Is OS X Server Overkill for me?

[thankins]

I have OS X Server and was curious if it would be overkill for setup. Any thoughts or feedback would be great. It would be running on a 2009 Mac mini with 4 GBs of RAM and a few external HDs.

I currently have a static IP address and a 8 down/1/5 upload speed connection

I would like the machine to be a Time Machine backup for two wireless macbook pros, a AFP share (from the external drive), FTP share for large files for a few friends and family members. And possiblely a VPN setup for just myself allowing me to print back at home and access important quickbooks data etc. The machine would also be connected to my TV for use with Plex and media.



I know I can do all this with Leopard Client and purchase a cheap VPN server (iVPN). My concern is having the mini handle all the above might over do it, and I don't know if Server takes up more resources than just Leopard with a few add ons (iVPN and maybe a mail server app).

Thoughts?

 

[geoffreak]

Mac OSX Server can run just fine on a Mac Mini. I would recommend that you go with Snow Leopard Server instead of Leopard Server though.

 

[thankins]

Mac OSX Server can run just fine on a Mac Mini. I would recommend that you go with Snow Leopard Server instead of Leopard Server though.

May I ask why? Please tell me that it is easier to setup. The DNS setup on the standard install has given me a headache - only got it working finally after we used advanced setup.

 

[geoffreak]

It's newer, faster, lighter, and cheaper. It will also take advantage of the graphics power of the Mac Mini.
Leopard Server will work. Snow Leopard Server will work better.

I can't say if DNS gets any easier in the new version because it hasn't been released yet.

 

[thankins]

It's newer, faster, lighter, and cheaper. It will also take advantage of the graphics power of the Mac Mini.
Leopard Server will work. Snow Leopard Server will work better.

I can't say if DNS gets any easier in the new version because it hasn't been released yet.

So in my circumstance you would recommend that we use SL Server (when it is released) over just a client install with a few add ons?

 

[stukdog]

I think you'd be fine without an Server version. Like you mentioned, AFP and FTP are simple services to enable.

For a VPN, use iVPN (like you mentioned) or HamachiX.

This definitely wouldn't be too much for a mini to handle.