Specifications
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Use this chapter to learn basic concepts regarding Mac OS X
Server le services.
Mac OS X Server includes several le services that help you manage and maintain
your shared network resources. Understanding each service and its associated
protocol helps you determine how to plan and congure your network for optimum
performance and security.
Protocol Overview
File services provide a way for client computers to access and share les, applications,
and other resources on a network. Each le service uses a protocol to communicate
between the server and client computers. Depending on your network conguration,
you can choose from the following le services:
AFP service uses Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) to share resources with clients who use Â
Macintosh computers.
SMB service uses the Server Message Block/Common Internet File System (SMB/ Â
CIFS) protocol to share resources with and provide name resolutions for clients who
use Windows or Windows-compatible computers.
FTP service uses File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to share les with anyone using FTP Â
client software.
NFS service uses the Network File System (NFS) protocol to share les and folders Â
with users (typically UNIX users) who have NFS client software.
After conguring le services, you can manage shared network resources by
monitoring network activity and controlling access to each service.
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Understanding File Services