Home Office Server setup questions: re: firewall

I recently purchased a Mac Mini with OS X Server (10.6) for my home office. I also have an AEB.
I'm pondering two options for managing network traffic. I want to enable VPN for any access to the Mail, iCal, etc. I also will have a public website and public email.
10.6 Server Firewall vs. AEB
Option 1: Use AEB to prevent all incoming traffic and use port mapping (and probably automatic control via Server) to allow only those ports I want external access to (likely just Web, SMTP mail and VPN).
Option 2: Use Snow Leopard as a "default host" and allow AEB to forward all traffic and then use the Server firewall to manage incoming traffic
I think I should do option 1. But I'd like to know what other folks think.

for the two mini servers i've configured so far for clients, the internal drives are used just as a raid1 boot volume with data and backups stored on different external drives.
i chose to mirror the drives to add some redundancy. realistically, i'm not onsite with these clients all the time, and i'd prefer they can continue operating if one drive fails. replacing an internal drive isn't as easy as on other models, but it's a manageable process.

Similar Messages

Home Office Server setup question: re RAID or not on Mac Mini Server

I recently purchased a Mac Mini with OS X Server (10.6) for my home office. I also have an AEB.
Is there any point in configuring the 2 500G disks as a RAID 1 setup? Given Time Machine backup and an inability to easily open it up and replace in case of a single drive failure, I don't see the point. But maybe I'm missing something.
Rather, I think the best setup is to use the main drive for the OS and services data, and drive 2 for user home directories.
Anyone have a recommendation for using the 2 drives?

for the two mini servers i've configured so far for clients, the internal drives are used just as a raid1 boot volume with data and backups stored on different external drives.
i chose to mirror the drives to add some redundancy. realistically, i'm not onsite with these clients all the time, and i'd prefer they can continue operating if one drive fails. replacing an internal drive isn't as easy as on other models, but it's a manageable process.

Home Office Server setup question: re Time Machine

I recently purchased a Mac Mini with OS X Server (10.6) for my home office. I also have an AEB.
I'm pondering two options for backing up via Time Machine
10.6 Server Managed Time Machine vs. AEB AirDisks
Option 1: Use AEB AirDisks and have all machines - including the server - backup to the time machine.
Option 2: Use Snow Leopard as the backup server. Connect the external drives to the Server and manage all backups there.
I'm thinking Option 2 because it coordinates with the Managed Workgroup and isn't using AirDisk access. But I'm not sure why I need to send all of the data through the server and impact its overall performance. Either way the traffic goes through the AEB so that's a moot point. And then again maybe the backup isn't a big deal for the server either.
Looking for recommendations.
FYI, my backup is a simple RAID 1 config.

I don;t believe TM will give you a complete backup of your server, as there are some files that change frequently, and some items that TM does not copy.
If you're looking for an automated solution, consider SuperDuper, CCC, or even an online service like Carbonite. There are other backup solutions as well if you google around but they may be overkill (and expensive) for your needs.

Home Office Network Setup

Sorry in advance. Just spent the better part of the weekend trying to find related post/replies...and just got woefully confused.
I do architectural graphics and work primarily on a mac for PShop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Sketchup. I also use a PC to work in AutoCAD. Trying to update my OSes (major backup needed, hence the external drive)AND streamline my workflow.
Currently, I use sneakernet/flashdrive to share graphics files between the two platforms. This is getting old. Was told I could share an external hard drive between the two. Bought one without researching HOW-TO first. My bad. Before integrating the hard drive, would like to create a home-office network. (hard drive not connected yet)
Here's what I have:
imac G4 17-inch, OS X 10.4.11, NO airport extreme card installed
Dell Latitude D610 notebook, Windows XP, sp1 (I know, updating after success here)
My Book External Hard Drive (non-portable, TO BE usb-connected to imac)
ABS Snow
A few pre-bluetooth printers
*Current set up*, archaic, but works fine:
Cable modem> ethernet> ABS (WAN port)
ABS (LAN port)>ethernet> imac g4
Windows wireless to ABS
Printer > usb > imac
What I want to do:
1) Print wirelessly from pc.
2) Access my mac-stored graphic files from pc.
3) Share external drive with mac and pc without having to do the sneaker-flash drive dance. I intend on connecting directly from mac via usb.
4) Read/write SHARED files to/from said external drive with either mac or pc.
5) Use external drive for backups, mac and pc.
6) Share iTunes library between pc and mac.
Money's my biggest limitation, or I'd just go buy a newer extreme w/ usb ports, etc. After trying to piecemeal the 5000 related posts I've read, I officially have no idea where to start.
I THINK I understand how to share files/folders between the two (http://www.ifelix.net/tech/3020.html) With my current setup, can I simply use file sharing in a similar way to connect PC to external hard drive? printer?
I THINK I will be moving my mac documents/graphic files/music to the external hard drive. I THINK I will chose the moved folders on this _external hard drive_ that I want to pc-share. I THINK the mac-pc compatible external drive will allow equal read/write access. I THINK it's going to be THIS easy.
BUT...does the Snow have the capacity to support my intended network (internet, external drive, printer)? Or will the mac need an airport extreme card to make this work?
Also, any thoughts on partitioning the external drive? I've read some posts elsewhere with that recommendation. It seems like a potential headache since I'll be sharing things like music and graphic files.
I have some serious backing up and general hd cleanup to do but am petrified to lose everything in my attempt to share this external disk. Help! Mega-many thank you's if you made it this far in the post!

Does the mac need to be wireless in order to utilize file sharing or 'Connect to Server' commands?
No. You can do both via an Ethernet connection. A matter of fact, file sharing will be demonstrably faster with Ethernet as compared to wireless.
Do I need programs like DAVE and/or SAMBA to make all this wireless talk happen?
Neither. These have nothing to do with wireless connectivity. When sharing files between Macs, you will utilize AFP which is built-in OS X. Sharing with Windows/Linux clients will require SMB. This too is available from OS X.
It sounds like, by your post, that the pc will only network with peripherals directly connected to the router (snow) and NOT to peripherals connected to the mac, which is wired to the snow. Is that correct?
Sorry, if I mislead you. That is not true. A PC can access either devices connected wired/wirelessly to the Snow or to devices connected to a Mac that is sharing them.
Let me know if the AFP link I provided doesn't answer all your questions. You may also find the following iFelix link handy: Sharing files between a Windows XP PC and a Mac running OS 10.4.x

Home/Office network setup (Mini Lan Network) if possible?

Hi,
To all the people that know what the best way to set up a home to office network such as the diagram below, please help us out with the following questions:
I hope that someone can understand the diagram. Anyways,
We currently have both setups, but there is no network communication either through Home nor Office where a PC will talk to a Mac or vic versa, nor through connecting through the internet where our office machines will talk to the home machines and vices versa. This is where my requirements for such a setup is needed.
Our Office uses the iMac for general Administration/Accounting work, whilst the PC is used for Engineering Draft work and others. The home machines; the PC again is used for Engineering work and others whilst the Mac is a general Purpose machine used by most members of the house hold.
Basically speaking, we would like to somehow link all peripherals and machines in such a way that:
- The home machines can talk to each other and their respective connected devices as well as the Office machines and their respective devices.
- The Office machines can talk to each other and their respective connected devices as well as the Home machines and their respective devices.
Currently the setup is as follows:
Home: PC : Has one main user for doing Engineering work and General other purpose activities.
MAC : Has multiple Accounts for doing general work
Office: PC : Has one main user for doing Engineering work and General other purpose activities.
MAC : Has 3 accounts; One for main Admin user and the other two only to access MYOB accounting and shared folders.
If I can get a point listing of how to achieve all this, I would be very grateful. Also, due to software licensing imposed by S/W companies what would be the best way to reduce the number of software bought for each computer only to be run from one main machine... similar to how program linking worked in Mac OS 9.2.2. I would like to do this through Virtaul PC running off the iMac and say running Microsoft Office from the P3. I currently have MS remote Desktop connection but this logs out the user that would otherwise been logged on when I hook up to the PC, is there another way?
I hope to get lots of feed back for this one guys.
Thanks
Tibs
<pre>
Home/Office Network Diagram:
PC (P4/2GHz Win 2000 Professional) Mac ( Dual Boot Dual 1.25GHz G4/ Tiger 10.4.9)
- Microsoft Office - General Software
- Engineering Software
| |
| |
| |
---------------------- SWITCH (100MBps) -------------------------
|
|
|
ADSL/CABLE Modem
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- HOME
|
INTERNET
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- OFFICE
|
ADSL/CABLE Modem
|
|
|
---------------------- SWITCH (100MBps) -------------------------
| |
| |
| |
PC (P3 800MHz/ Win 2000 Professional) iMac ( 1GHz G4/ Tiger 10.4.9)----------------------------- USB HUB ----------------------
- Engineering Software - MYOB Account Edge Version 6 | | |
- Microsoft Office - Virtual PC 6.1.1 | | |
| - Apple Works 6.2.4 | | |
| Epson Scanner Lexmark BW Laser Brother Fax
| |
|
---------------------------------- |--- FW 400 Ext. HD 80GB
| |
| |
HP A0 EPSON COLOUR
(NETWORK PLOTTER/PRINTER) (NETWORK LASER PRINTER)
</pre>
PPC MDD Dual Boot/Dual 1.25GHz Mac OS 9.2.x 2 x 23" Apple HD Display, 2GB RAM, 2x150GB + 1x1TB HD
PPC MDD Dual Boot/Dual 1.25GHz Mac OS 9.2.x 2 x 23" Apple HD Display, 2GB RAM, 2x150GB + 1x1TB HD

You should study VNC.
You will need to configure the router at work, to accept and forward VNC connections. (open port 5900, forward to computer#1's IP address. open port 5901, forward to computer#2's IP address...see below)
You will need to set up work computers to be running as VNC servers.
Work computers should also be configured to have static IP inside the LAN. Your router will need a fixed IP address to forward VNC traffic into.
standard listening port for VNC is 5900 (i think), and each VNC server can be set to listen on different port. (5900,5901,etc)
You will need to configure home computers to be VNC client.
On home computer, in order to connect to work computer #1, run VNC client to connect to Work Public IP address (WAN router address) on port 5905(or whatever standard VNC port is). Work router will forward that hit on VNC port, into work computer#1.
More FAQ here:
http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&safe=off&q=vnc+faq&btnG=Search

How to preview graphic files on a home web server setup?

I apologize if this question is not asked in the most technical way, but here goes:
I'm read online on how to create a home web server or ftp server on a Mac computer. (I plan to do this with my G5, running OSX 10.6.4)
I would like to have a library of folders containing all of my graphic files that I've collected over the years in order to have access to them (if needed) when i'm working remotely.
I want to be able to easily view all of these graphic files like I can with Adobe Bridge (eps, psd, ai, gif, jpg, png, etc).
Is there software I can use that will allow me to view a gallery thumbnails of all of these file types when I am away from home and logging into the ftp server or web server?
I know software such as Transmission FTP will allow me to look at one image at a time, but I'd like to view an entire gallery of thumbnails at once for quick reference.
Thanks in advance.

Hi johnny-griswold;
The G5 was called a PowerMac and used a PowerPC processor.
The MacPro is an Intel based Mac and is capable of running 10.6.4.
You might what to drop your references to G5 because they are only confusing things.
Allan

Home mail server setup help.

I admit that I am pretty much clueless when it comes to setting up a mail server.
The setup:
I have a local network at home with about 5 computers. Inside the network we have a router, a store-brought one that has bulit in DSL modem and wireless. It is out central DNS server and provides us with a local network domain name. Then we have a domain for the outside world to see us. Let's just call it "shadow.dot.com". I opened up the ports on the router to allow in port 80 and all POP3 addresses. I installed apache, php, mysql, and postfix on my Linux machine. I used webmin to configure postfix. Users can recieve emails, let's say from my hotmail account to [email protected] However, when I use webmins view usermail feature fromt he postfix area, I click on a user, then compose but my home local domain is listed instead of my shadow.do.com domain. I had in the configuration to place that outside domain in the address. Well, either way, I cannot send a message. It remains in the message queue and refuses to send.
I do not have smtp ports open because I want this secure. I only want to be able to send email from inside my local network. This way there is no chance at someone hacking my smtp part and sending tons of email spam with my address.
For this setup, what do I need in my main.cf configuration file? Can someone just put all the options in there that I need so I can copy and paste for the most part? I need to be able to send out, and I also need PHP to use it to send email to people. Do I need to unblock smtp? Do I need to change any settings with PHP or will it use postfix by default?
Thanks.

There is a send mail queue that is viewable via webmin. I don't know if it errored or not, it just stayed in the queue and never sent.
I uninstalled postfix and then reinstalled it with default configs again. I modified a few settings to reflect my outside domain. Then I set up sasl to log into my ISPs mail server. Not mail sorta sends. Some PHP scripts still have trouble with it. I guess I need to fix those manually because some PHP scripts work and some don't so it might be an error with the script itself.
Mail is only sent via smtp via port 25, not recieved. Recieving port is in the one hundreds. That is the only port needed to be open for recieving of mail.
Thanks for you tips. I have I dynamic IP so liem clued me in on what to do. I don't know if it was a combination of bad config and dynamic IP, but it sorta works now, so I guess have more tweaking to do.

Server setup questions

Hoping someone can help shed some light on a setup I am embarking on.
This is what we are setting up
Server 1 (Server 2012 Standard)
Domain Controller
Server 2 (Server 2012 R2 Standard)
Hyper V
RDS (virtual server)
Customer has around 10 local PC's connecting to server in usual manner (ie not through RDS)
but then about 15-20 users that are remote users.
I am wanting to use Remote Desktops to save buying more licence's to run virtual machines.
The customer is wanting to go to the Office356 subscription base. Is this better to run via APP-V or just installed with a user profile disk??
I am hoping that when the user log's onto the server and gets there desktop and user profile the Office365 subscription information will be retained?? Has any had any experience in this??

Hi,
Office365ProPlus (subscription-based Office suite) cannot be installed upon RDS. (although this is soon to change:
http://blogs.office.com/2014/05/14/the-garage-series-for-office-365-updates-to-office-365-proplus-for-admins-and-first-look-at-upcoming-shared-computer-support/ )
You can use Office365 ODT to generate/produce App-V packages for Volume Licensing editions - but this requires you to have App-V 5.0, and I'm guessing that you would want to have this on your RDS, so you would need App-V _for_RDS.
App-V requires MDOP licensing, and MDOP licensing requires you to have Software Assurance attached to your Windows Clients under your Volume Licensing agreement.
RDS also requires you to invest in RDS CALs (in case you haven't already done that)
That's a rather complicated product stack right there (and complicated usually means expensive). If your whole organisation currently runs on 2 servers, and has 30 PC's - I'm not sure the investment in all this product would make sense ?
Talk to a reseller/partner/consultant who knows their stuff, and can help you with a few options that suit your organisation's size, budget and plans.
Don
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Mail server setup question on mini server

I want use Mac Mini Server as my emailserver, I have some question here.
Is 500G hard-disk enough for storedata? After two or three years, incase 500G already not enough for store all email data, Could I have any solution for this issue? My company has around 100 email user.
Is Mac mini server can do 7*24job?

Is 500G hard-disk enough for storedata?
How long is a piece of string?
Seriously. Who can answer that question? no one here can. It depends on way more factors than you've given us. The use of IMAP (where messages are stored on the server) vs. POP (where they're downloaded to the client) will also make a difference, as will retention policies (do you require keeping all email correspondence for 5 years? or do you not care if users delete mail immediately?)
A good starting point, though would be to look at the average size of a user's mailbox now and extrapolate.
For example, I think I'm a fairly heavy email user and my ~/Library/Mail directory is 5.4GB. If everyone in your company is like me then you'd need 5.4GB x 100 users, or 540GB to store all their mail.
Most users aren't like me, though, but you'll have to determine that yourself.
After two or three years, incase 500G already not enough for store all email data, Could I have any solution for this issue?
Sure. You can add additional storage (e.g. via FireWire or some external mechanism) and migrate mailboxes there. You can even selectively store different user's mailboxes on different volumes. It's all possible.
Is Mac mini server can do 7*24job?
Sure. Many people are using the Mini 24/7. I wouldn't say it's ideal for critical systems but using mirrored disk will insulate you from the biggest problem. If this is going to be the main mail system for your company though, you need to consider other elements such as backup and failover (what to do when/if this machine crashes/explodes/is otherwise unavailable).

Mail server setup question

i am setting up a mac pro with the leopard server. After 3 reinstallations of the os i keep reaching the same situation. Once i have setup mail services the mails can only be relayed within the local lan and mail sent via smtp can go to the internet. Mails forwarded to the ip/subdomain however do not arrive.
the dns & mx has been setup as the mail services pdf indicates. on the domain side a subdomain has been created with mx but of a lower priority than the main domain mx.
www.casinomalindi.com is the domain and the mx are mail.casinomalindi.com & mld.casinomalindi.com
kindly assist.
regards

Sorry for the delay in response. The server is at a remote site.
Sending mail is OK and receipients are receiving mails ok. The problem is in receiving mail from external sources. e.g. if i send mail from gmail i get the following:
Technical details of temporary failure:
The recipient server did not accept our requests to connect. Learn more at http://mail.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=7720
[mld.casinomalindi.com (1): Connection timed out]
kindly find the post conf file:
------------------------------postconf -------------------------------------
Last login: Tue Jun 30 15:35:43 on ttys000
mld:~ adminmyd$ postconf -n
command_directory = /usr/sbin
config_directory = /etc/postfix
content_filter = smtp-amavis:[127.0.0.1]:10024
daemon_directory = /usr/libexec/postfix
debugpeerlevel = 2
enableserveroptions = yes
html_directory = no
inet_interfaces = all
mail_owner = _postfix
mailboxsizelimit = 0
mailbox_transport = cyrus
mailq_path = /usr/bin/mailq
manpage_directory = /usr/share/man
messagesizelimit = 10485760
mydomain = casinomalindi.com
mydomain_fallback = localhost
myhostname = mld.casinomalindi.com
newaliases_path = /usr/bin/newaliases
queue_directory = /private/var/spool/postfix
readme_directory = /usr/share/doc/postfix
relayhost =
sample_directory = /usr/share/doc/postfix/examples
sendmail_path = /usr/sbin/sendmail
setgid_group = _postdrop
smtpdpw_server_securityoptions = gssapi
smtpdrecipientrestrictions = permitsasl_authenticated,permit_mynetworks,reject_unauthdestination,permit
smtpdsasl_authenable = yes
smtpduse_pwserver = yes
unknownlocal_recipient_rejectcode = 550
mld:~ adminmyd$
pls advise if this is ok.
regards
LM

Please help!! new home wireless music setup questions

I am building a new house, and I would like to have a system in which I can play music on itunes and wirelessly decide which speakers in the house I want to hear it on. Airtunes sounds great because I don't have to use new music playing software, but here is my issue: All of my speakers will be prewired to come into a central location. So do I have to have, like 10 airport expresses plugged in next to each other with the speaker wires coming into them at this central location? I suppose I could just have one airport express on my one stereo and control which speakers separately, but I really like the option of being able to decide in the itunes program which speakers the music plays on.
Other OS

That's not the way I would do it, that would also require 10 amplifiers .
I would build a central audio system using a DAC and connecting the airport express to the DAC for very good sound.
Then I'd splurge and go buy a Bang and Olufsen setup, they have a pretty (and) good way of dealing with multiple room multiple audio sources setups.
the system is described here:
http://www.bang-olufsen.com/web2/systems/beolink.asp?section=systems&prodid=1004 &sub=bl
and check out www.bang-olufsen.com for their systems.
I must say, I don't have a B&O system myself, but I do fancy them .
B.

Home Office Network Software Challenges - Post HP Support Assistant Update

Hi
I have an existing home office network setup on an HP Officejet 7410 with assistance from 'Dean' at the end of 2009 / early 2010.
Essentially I have a relatively new HP Compaq 6000 Pro MT Windows 7 32 bit main desktop connected by ethernet to a Netgear DG834GT router, a wirelessly connected Vista Business 32 bit laptop I use when in London and a secondary wirelessly connected family XP Pro Desktop.
All has been running smoothly until fairly recent HP Support Assistant updates for the main desktop - this has caused the HP all in one not to function and corrupted the HP Support Assistant software. I have tried uninstalling the HP 7410 software and have had to use Revo Uninstaller on a medium setting to remove some stubborn programme elements.
I am now unable to reinstall using the Full HP Software suite but have managed to get the printer part working using the basic HP driver download.
Can anyone provide assistance as to how to get back my computer and printer functionality ?
I did try contacting HP support but as it is an old printer they will not provide support (without considerable charge) despite being related to their own HP update software on my somewhat newer (but again out of warranty) Win 7 main desktop.
If I can not solve this problem by uninstalling and reinstalling the software I will be forced to consider a new printer (for which I will get support) but currently the most likely candidate is going to be a move to Epson which would be a shame after over 15 years of sticking with HP.
I look forward to hearing of any possible solutions but please let me know if you need any further info from my end.

Sorry to hear you also have a similar issue. I tried every thing I knew but unfortunately due to the lack of support I gave up ,and ended up purchasing a new printer from a competitor after 15 years of using HP printers. It was a great shame as HP had always been the leading choice for me as a small business.

Home Office Setup

This is probably a very simple question, but I'll ask anyway!
I have a couple of clients that want to set up a home office configuration providing a PC, wireless and VOIP handset configuration, providing the same functionality as though they were in the office.
At the main office, I have an ISR 877 providing a basic ASDL connection and connected to that I have an ASA5505 providing the firewall, VPN access etc.
I'm thinking that I can install a ISR 851 or similar at the home site, which will have it's WAN port connected to the existing Broadband router. I can then create a VPN connection (IPSec or Site-to-site?) to the main office through the ASA and hey presto, I have some happy users!!
The things that I want to clarify are:
1) Can the ISR 851 connected to an existing Broadband router through the FE, thus making a little secure business subnetwork within their home network.
2) Am I going to need an IP at the home end? Or would I ensure the connection through the VPN through other means?
3) Are there other, better ways to do this?
Bear in mind that there isn't a huge budget to change the main office setup. I really want to buy an ISR, configure and install....
Thanks in advance for any help...
Campbell Thompson
http://www.etonbridge.com

You do not need a public IP if you use EZVPN:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/tech/tk583/tk372/technologies_configuration_example09186a0080808395.shtml
We used this once for a customer who had only one IP terminated on the router. We configured EZVPN on an ASA5505 but this should work with IOS routers as well.
regards,
Leo

What are the advantages to adding a server to my home/home office system?

What are the advantages to adding a server to my home/home office system?

It's hard to give you specific answers unless we know your current setup. Any server, or specifically OS X server, may not be appropriate for your workflow.
A server is a centralized computer which can act as a file repository for other computers and devices to access. It can also centrally manage authentication for other resources (ie, have a single sign in for multiple services), can act as a web server, a calendar server, and other features. Of course, many of those things are available from other providers, but having your own server means that you have more control (and responsibility) over them.
This is a good place to start:
https://www.apple.com/osx/server/
Matt

Home office use Mac mini server?

I run my own consulting business from a home office. I have an iPad and am planning on buying the new MBA and a home machine, let's say a Mac mini.
I have a website currently hosted elsewhere and unto this point have been a pc user.
Would it be in my interests to buy a Mac mini server? What would be the advantages? Would it help if I work with others outside the home in the future? What if I want to connect to home when I am away? is it just overkill? Would it cause me issues if there was ever a power fail when i am away (sometimes for several weeks at a time -although I could probably get someone to do a reboot)

I would be hesitant based on the concerns that you've already outlined. It also depends on your level of technical expertise. Are you a "techie" by nature and would the knowledge of running your own server help? If so, then it is potentially an option.
If it is just a hobby, I would keep my web and email hosted at your current provided for the simple reason that they can deal with uptime monitoring, backups and general server administration. You could then host a server as a hobby.
Another issue with hosting the server at home is that if you are on a national ISP, such as Comcast, then their IP addresses are typically blocked as sending spam. (That's the situation I'm in.) So, when I setup my email server, I can receive email, but it is really hit and miss in terms of getting to my recipients.

Home Office Server setup questions: re: firewall

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