macOS server - user management

Question

Level 2

165 points

macOS server - user management

have a few macs - iMac, MBP, MBA, mini.

two main users in our home. i mainly use MBP, another user travel with MBA. occasionally both of us will use iMac. mini is TimeMachine and file server. our scenario is that when we're at home, prefer to use iMac due to bigger screen. but hate transferring files to/from server, or save to server from iMac then copy to laptops and vice versa.

considering macOS server on the mini. is it possible to setup the server (and user accounts), with user directory simultaneously on server as well as local drive?

just looking for seamless operation/experience - work as normal when traveling on laptop, login locally and files stores locally on laptops without connection to mini server at home. when got back home, login automatically taken over by mini server, and files on laptops transferred to server. if decide to use iMac, login normally and expect to see exactly the same thing on desktop / user folders as the laptops.

possible? if not, may also consider to constantly dial-in to mini server via VPN, but not ideal solution.

iPhone 3GS, iOS 6.1.6

Posted on May 20, 2018 3:22 AM

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Answer 1

jepping

Level 3

785 points

May 27, 2018 10:03 PM in response to lkshean

Hi Liang,

As far as seamless goes the best option would be a cloud solution like iCloud:

https://support.apple.com/kb/PH25224?locale=nl_NL

You can transfer all documents and folders from your desktop and documents folder into iCloud and have it sync locally with each desktop or laptop.

Dropbox will give you a similar experience.

macOS Server does not feature such services, you will always have to connect with a VPN when going abroad or connect to a fileserver at home. A bit more work, less seamless.

iCloud is not free, limited to 5GB you may need to purchase more storage from Apple.

Goodluck

Jeffrey

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Answer 2

jepping

Level 3

785 points

May 30, 2018 4:53 AM in response to lkshean

Hi Liang,

Perhaps this is a viable alternative for a linux environment:

https://owncloud.org

VPN in macOS Server is still there, but hidden by default to smooth the transition towards deleting just about everything in the server.app. For now vpn should still work and can be edited to suit your needs.

Goodluck

Jeffrey

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Answer 3

lkshean Author

Level 2

165 points

May 27, 2018 10:03 PM in response to jepping

Hi Jeffrey,

Thanks. I am aware of iCloud option, and frankly it was exactly the kind of seamless experience I want. However as you have sad, it is a subscription service and I'm not a big fan of storing my files on cloud servers.

Just found out macOS server no longer provide GUI on VPN, and stripped a few other features as well. Honestly I don't see how Apple can still call it server app. Will explore Linux options going forward.

Cheers,

Liang

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Answer 4

lkshean Author

Level 2

165 points

May 31, 2018 11:05 PM in response to jepping

thanks for the tips again 🙂

also found nextcloud, both will do the job. think linux solution has far more to offer compare to macOS server, although need to brush up my linux command line skills, has been a long while...

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Answer 5

lkshean Author

Level 2

165 points

Jun 19, 2018 5:08 PM in response to lkshean

Done setting up nextcloud on ubuntu VM, not too difficult but definitely not something for novice user. It works exactly as I have expected, but configured to work only on internal network, not opening port 80/443 to allow internet traffic entering my home network.

Next project will be to setup a secure VPN on another ubuntu VM, this is going to be fun 🙂.

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macOS server - user management

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