OSX Server question

[footballdude2k3]

Alright, I would like to build a media server, because I have much more media than my computers have room for. I cannot find anything about the server software, from what I know right now, I can put it on a mac, but that is not much help since then i would still need something externally to store everything.

Is there a way that I can build a server rack, and have it use OSX server?

 

[IlikeMacsSoMuch]

There is the hackingtosh way but I would not recommend that . But you could buy a good looking external hdd and set a mac mini on top of it. Or, less expensive, you could buy or build a windows pc running iTunes and use it as a iTunes server, you coud then choose everything.

Or choice number 3, store everything on a nas and set your iTunes so its library will be stored on the nas, you could put the nas anywhere as long as you have a good network, I would go for gigabit.

what do you use to access your media from your tv, and are all your media bought on iTunes (DRM'ed)?

 

[DaPhatty]

Out of curiosity, why do you feel you need OSX Server to build a media server? Is there some sort of media friendly feature in OSX Server that I am not aware of?

 

[Peace]

Out of curiosity, why do you feel you need OSX Server to build a media server? Is there some sort of media friendly feature in OSX Server that I am not aware of?

Streaming Server. You can stream media to a lot of different computers on the subnet.

And if you happen to have a static IP and your ISP allows it the media will go out to computers anywhere.

 

[DaPhatty]

Streaming Server. You can stream media to a lot of different computers on the subnet.

And if you happen to have a static IP and your ISP allows it the media will go out to computers anywhere.

Not sure how this fits in with a media server. Unless you use it to, for example, stream a Superbowl broadcast to every computer in your house.

 

[footballdude2k3]

iPads, Apple TV, Mac Pro when the new one gets released, and computers

Maybe an old Mac Pro might be the least expensive option with all of the HDD slots?

 

[DaPhatty]

iPads, Apple TV, Mac Pro when the new one gets released, and computers

Maybe an old Mac Pro might be the least expensive option with all of the HDD slots?

You don't need Server to stream to an Apple TV. All you need is Itunes. Not sure about iPads.

 

[footballdude2k3]

You don't need Server to stream to an Apple TV. All you need is Itunes. Not sure about iPads.

Thats not at all what I am saying, I want something that has more room, I would be open to building a server, but it doesn't sound like that is a great option.

 

[NMF]

Maybe an old Mac Pro might be the least expensive option with all of the HDD slots?

Not even close to being the cheapest when you take your electricity bill into account.

In my opinion, the best Mac "Server" is the Mac mini. You'll have to use an external storage box with it, but that's honestly your best option. I use a Drobo 5D with mine. There are probably cheaper enclosure solutions out there, I just went with what was easiest and required the least amount of technical knowledge. I set up my "BeyondRAID" array (basically proprietary RAID5) up and running in under 3 minutes. Perfect. I picked up my 2011 Mac mini for $350 shipped (eBay) and the 5D for $650 shipped (Newegg). Just under $1,000 all-in. Worth it, to me.

If you want to go cheaper you could always just use up to four standard USB hard drives or start a FireWire 800 daisy chain.

 

[IlikeMacsSoMuch]

Thats not at all what I am saying, I want something that has more room, I would be open to building a server, but it doesn't sound like that is a great option.

buying a used macpro would certainly get the job done, but it would still very expensive IMO. But if you buy a macpro with good specs ( a quad core at least) it will be future proof and last a long time. But, unless you need to use OSX specific apps, all of this you could do with a windows pc running iTunes.

OSX server would add a couple of interesting possibilities to your server, my personnal preference would be to go with a mac pro, but that's me

 

[NMF]

But, unless you need to use OSX specific apps, all of this you could do with a windows pc running iTunes.

Yep, that's true. You just gotta be careful with what components you use. I'm not sure how reliable Windows iTunes is with wake-on-LAN. I love how my Mac mini can be asleep and automatically wake to stream media whenever I flip on an Apple TV. I believe you need to use one of Apple's own AirPort routers for best results, but your electricity bill will thank you.

 

[IlikeMacsSoMuch]

Yep, that's true. You just gotta be careful with what components you use. I'm not sure how reliable Windows iTunes is with wake-on-LAN. I love how my Mac mini can be asleep and automatically wake to stream media whenever I flip on an Apple TV. I believe you need to use one of Apple's own AirPort routers for best results, but your electricity bill will thank you.

I totally agree with you on all account, my iTunes server is on a head less 2010 mac mini with an external hdd and it works flawlessly, even tho I don't hate windows, I by far prefer to use OSX. But the OP seems to want some kind of server with internal storage. A good windows build would do the job, a lot of people that I know use iTunes on their PCs and they don't complain, they should but they don't. But hey, they are still my friends, just not in public!

In september 2014 I am going back to school and I might have to buy a windows laptop because the students are allowed to use the school licenses but we have to buy a specific laptop. ShT!