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Information on OS X Server needed

Stelliform

Stelliform

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Oct 21, 2002
1,721
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I run a small computer consulting company. My current server (Win 2K, Exchange 2K) is giving me the usual M$ trouble. It is several years old, so I am thinking about replacing it.

The main requirement that I need is virtual domain hosting. (Multiple domain names to a single IP.) I currently host about 10 domains on my server. (I need Web and E-mail virtual domains at least, and FTP virtual domains would be cool)

My question is, will OS X Server be a viable solution for this setup?

My second question is, if OS X Server does handle virtual domains like I need, will my I-Mac G3 350Mhz 1 GB RAM be sufficent to run OS X in a testing environment. (Like 1 or 2 low bandwidth domains) That way I can make sure everything will work well before I move to production. If all of this works, I will pick up a Power Mac to run as a final server.

Anyway, any information that you could tell me would be greatly appreciated.
 
My understanding is that the Apache web server can handle virtual domain hosting on any platform: Unix, Windows, or Mac OS X. If I'm right, then yes, OS X Server would be a viable solution, but so would your current Windows 2000 server.
 
Originally posted by Doctor Q
My understanding is that the Apache web server can handle virtual domain hosting on any platform: Unix, Windows, or Mac OS X. If I'm right, then yes, OS X Server would be a viable solution, but so would your current Windows 2000 server.
Click to expand...

That was my understanding as well, (the same with sendmail) However I could find no information on FTP. (from the UNIX side)

But does OS X allow you to modify this stuff easily?

(Yeah I have an M$ Small Biz 2K server. I has been working ok, but if I am going to spend money on updating my server I would rather get something that is easier to maintain.)
 
Virtual hosting is no problem. All that you need is to have the DNS records for the domains and subdomains you own point to your machine, and then the various server daemons (such as Apache) can deliver different content and services based on the host name being used.

I'm personally running my and my fiancee's web sites and our POP/IMAP/SMTP server on a G3/266 with 256 MB of RAM and plain old Mac OS X, and have no complaints, so your iMac should handle things just fine.
 
OS X Server has a gui for the virtual hosts setup, and a lot more. I don't believe it will work for FTP, though. The iMac should be fine to test the server on, but I wouldn't reccomend using it for very long. Are you planning to buy a PowerMac G4 server? or are you planning on just buying OS X Server and a powermac? On the actual server, you may get a slightly better price with OS X Server since it is bundled.

Edit: Main difference between client and server are the GUI's for all the unix setup files.
 
Originally posted by timbloom


Edit: Main difference between client and server are the GUI's for all the unix setup files.
Click to expand...

I guess that is the answer I was looking for. I setup domains every once in a while and it is very time consuming with the M$ ISA server. (Time consuming for me is half an hour :)) I have the domain hosting priced so that it is more of a service to my clients than a money maker, so I need it as easy as possible.

Originally posted by timbloom

Are you planning to buy a PowerMac G4 server? or are you planning on just buying OS X Server and a powermac? On the actual server, you may get a slightly better price with OS X Server since it is bundled.
Click to expand...

Well I didn't see the PowerMac bundled with the software. (it was an option under the config page, but it was the same price as buying it outright, and it was user installed)

I figure I can buy it, test it, and then get the computer to run it...
 
Originally posted by Santiago


I'm personally running my and my fiancee's web sites and our POP/IMAP/SMTP server on a G3/266 with 256 MB of RAM and plain old Mac OS X, and have no complaints, so your iMac should handle things just fine.
Click to expand...

That is good to know. I have some sites that are visited once a day at most. (Although E-mail is usually busy for all of the domains that use it)

Looking at the Apple Refurb page, I can pick up an eMac G4 700 for $700. I know it isn't as robust as a PowerMac, but I am only using a dual PII 350 now....
 
Originally posted by Stelliform

Looking at the Apple Refurb page, I can pick up an eMac G4 700 for $700.
Click to expand...

That would probably be fine for your needs. Just remember, upgrading ram is really the only thing you can change in that, so order it with what you plan on needing in it's future.
 
Originally posted by timbloom
That would probably be fine for your needs. Just remember, upgrading ram is really the only thing you can change in that, so order it with what you plan on needing in it's future.
Click to expand...

Is the RAM in an eMac as easy to upgrade as my Slot loading iMac? (Because it is alot cheaper to buy it 3rd party (1GB = $130 at warehouse.com)
 
Yes it is, the only tough part is actually flipping it over (it's heavy), then it actually uses a phillips-head screw to hold the ram door on. Set it on a soft cloth to not scratch the case, if you are keen on looks.
 
That is pretty much making up my mind. I tried to add some information to my web page last night, and the ISA server cached an older version of the page. It is probably going to take me an hour to fix it. (which I do not have today)

The UNIX heart of OS X makes it an appealing alternative. I will probably order a copy this week. I am assuming that the 10 user version would be sufficient. (Since apple says that the license refers to file-sharing, and at most I will have 5 local users filesharing.) If I am all wet on this please feel free to correct me. :)

Thanks for all of the help.
 
Originally posted by Santiago

I'm personally running my and my fiancee's web sites and our POP/IMAP/SMTP server on a G3/266 with 256 MB of RAM and plain old Mac OS X.
Click to expand...

whose pop3 and smtp packages are you using?
 
Well I placed my order today for the 10 user package. I am sure OS X Server will fit the bill....
 
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