Datasheet
10
Part I: Getting Lion Server Up and Running
Why You Need a Server
You’ve probably discovered that you can have a small network without a
server. Macs and PCs can talk to each other. They can share files and print-
ers, and you may be able to use a router to share an Internet connection.
But a server enables users to collaborate in ways that aren’t possible without
it. A server gives you control; it centralizes data, making it easier to manage.
A server provides fast access to information and collaborative tools and pro-
vides network security.
So what’s a server that does all this great stuff? Server refers to software, hard-
ware, or both. Server software can be the whole package, such as Mac OS X
Server, or one of its features, such as the e-mail server. The Mac that Mac OS X
Server runs on is also referred to as a server. Client can refer to the Mac or PC
sitting on a user’s desk, or to a piece of user software, such as an e-mail client,
that talks to server software.
Top ten signs you know it’s
time to buy a server
At some point, you’ll need to add a server. Here are the top ten signs you
know it’s time to buy a server:
10. You have too many computers to go around futzing with them all.
With centralized management of client computers, you can set users’
passwords and settings for network access and install software on the
client computers from the server. A server doesn’t eliminate messing
with individual clients but can cut it down quite a bit.
9. Users keep running out of hard drive space. Instead of replacing or
adding hard drives on multiple users’ computers, put one or more hulk-
ing, huge hard drives in a server that everyone can use.
8. Users need special software that everyone can access. Database soft-
ware, accounting software, or software specific to your line of business
needs a central location.
7. You have critical data that would cause big problems if you lost it.
Storing mission-critical files in one central location makes them easier to
back up than when the files sit on user machines.
6. Your Mac slows when other users are trying to get files off it. Your
Mac or PC should work for you, not for other users. A server frees up
your computer for your work. Servers can also handle multiple users
faster than a client computer.
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