How Mac OS X Server works

Now that you've decided Mac OS X Server will take its place in your network, you'll be happy to know that it's based on Mac OS X Client. Mac OS X Server works well because Mac OS X is based on Unix. This allows Apple to leverage all the power behind Unix and harness that power for you.

Mac OS X Server works by allocating various processes to do the work. These processes know how to act because they read from their configuration files before they start. You can manage the processes by using Apple's GUI server administration tools to make changes to their configuration files.

When I contemplate all the things Mac OS X Server can do, it becomes almost formidable to attempt to contain it all in one book. After all, Apple has generously sprinkled open-source software throughout Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server. Consider Apache for Web services, Samba for Windows file sharing, CUPS for printing, FreeBSD for some of the underlying substructure, BIND for DNS, Postfix and Cyrus for email, and so on. These applications are versatile and expandable; and when a GUI interface is placed on top of them, they become easier for those attempting to harness the power within them to understand. If nothing else, Mac OS X Server is a well-balanced collection of open-source software controlled primarily by buttons, frames, pop-up menus, and check boxes.

Not only is Mac OS X Server peppered with open-source software, the computer acronym game also is alive and well. LDAP, DNS, KDC, ipfw, var, QTSS, IMAP, SSL.... Each requires an explanation, and if you're purchasing Mac OS X Server for the first time, you may feel a little overwhelmed.

Added to the mix are the Xserve and the Xserve RAID, Apple's foray into the enterprise market. With the Xserve, we have the first Apple computer designed to be administered without the administrator sitting directly in front of the server itselfsomething totally foreign to most long-time Mac users. In fact, the Xserve doesn't even come with a video card! (If you want one, you must add it as an option.)

The remote administration aspect of the Xserve often leads to your first introduction to Unix. Powerful, expandable, customizable, dangerous, wonderful, old schooltake your pick. If you want to really learn about Mac OS X Server, you should know a little about Unix.