After installing the operating system in the previous blog post, now we have to configure the Mac mini in order to transform it into the macOS Server that we want. Keep reading to find out which are the first configurations.
This series of posts are related on transforming this old Mac Mini from 2011 into a ‘new' and useful macOS Server 2011. If you are new to this topic, check out the first post. For more posts about this topic, please follow this link.
Table of Contents
First Configurations of the Availability
Always On Server
Leave the Server turned on 24/7 for maximum benefit, which means an “always on” setting. Don't worry, the Mac mini won't consume much energy. This is the most important from the first configurations.
Go to the Apple icon, then System Preferences and then Energy Savings. Check all there options below and adjust the “Computer Sleep” time to never. This way the Mac mini is will always on and if there is a power outage, it will start again immediately when the power is back.
Remote Access
Without it, maintenance and support is unpractical and slow. It's a much better practice to access the macOS Server remotely via your computer. In fact, you don't need to be in the same room! If you follow this tutorial, you can control this computer from anywhere in the world with a internet connection.
Click on the Apple icon, then on System Preferences and then on Share. Click on the first option on the left Screen Sharing to enable it. That's it!! Copy that address on the right that starts with vnc:// because you will need it in just a moment. Your will be different from mine.
Testing with Windows
Let's try to login in Windows 10. I will be using VNC Viewer, which is free to download. For some reason, VNC Viewer and Apple Screen Sharing do not authenticate securely. Try this method only in a local area network, such a your home or office.
Once installed, open the app and enter the IP address from the macOS Server. You will then be prompted to give the credentials from the server; check on Remember Password if you wish to not enter it again next time. The image below shows how it looks like in Windows 10.
Testing with macOS
Now let's try to login from another Mac to try it out. Open Safari app and enter that address that start with vnc:// and you will be prompted to open another app called Screen Sharing.app. so click on allow.
Enter the IP address from the macOS Server, then click Connect. Enter the credentials from the administrator and click Login. As you can see, I have successfully connected to the macOS Server 2011 remotely. It works, but more importantly, it's useful.
First Configurations of the Network
Ethernet first!
Servers works better with Ethernet, always. Wi-Fi works ok with mobile devices but with Ethernet you get the most of it, in terms of speed and reliability. However, clients can access to the server with a Wi-Fi network although they won't enjoy the full speed.
Mobile Mouse
This applies for your personal computer too!
An app for your cellphone to control the server remotely will come very handy! In case you connect the macOS Server 2011 to a TV, you may like to have an “all-in-one” control solution, which incorporates keyboard and mouse. Check them out in their corresponding App Store.
- macOS app link. (Server)
- iOS app link. (Client)
Reserve the IP Address
Servers requires a static IP address, so you know that the route for a folder, file or service remains the same. From the first configurations of the server, perhaps the most important in the network.
To find the IP address and the MAC address of the Mac mini, go to the Apple icon, then System Preferences, then Network. Select Ethernet and then click advanced (if not, select the network that you are connected to. Seriously, you should connect with wired network). Click on the Hardware tab and then copy the MAC address.
By the way, on the speed option you can check if you have 1000Mbps or Gigabit Ethernet (like shown in the picture below) or not. Make sure you do have it because otherwise connections will be tremendously slow.
To learn how to reserve an IP address (once your know the MAC address), refer to my previous guide:
First Configurations of the Information
Get Performance Reports Instantly
I enjoy seeing the data from the server in a nutshell. From the Mac App Store you can download an app called StatsBar, which will give you real-time information about:
- Computer Memory.
- Network Activity.
- Storage Usage.
- CPU Workload.
and many more.
Rename the Server
Last but not least from the first configurations. Before anything else, let's rename the computer and choose a name that makes sense for your network!! Click on the Apple icon and then System Preferences, click on Share and you will see text field called “Name of the Computer”. I chose “macOS Server 2011” but you can choose the name that you like.
Next Chapter
Stay tuned for the next configurations for the macOS Server including Time Machine backups, Remote Access and much more.
techZorro's Index of Content
Keep Reading!
- 007 – The outstanding Internet Protocol Layers and its hidden way to work
Which protocols are used in internet? This episode talks about TCP/IP or Internet Protocol Layers required to work. Click here to listen. - 003 – Wi-Fi vs Ethernet, Convenience vs Reliability?When should a wired or wireless network be used? Let's discuss the differences between Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Click here to listen.
- The outstanding Internet Protocol Layers and its hidden way
What is Internet Protocol or TCP/IP and how does it work? The Internet Protocol Layers are explained in this post. Click here to read. - Ethernet vs Wi-Fi
When should a wired or wireless network be used? This post presents a brief comparison of Ethernet vs Wi-Fi. Click here to read. - Optical Media for the macOS Server 2011
Build your media entertainment solution with optimal media and a Mac Mini. CD, DVD and Blu-ray discs are covered. Click here to read more.
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