Setting up Os X Server - help?!

[Table 5]

I've currently trying to setup 3 Macs on a server, and Im wondering if anyone knows of any good tips/sources for doing this myself. Im semi-ok with tech/computer stuff but definitely not a pro, so hopefully I can do it myself....and if not, I guess I need to hire someone.

I purchased OS X Server, which sells itself as being to being easy to setup, but Im not quite sure how i would go about hooking things up physically. Do we need to physically hook every computer to the server (Mac tower) with a cable (and if so, what kind)? Or is it all wireless? We're graphic designers who need to work off of files that are directly on the server, so speed is fairly imperative, and Im guessing doing it wirelessly through the airport would be too slow. If we need to hook up all 3 physically to the server tower, i would assume we would need some sort of splitter?

Is there anything else I am not thinking about?

[Barnes]

OS X Server is probably a little more than what you need if you just want to share files between a few people and a Power Mac/Mac Pro. It will allow you to set up better permissions for users and groups but you can share files and printers with a regular OS X install.

It doesn't sound like you'll be setting up a mail/calendar/chat server, xgrid, Xsan or complicated storage systems.

As for hardware, you're going to need a router to connect everything together via ethernet cables. You'll want a 10/100/1000 router and cables. I am no networking expert but it's pretty easy if all your staff are using Macs.

Don't forget a backup system. Check out the Drobo...

http://www.drobo.com/

[sclitheroe]

No offense, but you should hire someone. It's gonna save you headaches now, and especially when it needs expansion/upgrades/repairs down the road.

Someone with some experience in this area is also going to ensure that things like DHCP are set up correctly to leave a hole for static addressed devices like printers & scanners, DNS so you can find network devices by name, ensure you have a proper backup system in place with a regular offsite rotation and retention policy, make sure you have some sane ACL's set up on file shares, ensure your router is properly secured, automated patching strategy for unattended updates to the server, etc.

Properly done, its going to be a one time expense that will continue to run without issues, and allow you to concentrate on your real work.

[llama64]

Setup the server on you network. Connect it to a wireless router via a LAN cable. Connect laptops to router either via wireless or cable.

Your server should be visible to any computer attached to your network. From there you'll need to setup user accounts on the server and file shares. How you do this is really up to you.

I would not recommend doing any sort of work directly on file stored on the server. Even when connected by cable it's adding too many variables that could disrupt file saves and end up with file corruption. It also introduces the fun of what happens when two people save to the same open file.

Advice:
Setup a repository software on your server. Work on local copies and commit the changes. Repositories can be useful for more types of files then just software source code. I think Adobe even as a solution designed for graphic designers.

Don't quote me but I think OS X Server comes with SVN built in as an installable module. It's one of the better repository software distributions out there so you might want to read up on it. It will take some technical skill to get up and running so keep that in mind before you really get into it.

[Table 5]

Thanks for the great help guys. In the end, reading about it, it definitely would be beneficial to have it done by somebody who knows what they are doing. Im sure i could jimmy it together, but who knows how secure that would be!

llama64, The reason we need to use it off the server is exactly to prevent double saves. Most Adobe files can't be open at the same time (unlike say, a Word file), so only one person can work on it. I can't really trust an intern to commit a file, and need it to be idiot proof. However if you know of any software that that can do this properly, please let me know.

[Table 5]

Btw, can anyone recommend a specific brand of router that they like? I assume I can buy cables off of a place like monoprice.com, but maybe there is something on that front someone can recommend as well.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Barnes

Don't forget a backup system. Check out the Drobo...

http://www.drobo.com/

Yep, we got one! My dad uses one of those, and he loves it. I just hope it works well with Time Machine.

[sclitheroe]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Btw, can anyone recommend a specific brand of router that they like? I assume I can buy cables off of a place like monoprice.com, but maybe there is something on that front someone can recommend as well.

Get one with VPN functionality, you might have remote or home workers in the future.

How big is your business? A half decent router like the Cisco SOHO series isn't terribly expensive for a business and gives you a lot of flexibility.

[Table 5]

Thanks sclitheroe, I definitely need VPN from the start, as it would be a big help. Our office at the moment has 3-4 people, but might expand to 5-6 depending on demand.

With routers is it best to go wired or wireless?

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Barnes

You'll want a 10/100/1000 router and cables.

What's the different between this, and the standard 10/100. Speed?

[Barnes]

Yes, faster. 1000 is a gigabit per second or also known as gigabit ethernet.

[Jedi Ninja]

Where possible, wired is always better. More reliable, more secure, more foolproof, no encryption CPU overhead.

Personally, I would buy a separate gigabit switch. That will give you more flexibility in choosing a router, as not many have gigabit ports. As mentioned, I'd probably go for a more expensive router with VPN features etc..