve and save user generated data on client Macs when they log on and off. Is this at all possible?


I'm helping out a friend at a private elementary school where they have the following setup:


1x Mac Mini running OS X Server on 10.8.5 with 10 adult accounts and about 35 pupil accounts.

7x MacBook Pros for teachers (mobile for classroom/home)

6x iMacs for teachers (stations at teacher's lounge)

7x MacBook Pros for pupils to borrow at certain classes.


It's all connected via Apple Airports using a bridged network as well as the stationary machines are cabled.


Obviously they want the users to be able to log on and off on all machines and be able to do their work as usual and then when logging off, the data should be sent back to the server so that if they log on to another machine later, the same data is downloaded to this machine. Pretty standard stuff, right?


What happens now is that files are only stored locally on each client machine, nothing is sent to the server and vice versa. I've removed every local accounts and force them to log in using their credentials stored on the server and of course connected it using the options in Users and Accounts login on each mac.


I've tried googling, but can't really find anything that helps.

Posted on Aug 4, 2015 4:26 AM

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1 reply

Aug 4, 2015 6:19 PM in response to EOX Studios

You have your login credentials stored on the Server, but what is needed is Home Directories on the Server.


You are describing (for fixed computers) is an older way of doing business that was popular for computer clusters (not portable). The User's Home Folder is created and kept on the Server at all times, and when they log in, their files appear. Not copied -- they are accessed off the Server through File Sharing. Theses are now called Local Network Users, and they MUST have a Home folder on the Server. You can do anything with this setup EXCEPT Video Editing (it's just a little too slow for that).


Gigabit Ethernet is a requirement, because a LOT of stuff goes up and down that wire to/from the Server. But all the Macs you described can do Gigbit Ethernet. (You may have to upgrade a switch or two, or maybe not)


Any computer can go out for service at any time. Since it has no user data, it needs no Backup -- Backup is all done on the Server.


Local Network User's tragic flaw: you cannot carry the computer away from the Server, or it knows nothing.


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The answer is Mobile User. (not sure if its a great answer, but that is the answer anyway). Mobile User has a Home Directory on the Server, as above, but also is configured to make a Local (on their MacBook) copy of certain items and have them persist. The Admin sets up the rules about what gets "sync-ed" and when. This data is protected under individual User accounts, so there is little risk of it being hacked if another User borrows the same computer later.


The problem with this is that it takes far too long to copy even the changes, and Users are impatient. They see sync-ing as a major pain in the @ss, don't want to endure the time required. BUT --they but will be quick to skewer you if they lose their files because they are not sync-ed to the Server to be backed up.

How to setup user accounts to retrieve and save user data on log on /log off?

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