Is OS X Server right for me?

Hiya-
I work at a smallish print shop (about 70 employees). We are looking at getting an in-house server to primarily handle email (about 20 email accounts), as well as FTP and probably hosting a very small website. Most of the "pros" we've consulted with recommend a Windows-based server solution. Being a resident "Mac guy", I have pitched Mac OS X as being an easy-to-configure alternative. This has raised a few questions, and we would like to get some advice from some folks that have an OS X Server-based setup.
The primary concern is, of course, Spam. We get lots and lots of spam every day. We currently have our email routed through AppRiver, and I was shown a report that among the 15 or 20 email accounts we have, we received over 900,000 spam emails in a day. This seems incredible to me. The question is, would a single Mac Pro or XServe running the latest OS X Server be able to handle this without seriously impacting performance? (We have a 3.0 megabit internet connection and the entire LAN is 100Mbit or better). Are folks generally happy with OS X Server as an email solution?
Also, I would like to hear from anyone using OS X Server as an FTP solution. Right now we have maybe 50 or so FTP accounts, with a couple more added every few weeks as we get new clients, or current clients realize that email isn't the best way to send 15 megabyte files... Overall FTP usage is pretty light.
And finally, I would appreciate any comments or advice regarding initial configuration, for someone that has been using Macs for 20 years but has never actually setup a proper business server.
Thanks for any and all comments and suggestions...
Drewstre

My 2 cents also:
I've been a hardcore user of Macintosh systems since 1988 (still have my MacPlus in the closet) and should warn that OSX Server is about as far away from the Macintosh user-friendly point and click concept as it could be.
I used Webstar for years and can't ever remember reading more than a couple pages out of the manual because it was so user friendly. OSX Server is at the far other end of that spectrum.
For me... the manuals included in the box with OSX Server are so vague they're nearly useless. Online manuals at Apple are better but nowhere near as helpful as the "Mac Tiger Server - Little Black Book" by Charles Edge and other third party books. These forums have also been vital for me. (thanks everyone!)
On the surface, OSX Server is a mac, but you pretty much HAVE to work at the command line to get all the features working correctly and to fix certain problems.
The learning curve has been very steep and detective-style investigation is required on a regular basis. I've learned tons so far but still have a long way to go.
Having said all that, OSX Server is extremely powerful and should easily meet all your needs. I'm hosting multiple virtual websites, mail services, webmail, ftp, apple share volumes and... knock on wood... it handles everything like a champ! Has never bogged down and has never crashed once... Ever!
OSX Server is impressive and it can do everything I need it to do and more. I'm happy I chose it, but I'd say it's nearly as foreign to a Macintosh OS user as Windows would be. As long are you're ready to learn something new, you'll be very impressed and happy.
Cons: Not very user friendly, Not self explanitory
Pros: Powerful and Reliable as anything I've ever used... and it runs on a Mac!
(I like that part best for hardware replacement, backup, upgrades, spare parts, etc.)
That's my opinion anyway. Good luck!

Similar Messages

Is Snow Leopard Server right for me?

I'm not sure if I need a server or not...
here are some of the things I like to accomplish
- Calendar Server, calendar for the entire family.. being able to set up appointments and others √
- iTune. We have 3 AppleTV in the house and I keep all my music on the Mini now, running iTunes and sharing turn on. I am streaming from my MacMini iTune to my AppleTVs. (Can I do this with server?)
- Run a DVD library software such as Delicious Library and other catalog softwares
- Ripping DVD
Can snow leopard server run non-server software such as iLife and iWork?
Please Help

Server and Client are IDENTICAL. If it is a Mac app, it runs on one and/or the other. Period.
If you can justify the added expense that is about the only question of difference.
I am doing it right now. My primary Mac is Unlimited Client 10.5.8 on a Dual 2.5Ghz G5. Works like a charm. Ripping, iTunes Sharing, et al.
Peter

Allow or deny server rights for Firefox

Every so often my security software gives me an alert stating that Firefox is trying to act as an Internet server. It then asks me if I want to allow or deny it server rights. Why does Firefox need to do this and is it safe to allow it?
== This happened ==
A few times a week

Firefox uses a loop back connection to communicate with the Software Security Device (passwords and secure connections).
Some firewalls interpret that as Firefox being as server.
See also [[Firefox makes unrequested connections]]

Is OSX server right for me?

i work for a small dvd authoring house and I am trying to improve the efficiency of our workflow.
We are mostly PC based, with a few powermac G5s. I have set up one of the powermacs as a central storage server. It is connected to a 2 terrabyte raid array via fiberchanel.
Everyone retrieves and places files on to the array by connecting through gigabit ethernet to the powermac which is sharing the volume using a shareware program called sharepoints.
I have recently setup one of our employees that works remotely with an FTP account using tigers built ftp server so that she can also connect to the central array.
My questions:
Will upgrading the powermac to osx server yield any benifits for our workflow?
Is it possible to put two seperate gigabit ethernet cards in everyone's computer for faster network transfers to and from the central storage?
Our remote employee has noted that downloads and uploads to our server via FTP are far slower than transfers she makes to other ftps. Currently 20k a sec is her top speed with an avg of 10. She was getting close to 100k/s with the FTP server we rent from Readyhosting. Will upgrading to osx server improve the speed of remote transfers, what about rumpus?
We transfer a lot of media files throught out the day, it adds a lot of overhead. We cant afford to go all out with xsan and fiberchannel switches. Does anyone have any suggestions that may improve the workflow.
What would be ideal is if our digitizers could capture a movie directly to the central storage array and our dvd authors can read the files directly from the array. My gut feeling is a gigabit network doesnt have the bandwidth for this.
thanks for any insight.
ryan

Will upgrading the powermac to osx server yield any benifits for our workflow?
I doubt it. As long as the limited number of connections and lack of GUIs for the configuration aren't a problem, there isn't really much difference between client and server.
Is it possible to put two seperate gigabit ethernet cards in everyone's computer for faster network transfers to and from the central storage?
Not really. Trunking or bonding is connection based. In other words, one file goes over one wire, next file next wire. So if you're going to be transferring numerous files at once, it will benefit you, but if you're just transferring one big file, it won't.
Our remote employee has noted that downloads and uploads to our server via FTP are far slower than transfers she makes to other ftps. Currently 20k a sec is her top speed with an avg of 10. She was getting close to 100k/s with the FTP server we rent from Readyhosting. Will upgrading to osx server improve the speed of remote transfers, what about rumpus?
Have you checked the configuration of FTP thoroughly? FTP has the ability to limit how fast connections can transfer and this may be on accidentally.
We transfer a lot of media files throught out the day, it adds a lot of overhead. We cant afford to go all out with xsan and fiberchannel switches. Does anyone have any suggestions that may improve the workflow.
One other possibility is InfiniBand. It looks to be ~$1500/machine vs. ~$2100/machine for XSan.
What would be ideal is if our digitizers could capture a movie directly to the central storage array and our dvd authors can read the files directly from the array. My gut feeling is a gigabit network doesnt have the bandwidth for this.
Judging by the number of posts in the XSan forum that frames are dropped with XSan, I would say that gig isn't going to cut it. It looks like one of these streams needs ~150 MB/s and that would be, to be solid, both controllers on an XRaid.
Roger

Grant Application Impersonation Rights for UPN on Exchange Server 2007

Hi,
I would like to know , how to grant application impersonation rights for UPN account in exchange server 2007 . As i am working for mailbox migration , i should have this rights . I can do impersonation rights for domain\username but not for [email protected]
Please anyone help me , how to grant permission for [email protected] .
Big thanks in advance.
.Thanks & Regards,
vinoth

Hi,
I have a test in my environment using Exchange 2007, you can use the following cmdlet to assign Application Impersonation rights to an account using UPN.
Get-ExchangeServer | where {$_.IsClientAccessServer -eq $TRUE} | ForEach-Object {Add-ADPermission -Identity $_.distinguishedname -User (Get-User -Identity
[email protected] | select-object).identity -extendedRight ms-Exch-EPI-Impersonation}
Get-MailboxDatabase | ForEach-Object {Add-ADPermission -Identity $_.DistinguishedName -User
[email protected] -ExtendedRights ms-Exch-EPI-May-Impersonate}
Note: Please change the "[email protected]" to the UPN you want to use.
Hope my clarification is helpful.
Best regards,
Amy Wang
TechNet Community Support

Non riesco a ricevere acquisti fatti su itunes, mi da questo errore :erreu : you have an error in your sql syntax; checkthe manual that corresponds to your mysql server version for the right syntax to use near from news order by id desc at line. cosa devo

non riesco a ricevere acquisti fatti su itunes, mi da questo errore :erreu : you have an error in your sql syntax; checkthe manual that corresponds to your mysql server version for the right syntax to use near from news order by id desc at line. cosa devo fare? grazie

Start Firefox in [[Safe Mode]] to check if one of the add-ons is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Tools > Add-ons > Themes).
* Don't make any changes on the Safe mode start window.
See:
* [[Troubleshooting extensions and themes]]

Enable "Save" rights for Reader using LC Server

Hello All,
To enable the "Save" rights for Reader I can use Acrobat Pro menu option Advanced -> Enable Usage Rights in Adobe Reader...
What is the option in Reader Extensions console that maps to this right? Also, what service would this map to in Reader Extension WSDL?
Thanks.
Regards,
JK

Thanks.
If that is the case please let me know if the following mapping between RE webservice and RE browser UI is correct.
enabledFormFillIn                     - Basic form fill-in
enabledFormDataImportExport   - Import and Export form data
enabledSubmitStandalone         - Submit outside web browser
enabledOnlineForms                - Database and web service connectivity
enabledDynamicFormFields      - Add, delete and change form fields
enabledDynamicFormPages      - Create pages from templates
enabledBarcodeDecoding      - 2D bar decoding
enabledDigitalSignatures      - Digital signatures
enabledComments                - Commenting
enabledCommentsOnline      - online commenting
enabledEmbeddedFiles           - Embedded file attachments
This will help decide the correct WS call.
Regards,
JK

Destination disabled. []: [CrystalEnterprise.Ftp]. Please note the name of the job server used for your request and contact your system administrator to make sure the specified destination is enabled. (FWB 00031)

Hi
In BO 4.0 SP 9 when a administrator tries to schedule a report via CMC there is no error
But when a user schedules a report and the destination is FTP location -> Use default settings he gets following error
Destination disabled. []: [CrystalEnterprise.Ftp]. Please note the name of the job server used for your request and contact your system administrator to make sure the specified destination is enabled. (FWB 00031)
There is only one Job Server and the destinations are enabled in it
There is no Job server for Crystal Reports Job Server
Do i need to create it and how.

Please check if you have proper rights to schedule to FTP. You can create a new job server, whenever you schedule it, there are multiple job servers, it will handle based on the load. But it is not mandatory, depends on the load.

Changing Mail Server Settings for Other IMAP

Hello,
         I'm an Admin for a treatment center and one of our psychiatrists has a BB Tour. He asked me the other day if I could set up his email account on our exchange server for him on his phone. Going through the mail setup wizard I selected "Other" account and set it up for IMAP and then it asked me for his email address and password. It took the domain name and then assumed the mail server names were as such. Now in a perfect world, this wouldnt be an issue. I recently took over for a complete moron and this guy has our MX records pointing to a 3rd party company where all of our outside emails go and then the Outlook clients are set up to pop this box in addition to the Exchange setup (I know its totally lame). What Ive done for everyone else is just setup a IMAP account using the server IP address and mail works fine for them. I cannot for the life of me find where I can actually edit the mail server names for the IMAP account I create on his BB Tour. Is this a limitation the phone? Or am I not looking in the right place. Thanks!
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Yup -- refer back to my first reply where I said to use the carrier BIS website...while I didn't say it quite so clearly, I did not say to use the on-device email setup wizards.
The device interface to BIS (aka email setup wizards) and the carrier website interface to BIS have subtle differences. For what you need to do, you need to use the carrier website from a PC/browser. Here is the link:
https://bis.na.blackberry.com/html?brand=vzw
If you have not yet created BIS credentials, you will need to. I find it easier to first create those on the device interface and then use them in the web interface. Afterwards, you will have to use the credentials in the device interface, but there is a "remember me" box so you will only have to enter them once.
Personally, I rarely use the device interface...a full keyboard, mouse, and monitor are so much simpler for doing things than a tiny BB screen/keyboard. But that's just me.
Good luck!
Occam's Razor nearly always applies when troubleshooting technology issues!
If anyone has been helpful to you, please show your appreciation by clicking the button inside of their post. Please click here and read, along with the threads to which it links, for helpful information to guide you as you proceed. I always recommend that you treat your BlackBerry like any other computing device, including using a regular backup schedule...click here for an article with instructions.
Join our BBM Channels
BSCF General Channel
PIN: C0001B7B4   Display/Scan Bar Code
Knowledge Base Updates
PIN: C0005A9AA   Display/Scan Bar Code

I updated to OS X 10.9.2 and turned on my calendar sync in iCloud, now my calendar is unavailable and shows moving calendar to server acount for 3 days. Not sure how to reset or gain access? Please help!

I updated to OS X 10.9.2 and turned on Calendar sync in iCloud, now my calendar is unavailable and shows "moving calendars to server account" for 3 days. Not sure how to reset or access calendar. I can only force quit the app and when I restart it, it goes right to the same message. I have also tried turning off the sync in iCloud to no avail. Please help. I need my calendar!

Try the solution posted by melosaris here: https://discussions.apple.com/message/23475967#23475967.

Content Server config for production system - oac0

Hi all
We are setting up content server for our ERP 2005 system, and I am wondering what best practice is for our scenario.
We have one content server (CST) for development and test systems on host A, and one content server (CSP) for production system on host B. The Archive link configuration in dev and test points to CST. When this is transported to production, it will point to the wrong content server and I will have to reconfigure the archivelink in production to point to the correct content server (CSP).
What is the best way to set up the production system to point to the content server CSP on host B? Should I define a new content repository in t-code oac0 in dev, and transport this to production? Should I define the new repository directly in production system??
Please advise.
Best Regards,
Thomas

Hello,
I had the same problem a few years ago with R/3 4.7.
I don't think there is a perfect solution but here is what I did :
In the DEV system, in OAC0, I created 2 content repositories, one for the test sytem and one for the production. I transported these 2 content repositories in the production system.
In the DEV system, in OAC3, I created temporary links from my business objects to my production content repository. I released the request order.
Then I deleted these links which are wrong in the DEV system. I transported the order in the R/3 production system where these links are right.
In the DEV system, in OAC3, I then created the links from my business objects to my TEST content repository. I released the second request order.
So my config is now OK in my test and my production system.
When we refresh the DEV system by a database copy from the production system. We just have to reimport the test request order to switch the links to be OK on the DEV system. We don't have to recreate the test content repository as it was defined als oi nthe production system.
I am not sure that this is clear but this works for us with no problems since 2002.
I hope this helps.
Olivier

Project Server 2013 for Resource Planning & Project Portfolio Management

We are looking to use project server 2013 for resource and project portfolio management. We are an IT department of approximately 600 growing to 1,000 within the next several years.
We would like to us PS2013 to do the following :
Manage Portfolio of Projects
Manage Resources against this Portfolio
Calculate Project Finances using resource roles and rates
I would be grateful to have both comments on experience , both positive and negative.
Thank You

Many teams within organizations are turning to Project Server to help them control resources, deliverables and costs better. It does resource management very well with work & cost resources, baseline costs, material costs, budget costs and
out of the box earned value analysis (EV). The Strategy (portfolio) component is very powerful and it will help you identify project that align to your objects then do what if analysis to find the right mix of projects.
Here are a couple of things you should think about when moving to PS2013:
1) Who will be using the tool? If it is a mix of onsite staff, remote staff, vendors, contractors etc. you may want to think about a hosted solution.
2) Training. Don't assume everyone will just magically 'know' how to use the tool. Train everyone (team members, PMs, Executives) then train them again. It's the only way to truly get the value out of the tool.
3) Who will manage the system? This is not a typical application. The right administrator needs SharePoint, Project Server, SQL Server, MS Project, Analysis Services and SQL Report writing skills. Please note that much of this can
be learned by the right person but DEFINITELY find the right person.
4) Don't start customizing right out of the box. You will get frustrated. Adjust your organization to the tool early on. I know that is easier said than done but you need a realistic approach to get tool acceptance moving early.
5) Use workflows but don't use them right out of the gate. Workflows are great but I suggest you wait until phase 2 or 3 to start aligning them to your business processes.
6) Lastly and most importantly, you must first establish your own business processes THEN align them to the tool. DO NOT assume the tool will create business process for you. You must think about how you are going to initiate a project,
how are you going to track deliverables, how will time sheets be managed, etc. Get to a whiteboard, crack open Visio and start building and establishing your processes now. PS 2013 is pretty flexible and usually will align well with existing business
processes.
And don't forget to hire a good consultant. They can be brought in during key phases of your roll-out to add value, help you avoid risks, and provide you with best practice advice.
Good luck.

Content Server Version for EP7.0 WAS7.0

1.here i m using portal 7.0, to configure KM...going to use content server.
our portal server installed on sun solaries system. kindly let me knw which version of content server i hav to install
and also kindly send me installation guide of content server on sun solaries system
2. how to mainatain data in contetn server?(need to follow any structre?)
3. wat type of repository need to create at portal to access data whichi si in content server
4. by connecting to bi server, generating bi reports in portal....how to save these reports as documents in content server
kindly put some light on this...
Thanks in advance
Amarnath S

Hi Amar,
the Content Server in Version 6.40 should be the right for you.
See also following thread:
[https://forums.sdn.sap.com/thread.jspa?threadID=986677&tstart=0]
Best regards,
Denis

Server Sizing For Oracle Database

Hi All,
I need a server sizing for the below mentioned architecture:
This application is basically for logistics company which we are planing to host it centrally with two server's one server for application and one for oracle database along with DR site (Other Location). There are four locations and each location will have 20 users who are going to access this application (20 x 4= 80 Users). We are using MPLS network of 35 mbps bandwidth.
1. Application server: Windows server 2008 R2
2. Database Server: Windows server 2008 R2, Oracle 11g r2
I need a server sizing documents.
Thanks........

EdStevens wrote:
Justin Mungal wrote:
EdStevens wrote:
user1970505 wrote:
Hi All,
I need a server sizing for the below mentioned architecture:
This application is basically for logistics company which we are planing to host it centrally with two server's one server for application and one for oracle database along with DR site (Other Location). There are four locations and each location will have 20 users who are going to access this application (20 x 4= 80 Users). We are using MPLS network of 35 mbps bandwidth.
1. Application server: Windows server 2008 R2
2. Database Server: Windows server 2008 R2, Oracle 11g r2
I need a server sizing documents.
Thanks........I'd seriously reconsider hosting Oracle db on Windows. Obviously there are many, many shops that do. And obviously it is often a case of the fact that they do not have (and choose to not acquire) expertise in Linux. But I've been in IT for 30+ years and have worked on IBM S-370 and its variants and descendents, Windows since v3, DEC VMS, IBM OS/2, Solaris, AIX, HPUX, and Oracle Linux. The first Oracle database I ever created was on Windows 3.11 and at that point I had never seen *nix. Now I am in a position to state that Windows is the worst excuse of an operating system of any I have ever used. I am constantly amazed/amused by how often (at least once a month on schedule, plus unplanned times) that our Windows SA has to send out a notice that he is re-booting his servers. I can't remember the last time we had to reboot a Linux server ( I have 4 of them)
Yes, I'm biased away from Windows, but that bias comes from experience. Hardly a day goes by that I don't see something that causes me to say to whoever is in earshot "have I told you how much I hate Windows?"I was going to refrain from commenting on that, as I assumed they're a Windows shop and aren't open to any other OS (but my assumption could be incorrect).
I haven't been working in IT for as long as many of the folks around here, only about 10 years. I'm a former system admin that maintained both Linux and Windows servers, but my focus was on Windows. In the right hands, Windows can be rock solid. If a system admin has to reboot Windows servers often, he is most likely doing something wrong, or is rebooting for security updates. It's never as simple as "Windows Sucks," or "Linux Sucks;" it all depends on who's running the system (again, in my opinion).
I have seen some windows servers run uninterrupted for so long no one could remember the admin password. But more often memory leaks and the "weekly update" (replacing last weeks bugs with this weeks) is the culprit.
Yes, it really is sad how often you have to reboot for updates if you want to keep your system current. Mind you, it's better to have the fixes then to not have them (maybe). I rebooted my servers about once every month at my old place... which is not that bad.
With that said, in my experience, Oracle on Windows is a major pain. It takes me much longer to do anything. Once you get proficient with a CLI like the bash shell, the Windows GUI can't compare.Agreed. One of my many complaints about Windows is the poor excuse of a shell processor. I'm pretty proficient in command line scripting, but still cringe when I have to do it. Practically every line of code I write for a command script is accompanied by the remark "this is so lame compared to what I could do with a shell script". Same for vi vs. notepad. But my real problem is the memory leaks and the registry. I'm fairly comfortable hacking certain areas of the registry, but the need to and the arcane linkages between different areas of the registry and how they influence 'process environment' remains a mystery to all but a tiny minority of admins. Compare to *nix where everything is well documented and "knowable".
One (of many) anecdotal experiences, this with my personal Win7 laptop. One time it crashed and refused to reboot. A bit of a google search turned up some arcane keystroke sequence to put it into some sort of recovery mode on bootup .. similar to getting into the bios, but the keystroke sequence was much more complex .. it may have involved standing on one foot while entering the sequence. Anyway, it entered a recovery process I've never seen before or since and repaired everything. My first thought was "hey, that was pretty cool." Then my second thought was 'but only Windows would need such a facility.
Bottom line? To paraphrase a famous Tom Hanks character, "My momma always said Windows was like a box of chocolates. You never know just what you'll get."Haha... I like that one. Yes, the registry is definitely horrible. It's amazing to me that a single point of failure was Microsoft's answer to INI files.
I think Windows and nix have their places. Server work definitely seems more productive to me in a nix environment, but I think I'd jump off a cliff if I had to use it as my desktop environment day-in-day-out. The other problem is application lock-down; I can't blame the OS for that, but it's a reality... and using virtualization to run those applications seems to defeat the point to me.

Lion Server just for Podcast Producer?

I know nothing about servers and such, but am starting a video podcast for our small tribal college to teach our language and culture. I have a new iMac and Lion and use Final Cut Pro X.
Can I install Lion Server just for Podcast Producer and ignore all the other stuff with it? Does PCProducer work well? And does it work well with video?
Thank you for any and all advice or input.

Correct.
tj4shee wrote:
Oh...... so if I read this right.... the total cost for setting up a Lion Server is $29 for Lion + $49 for the server tools.... so $88 total....
I didn't catch on to that prior.....

Is OS X Server right for me?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for