“If you use an iMac or a MacBook Pro, you may not realize that, with some additional software, you could turn that computer into a server, a computer that can share files, host websites, run a virtual private network, and much more,” Kirk McElhearn writes for Intego. “”
“Apple’s macOS and its predecessor Mac OS X have long been able to work as servers with the installation of a single $20 app,” McElhearn writes. “The Server app, available from the Mac App Store, provides an easy-to-use interface to configure and manage services that are built into macOS. You could run all these services without the Server app, if you know the right commands to turn them on and manage them from the command line, using Terminal, but the Server app makes it easy so almost anyone can do it.”
“Apple has said that they are “deprecating” certain services in macOS Server. They won’t be killing them off completely, but they are changing this software ‘to focus more on management of computers, devices, and storage on your network,'” McElhearn writes. “What’s next for macOS Server? The most likely direction it may take is that of being a true MDM (mobile device management) system.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: The ability to manage multiple devices easily and quickly would be a godsend for home users.
In just one example, a three-person family, there are four Apple TVs, three iPads, three iPhones, two HomePods, three Apple Watches, and five Macs. That’s a lot of stuff to manage properly and efficiently!
SEE ALSO:
Apple to deprecate raft of essential services in macOS Server this spring – January 30, 2018
Apple all but kills macOS Server – January 29, 2018
Mac administrators seeing changes on the horizon, new plans could alter how Apple machines are managed – November 10, 2016
Apple Mac servers: Why they still makes sense – March 23, 2015
A power user’s guide to OS X Server, Mavericks edition – December 10, 2013
OS X 10.9 Mavericks Server: Big changes for developers – November 1, 2013
Steve Jobs on Xserve cancellation: ‘Hardly anybody was buying them’ – November 08, 2010
Apple offers new $2999 Mac Pro Server to replace Xserve – November 05, 2010
Apple discontinues Xserve as of January 31; will continue to fully support existing units – November 05, 2010