Server question

[pgseye]

I was about to buy a mini server, but reading a few things people have posted around the place have made me wonder whether I should stick to the regular version (I wanted it mainly for the extra hard drive).

Can I use OSX server just like the client version of Lion if I want? (ie don't need to learn any server tech for now if I don't want to).

Can someone confirm that Lion server comes with migration assistant? I also read somewhere that server versions don't, which would make transferring my stuff to the new mini a pain.

Thanks

 

[TheRdungeon]

I was about to buy a mini server, but reading a few things people have posted around the place have made me wonder whether I should stick to the regular version (I wanted it mainly for the extra hard drive).

Can I use OSX server just like the client version of Lion if I want? (ie don't need to learn any server tech for now if I don't want to).

Can someone confirm that Lion server comes with migration assistant? I also read somewhere that server versions don't, which would make transferring my stuff to the new mini a pain.

Thanks

Starting with 10.7 the server part is just a bundle of apps on top of the base OS so yep it comes with everything normal 10.7 has and you can run it normally

 

[Sdevante]

Having bought the mid-level Mini with Os X Server separate (and no real server experience), I can say if it were me and you don't need a server, stick to a regular Mini and add hard drives on your own if you are technically inclined.

I found Os X Server to be a bit complicated until I found a guide on SL Server that made things somewhat clear. On top of that, it doesn't even sound like you are trying to run it as a server per se.

That's my opinion, fwiw.

 

[gigaguy]

IMO, the server is the best deal if you are considering any of the drive upgrades from apple directly.

 

[tbayrgs]

Having bought the mid-level Mini with Os X Server separate (and no real server experience), I can say if it were me and you don't need a server, stick to a regular Mini and add hard drives on your own if you are technically inclined.

I found Os X Server to be a bit complicated until I found a guide on SL Server that made things somewhat clear. On top of that, it doesn't even sound like you are trying to run it as a server per se.

That's my opinion, fwiw.

I'll respectfully disagree. You'll spend just as much going the BTO route to get a 2.7 dual core i7 ($899 + cost of HDD, SATA cable, more if you insists on replacing the existing 500 GB HDD which is only 5400 rpm). If the discrete graphics card is important to you, then this is your best bet. Othewise, the quad core server model is at least 25% more powerful CPU wise, plus, you don't have to deal with any of the hassle of adding the second HDD.

Regarding Lion Server--I'm a total novice with server applications and had no interest in the Server functions, just wanted the quad core, dual HDD configuration and let me assure the OP, shutting off the Server functionality takes all of 3 minutes at initial setup and once done, you'll never know it's there (Google "disable OS X Lion Server" and you'll find all you need.)

Can I use OSX server just like the client version of Lion if I want? (ie don't need to learn any server tech for now if I don't want to).

Can someone confirm that Lion server comes with migration assistant? I also read somewhere that server versions don't, which would make transferring my stuff to the new mini a pain.

Thanks

Yes, it comes with Migration Assistant--exactly how I moved everything from my old Macbook with no difficulties whatsoever.

 

[pgseye]

Thanks for the responses guys - appreciated