User Guide

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1 About File Services
This chapter gives an overview of Mac OS X Server file
services, important concepts, and related security issues.
Overview
File services let clients of the Mac OS X Server access shared files, applications, and
other resources over a network.
Mac OS X Server includes file services based on four common protocols:
• AFP service uses the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) to share resources with clients who
use Macintosh or Macintosh-compatible computers.
• Windows service uses the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol to share resources
with and provide name resolution for clients who use Windows or Windows-
compatible computers.
• FTP service uses the File Transfer Protocol to share files with anyone using FTP client
software.
• NFS service uses the Network File System to share files and folders with users
(typically UNIX users) who have NFS client software.
You can use the following Mac OS X Server applications to set up and manage file
services:
• Server Admin Use to turn on and configure individual file services for each protocol
• Workgroup Manager Use to create share points and set access privileges
You can also perform most setup and management tasks by typing commands at a
command prompt in Terminal. For more information, see the file services chapter of the
command-line administration guide.
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