OS X Server - Any Use in the Home?

[AtomicEdge]

Hello there. I currently have a 2011 Mac Mini that I use mostly as an iTunes server for my Apple TV's, and the occasional backup of Photos from my Camera and iPhone.

I was just wondering if anyone else uses their Mac Minis as a home server in any kind of creative ways.

Are there any benefits to installing OS X Server on it?

Just looking to start a bit of discussion.

 

[blevins321]

I don't think that there is any real purpose for using Lion Server in a home environment. Mainly because you can enable a lot of the sharing options in the Client environment. You might think about installing Plex Server though. It's absolutely wonderful for streaming to iOS devices in and outside of the home. It supports photos, non-DRM Music, and non-DRM videos.

 

[g00ner]

I have a 2011 Server that I use as my main machine but also as a 24/7 iTunes server, but I have no need for the additional Server tools that came with the machine and just use it as a client, I just brought the server due to the Quad core CPU’s for ripping my movies etc, and the Dual HD’s.
When ML comes out, I will grab that, but only the Client version.

 

[MacFanBoi]

Im exactly like g00ner. i only bought the server because it was the only model with the quad core cpu and dual hdd's. This is my main machine as well just hooked up to a 27" thunderbolt display.

 

[AtomicEdge]

Okay then, I think my mind has been put to rest, so I don't feel like I'm missing out!

It might not be the cheapest way to go, but having this Mac Mini as a little home server has saved me a on electricity as I don't ever leave my power hog of a gaming PC on over night any more!

Once we move house, I am going to pair it up with a monitor so it can be a workstation as well as just a server.

 

[theSeb]

There is a world of difference in using your Mac as a home server to host files, media libraries or iTunes home sharing and actually using OSX Server's functionalities. Which one are you referring to?