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os x server

how to install os x server

Posted on Dec 13, 2023 4:38 AM

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1 reply

Dec 13, 2023 6:52 PM in response to mjanzadeh2024

If you don't already own a server product, you really can't. And quite honestly, you probably shouldn't.


Apple had a dedicated server operating system called Mac OS X Server that existed through Mac OS 10.6. in Mac OS X 10.7, Apple introduced Server.app. Server.app lasted until macOS 12 Monterey. And by then, it was whittled down to three services, Open Directory, Xsan, and Profile Manager. Open Directory is gone and you likely should be looking at cloud identity providers. Xsan is mostly gone, unless you are a client of a StorNext San. And Profile Manager is now Apple Business Essentials.


If you are running older OS versions and you previously purchased Server.app, you can use the App Store to install the OS appropriate version. For Mac OS X Server, you will need installation disks and some rather old hardware.


I think the main question you need to ask is what are you trying to accomplish? If file services, this is built into all version of macOS. Granted, it is now limited to SMB (or NFS if you want to get crafty). Likewise, you can run a caching server from any Mac. All other services are either gone or challenging to restore (DHCP, DNS, RADIUS, VPN, NetBoot/NetInstall Server, web, FTP, streaming server, podcast server, etc.).


I would encourage seeking out an alternative solution to your needs.


Hope this is helpful,


Reid



os x server

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