snow leopard server replacement

Question

snow leopard server replacement

I've been running snow leopard server 10.6.8 for about 4 years on a Mac Mini and it looks like my mini has bit the dust.

My current Mini has 2 500 gig drives and I'm pretty sure the drives and data are fine. The 2nd drive is a backup of the 1st drive. The machine is just old and has developed some bugs that I can't fix. So, it's time to replace it.

I don't need a very powerful machine. I use it for hosting 4 web site and also for hosting filemaker pro data bases.

I'm inclined to stay with the mac mini and get the mac server software. But I'm open to input from those of you who have upgraded from snow leopard server. I know that the operating system and the server software have to be compatible. I really struggled the 1st year of using the server. Even though I've been a Mac guy for 20 years and thought I understood computers the server was not an easy learning experience. I don't want this upgrade to be another struggle for a year. Your insight will be greatly appreciated.

Jon D

Mac mini, OS X Server, version 10.6.8

Posted on Oct 24, 2016 5:29 PM

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Answer 1

Oct 28, 2016 8:10 AM in response to Jon Davidson1

Server has changed a lot since Snow Leopard. It's no longer considered a separate OS... just an application from the AppStore these days. The look and feel of the application has been simplified greatly. This has, in some cases, lost or hidden functionality that was previously exposed in the Server Admin application.

Overall, if you learned to use the old server software, you should have no trouble with the current release... you may even find it easier given your usage. Be aware, however, that Apple no longer offers a dual drive Mac mini configuration. You'll need a TimeCapsule, or an external HD to have your backup drive available.

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Answer 2

Oct 28, 2016 9:10 AM in response to Brian Nesse

Thanks,

I tried Server vs 3.2.2 on a partition running Mavericks and you are right it seems like this will be easier.

In fact I went back to my original partition and downloaded El Capitan and all my problems (server constantly restarting, freezing, and moving like there was glue are gone)

I purchased the new Server software 5.2 but I can't install it on this Mac unless I remove the old server.

Do you have a clue as to how to uninstall the original software. I'm willing to start from scratch.

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Answer 3

Oct 28, 2016 9:27 AM in response to Jon Davidson1

With Server.app, all you have to do it throw the application in the trash.

The service data is all stored in /Library/Server, and the new application should just pick it up automatically.

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Answer 4

Oct 29, 2016 8:31 AM in response to Brian Nesse

Brian,

Thanks so much. I trashed the server files in Library and you were correct it allowed me to install the new OS X server app 5.2.

It seems all the problems I was having with my Mini are gone since upgrading to El Capitan and Server 5.2.

Thank you,

Jon D

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