User Guide

5
Technology Brief
Mac OS X Server: NetBoot
Setting Up New Computers
Mac OS X systems can automatically discover boot images on the server using an
extension to the BootP and DHCP protocols called Boot Server Discovery Protocol
(BSDP). This enables you to take a new computer out of the box and configure it to
your specifications in minutes. Just plug in the power cord and Ethernet cable and
hold down the “n” key. NetBoot in Mac OS X Server takes care of the rest. The system
boots, connects to the network, finds the default NetBoot disk image, and starts up
fully configured.
In addition, the Open Directory architecture in Mac OS X supports automatic discovery
of directory services using DHCP Option 95, so your newly deployed computer can
find your LDAP server the first time you turn it on.
1
This feature dramatically reduces
the cost of large-scale system deployments, while providing you with sophisticated
capabilities for directory-based management of users, groups, and computers.
Apple Server Solutions
NetBoot is one of the innovative client management solutions built into Apple’s
UNIX-based Mac OS X Server operating system. Combining the latest open source
technologies with Mac ease of use, Mac OS X Server unleashes the power of
Xserve G5, Apple’s rack-optimized server hardware. With phenomenal performance,
massive storage capacity, high-bandwidth I/O, and integrated remote management
tools, Xserve G5 running Mac OS X Server is an unparalleled server solution for
businesses, schools, and research centers.
For More Information
For more information about Mac OS X
Server, Xserve, and other Apple server
solutions, visit www.apple.com/server.
1
NetBoot requires Mac systems released in October 1999 or later and a physical Ethernet connection; it does not support AirPort
wireless technology.
2
Licensing terms apply to Apple and third-party software deployments.
© 2005 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, AirPort, iBook, Mac, Mac OS, PowerBook, and Xserve are
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple Remote Desktop and Finder are trademarks
of Apple Computer, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.
Product specifications are subject to change without notice. This material is provided for information purposes only; Apple
assumes no liability related to its use. March 2005 L308907A
Remote service monitoring
Mac OS X Server provides comprehensive
tools for remotely managing and monitoring
network services. Using Server Admin, you
can view NetBoot activity logs and lists of
client systems that have started up from the
server. You can also graph server CPU usage,
network throughput, and performance of
network services.