Mac Server doesn’t do much.

[Sledneck52]

I watched a couple YouTube videos on Mac Server. Most of them were a year or more old. A lot of the features shown in those videos aren’t even options on the latest version.
I was hoping I could be set it up as a home version of iCloud. My wife fills her 128GB iPhone up with pictures and videos.
I was thinking that when she was connected to our network that it would become a home iCloud. I don’t want it to sync the phone saving a full backup.
I know Mac OS has features built in
(2013 iMac running a patched version of Big Sur)
It seems Apple has really restricted the uses of Mac Server.
So.. if anyone has the time, can you explain what Mac Server can do in a home network environment?
Is it even worth using? What are the benefits to it?
How are you using it?
Thanks

 

[satcomer]

Well I never used Mac Server but it is in System Preferences to sign in!

 

[TriBruin]

Honestly, it is not worth it to install Server in a home environment. (Or any environment anymore.) If you want a solution that can be used as a personal cloud service, look at a dedicate NAS (like Synology).

If you want to use caching server, you don’t need server any more. It has been built in to macOS since Catalina. But, this only caches files locally so that you don’t have to keep downloading files from the internet. It is not a replacement for iCloud.

 

[Sledneck52]

I totally misunderstood what Mac server was used for.
I have a synolgy NAS.
iTunes server on it is basically useless. You still need a Mac running to play your downloaded movies through an Apple TV. It’s only a storage device to hold the content. Can’t store 4K movies. Only 1080p. Can only play the 4K movies on the machine you downloaded it too. Won’t stream to a 4K Apple TV.

 

[Euroamerican]

Mac OSX Server?! Give me shudders and makes me feel disgusted that I ever had to spend money on that software and on the training guide. All for naught....

 

[satcomer]

Mac OSX Server?! Give me shudders and makes me feel disgusted that I ever had to spend money on that software and on the training guide. All for naught....

Freak not because modern smart NAS home device do 90% of what you want to din old server! Trust me is saying this!

 

[Flint Ironstag]

Just get a Synology.

 

[hobowankenobi]

I totally misunderstood what Mac server was used for.

You are not alone. Apple started the transition years ago...Server is now primarily an MDM tool to manage devices for small to medium size orgs and schools.

While many folks are sad or mad about the exit from traditional server/services markets...as others have said, Synology (and others) supply more feature-rich options at a lower cost.

Yes, you can run an iTunes/Music server on a Mac, but don't forget you can run it a low-cost Win box too, with tons of storage and redundant drives.

As for media in particular, you might look at Plex too, as well as Plex alternatives.

It would be great if Apple decided to go after the Media Server market, but it won't happen. Most customers are happy with cloud-based stuff, and sadly, Apple does not engage niche markets anymore. Same for all server hardware, enterprise storage, networking, etc. There are too many low-cost options for them to chase the low-margin leaders.

Good to have all the choices, but a pain to figure out which way to go, pros/cons, etc.

 

[TriBruin]

You are not alone. Apple started the transition years ago...Server is now primarily an MDM tool to manage devices for small to medium size orgs and schools. to serve as a proof of concept for new MDM features to convince real MDM vendors to implement them.

FYP.

While I know there is some very small businesses and even some schools still use Profile Manager, even Apple engineers will tell you that is not a good MDM server and should not be used in production.

You might get a way with it for a while, but eventually the database will get corrupted and you will be stuck having to re-enroll all your devices.

There are too many other low or no cost MDM vendors out there that can do a much better job.

 

[hobowankenobi]

FYP.

While I know there is some very small businesses and even some schools still use Profile Manager, even Apple engineers will tell you that is not a good MDM server and should not be used in production.

You might get a way with it for a while, but eventually the database will get corrupted and you will be stuck having to re-enroll all your devices.

There are too many other low or no cost MDM vendors out there that can do a much better job.

Agreed.

I didn't go into it...as OP seems to be looking for a media server, not MDM.

 

[Flint Ironstag]

Mac Pro 6,1 with TB2 storage makes a fine Plex server.

 

[nicho]

FYP.

While I know there is some very small businesses and even some schools still use Profile Manager, even Apple engineers will tell you that is not a good MDM server and should not be used in production.

You might get a way with it for a while, but eventually the database will get corrupted and you will be stuck having to re-enroll all your devices.

There are too many other low or no cost MDM vendors out there that can do a much better job.

macOS Sequoia

macOS Sequoia brings effortless window tiling, web browsing with fewer distractions, new iPhone Mirroring, and support for Apple Intelligence.

www.apple.com

The landing page is pretty telling.

 

[hobowankenobi]

I forgot to add that you can run Plex on your Synology....depending on model and performance. Might be worth trying (I have not tried it myself...only run Plex on other hardware).

 

[Schismz]

macOS Server used to be a separate OS in the olden days, it used to actually be kinda useful too. I purchased it when they transitioned it to a paid App added to OS/X circa Lion or so, then I seem to recall it being free with developer access, but at this point it honestly borders on abandonware / has had many previously useful features stripped out ... and just, no.

 

[hobowankenobi]

It's really too bad that Apple abandoned the traditional services, though I understand...with so many free and low-cost options out there now.

I think they made a big mistake by ripping all the traditional services out and keeping the same name: Server.

They should have at least re-branded it something else when they changed the purpose of the software.

Now the name and history of being a completely different tool keeps everybody mad or confused. Or both.

 

[rodolfo.araujo]

Hi everybody! I have a 3 Macs in our house so that everybody can work/study (me, wife and daughter). Our docs are on iCloud so that whatever computer I use I'll have access to my stuff and can work on that particular computer.

Thing is I would like to have a standard install or instruction to keep the apps installed on all computers so that I don't need to install (or remove) a particular app on all machines.

Is it possible?

Thanks!

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

It's really too bad that Apple abandoned the traditional services, though I understand...with so many free and low-cost options out there now.

I think they made a big mistake by ripping all the traditional services out and keeping the same name: Server.

They should have at least re-branded it something else when they changed the purpose of the software.

Now the name and history of being a completely different tool keeps everybody mad or confused. Or both.

macOS Pro?

 

[lostom]

I totally misunderstood what Mac server was used for.
I have a synolgy NAS.
iTunes server on it is basically useless. You still need a Mac running to play your downloaded movies through an Apple TV. It’s only a storage device to hold the content. Can’t store 4K movies. Only 1080p. Can only play the 4K movies on the machine you downloaded it too. Won’t stream to a 4K Apple TV.

How old is your NAS?

PLEX or Infuse on it or ATV should solve these issues, if your machine is fairly recent.
There is plenty to do on a NAS, more than a storage device.