What do you use OSX Server to do Thinking of Getting one

[Wicked1]

I am thinking of setting one up in my house, but I have a leased ip from Comcast and I can not setup email and alot of the other stuff, since I am not directly connected to an ISP. What is everyone using this for then, I assume File Sharing and maybe iCal and AddressBook sharing, but what else?


Just want to see if it is worth looking into

 

[davidwarren]

I would imagine if you can't come up with a reason yourself to buy a server OS, you likely don't need it.

 

[pismobrat]

Hi

You ask a good question.

Yes, some people use it for File Sharing, Network Services (DNS & DHCP), iCal, Email, User Management. If you are looking to manage a couple of machines and users, and a little bit of cash to spend, it could be a very good fit for you.

For a time I ran SLS at home, but with the mac mini being hooked up to the TV with an external FW drive, and one Windows Laptop - running SLS was overkill and SL was a better choice for me.

If I buy a house in the next couple of years and deploy a couple of machines, then I would more than likely run SLS. But, if you are like me, with just a couple of machines and you need file sharing, SL works just fine.


Hope this helps. The flip side learning SLS is fun, even more once you get into the CLI.

 

[talmy]

I've never been concerned about running a mail server at home, but my Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server keeps busy:

DNS
DHCP
Open Directory
DynDNS Update
TimeMachine backup for 5 Macs (1TB currently)
Windows VM (using Parallels) to run Quicken
File Sharing for music, pictures, video, software archival storage. (about 1.5TB)
AddressBook server to sync address book between my MacBook and iMac
iCal server to sync and share calendars among computers and iTouches.
Printer/Scanner server
VPN server to access network away from home. SSH also available.

Setting up Snow Leopard Server is a non-trivial exercise. It's not for casual use! See my story here -- http://almy.us/server.html