Specifications
27
Technology Overview
Xserve
• Network. Indicates the status of active network links, the network stack, and link
settings and provides a historical line graph for each link.
•
Temperature. Provides the values of the 10 enclosure and processor temperature
sensors, as well as a historical line graph for each sensor reading.
•
Blowers. Shows the revolutions per minute and status of the seven double-blade fans,
including a historical line graph for each one. In the case of a single blower failure, the
other fans speed up to compensate, allowing the server to continue to run, while also
notifying the system administrator.
•
Security. Displays the security status of the Xserve enclosure. Xserve features a
hardware enclosure lock that prevents drives from being removed, as well as software-
based I/O port security that allows administrators to disable optical mounting, removal
of hard drives, or use of USB and FireWire devices.
In addition, Server Monitor records a log of activities and messages for each moni-
tored Xserve. The log provides the times when Server Monitor attempted to contact
the server and whether a connection was successful. It also shows changes in server
status. For asset tracking or support logging, a System Profiler report can be saved
for a selected server or multiple servers.
Apple Remote Desktop
A suite of integrated desktop and remote management tools, Apple Remote Desktop
facilitates a wide range of IT tasks and simplifies the administrative process without
compromising power and flexibility. Apple Remote Desktop complements the soft-
ware and hardware features in Xserve, allowing administrators to manage one or
hundreds of Xserve systems remotely with ease—distributing software, creating asset
reports on hardware configurations or software versions, providing remote graphical
screen control, and automating routine management tasks.
Apple Remote Desktop also complements the desktop and workgroup management
features of Mac OS X Server, enhancing the remote administrative capabilities needed
for any IT administrator supporting a population of Mac OS X client computers.
Running detailed hardware or software configuration reports becomes an easy task,
whether clients are on a local LAN or distributed across a multisite WAN. The same is
true for upgrading software across a large user population or for providing remote
assistance.
Apple integrated these essential IT management capabilities in an accessible interface,
making it easy to discover and manage computers on a network and perform multiple
management commands in sequence. For anyone managing a group of Mac computers,
Apple Remote Desktop is an innovative application that streamlines workflow while
reducing support costs, improving system management, and increasing security.
For extra convenience, Apple has enabled the Apple Remote Desktop agent on
the Mac OS X Server installer DVD. This provides immediate remote control—with
a superb graphical user interface—of Xserve installation for those who use Apple
Remote Desktop.
And now, non-Apple machines can also control Xserve remotely. With Virtual Network
Computing (VNC) features enabled, any open source VNC control application can be
used to control Xserve remotely from a PC.
Apple Remote Desktop 3
Apple Remote Desktop enables you to
control Xserve systems as well as Mac
computers from anywhere on your
network—even from a virtual private
network from home. Because servers
are often “headless” and in remote
locations, Setup Assistant in Mac OS X
Server includes a one-click option to
install and configure the Apple Remote
Desktop client. Also available is a
command-line utility for configuring
software on the server.
Apple Remote Desktop also supports the
lights-out management (LOM) capabilities
of the new Intel-based Xserve. You can
remotely power on/off and restart the
Xserve as well as obtain information on
how the LOM is configured.