System information

22 Chapter 1 Introducing Mac OS X Server
Leopard Server in Action
The following illustration shows a standard configuration of Mac OS X Server in a small
organization. The server connects to a local network together with some users’
computers. Other users’ computers connect to the local network wirelessly through an
AirPort Extreme Base Station. The AirPort Extreme connects to the Internet through a
DSL modem or cable modem and shares the Internet connection with the server and
users’ computers. The server and users’ computers get their network addresses from
the AirPort Extreme’s DHCP server. They get DNS name service from the Internet
service provider (ISP).
The server provides user and group accounts, shared folders, shared calendars, instant
messaging, and a wiki website with blogs. The ISP doesn’t provide enough email
addresses for everyone in the organization, so the server provides email addresses and
mail service.
Some users may check their email while away, but they don’t have portable computers
to take home or on the road. They can log in to the server’s webmail service from their
home computers or any borrowed computer with a web browser.
Other users have their portable computers and home computers set up to connect to
the server’s VPN via the Internet. This gives them secure remote access, while working
at home or traveling, to all the services that the server provides on the local network.