[X Newbies] What is considered to be a Server these days?

[Rob Griffiths]

OS X Server is the server-version of OS X Client software. It features
special administrative tools to make it easier to adminster users,
privileges, sharing, web servers, etc.  It sells for $999 (unlimited
users, or $499 for 10 users) vs. $129 for Client.  OS X Server can run
on most Macs, including the G5, and you can read about it here:
http://www.apple.com/server/macosx/ (the client software details are
here: http://www.apple.com/macosx/).

The PowerMac G5 in the grey "cheese grater" case is considered a desktop
(typical user) machine, but it would certainly make a reasonable server
if you were to install OS X Server software on it. However, you'd be
paying for features (lots of expansion slots, large box, powerful video
card) that you don't really need in a server machine.
http://www.apple.com/powermac/

Apple's "real" servers are the Xserves, which have special features for
servers (some redundant parts, etc.), and are designed to fit in a rack
of equipment instead of on the desktop.  http://www.apple.com/xserve/

You could, probably (?) install OS X Client on an Xserve, but it
wouldn't make a lot of sense to do so -- it's not necessarily a great
desktop machine, given the noise level and lack of slots for expansion
cards, etc.

Hope that helps a bit, and I've probably glossed some things over in an
attempt to provide a high-level overview.

-rob.

-----Original Message-----
From: Mac OS X Newbies [mailto:X-Newbies at lists.themacintoshguy.com] On
Behalf Of Kevin Matthews
Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2004 10:42 AM
To: Mac OS X Newbies
Subject: [X Newbies] What is considered to be a Server these days?



Hello,

In the Mac lingo  is the G5 dual considered a
'Server' or is there actually different OSX
software for servers and 'regular' Macs as it
concerns OS X 10.3 or 10.3.2??