posting this discussion for the gab crew

can you tell me the pro’s and con’s of wanting/needing to run a mac server at home?

been debating on getting a mac mini and one of the configuration options is to have it come with Mac Server.

So it got me wondering, why would I need a server vs. just a workstation OS?

If memory serves (I haven’t looked at the newer ones), the server configuration has a second hard drive instead of an optical drive. So the main question there is, do you think you’ll need an optical drive? I have a mini with just the one internal (upgraded to 320GB) drive (and a boatload of external drives), that I’m using effectively as a server now.

thanks mlvezie

same here.  i have a nas already, so i am wondering if there is anything specific capability the server gives me.

Mac OS X Server is essentially the same OS with some extra services running on top of it, and a UI to configure them.

Whether you need it depends on what your intended use is. If you want to run services like mail, web, VPN, Xsan, etc. then yes.

If you want to share your media library and files around the house, probably not.

I’d probably say if you don’t know whether you need Mac OS X Server, then you probably don’t.

thanks David

the only real thing in that lot that you mention that peaks my interest would be VPN, but realistically i probably wouldn’t use it anyway.

i either have my device with me or can get by with the iPad or iPhone for anything i need out and about.

if it is that important, then i just wait.

thanks for the feedback guys

skp

LOL this was funny

i just happen to jump onto MacLife (one of my daily checks) and found this:

http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_install_and_set_mac_os_x_lion_server

And for VPN to work smoothly it might mean setting up your Mac to take over some of the duties of your current router. So it’s probably overkill.