Mac Networking Help

[bostonwhaler1]

Hi guys,

My dad has enlisted my help in setting up a network at his largely Mac-based office. I am however not an expert in networking, but I’d say I’m an advanced to expert Mac user. I am looking basically for any information I can get about setting up a server (probably Xserve) and how one goes about setting up a Mail server etc. I’m basically starting from scratch here and am wondering if there are any online resources for this kind of thing. I intend to enlist in Apple’s server training courses where I’m sure I’ll learn most of this stuff, but I do want to have a certain level of understanding before I embark on the project. Basically, any insight you guys can give would be MUCH appreciated.
I’ve always appreciated the help MacRumors folks have given me.

Thanks in advance.

[redAPPLE]

os x is unix-based. so maybe reading up on unix would be a good start...

[crazzyeddie]

OS X Server has a GUI that is so idiot-proof that you should have absolutely no problems figuring it out. If you have specific questions, most of the answers can be found with a simple Google search.

[Westside guy]

OS X Server has a GUI that is so idiot-proof that you should have absolutely no problems figuring it out. If you have specific questions, most of the answers can be found with a simple Google search.

I'd imagine the hard part here isn't OS X Server itself - it's the specifics of getting mail routed to your mailserver from the outside, and so on.

Given that your dad has enlisted you, I am confident guessing this is a pretty small business. There is almost no way that it's going to make financial sense for the company to be running its own mailserver. It'd be a much smarter (and cheaper) option to have someone like Dreamhost (http://www.dreamhost.com/) register and maintain your domain. You don't need a dedicated server. Just use a plan like their CodeMonster - it's $15 a month forever if you set it up right now. That gives you 300 mailboxes (which support secure POP and IMAP), 15 different domains if you need them, unlimited sub-domains, 2.5 gigs of Web and mail storage space. You can still use your Xserver as an internal fileserver.

[varmit]

I'm kind of in the state where I will either out source for a mail/webserver or get my own Xserve. If your business has the bandwidth, as in T1 line, I would say Xserve and set it up yourself and have your mail forwarded. If you don't, then out source, and that deal the guy posted above sounds nice. I might just go with that myself so I can stop running up my electric bill with my server at home.

[PaulSbird]

For a small business, I'd say westside is right on the money. Perhaps set up an xserve as a file and print server. Ease of networking is what got me into apple 12 years ago and with OS X you've got a lot more powerful tools when you're ready. the xserve classes are a good idea as well as same basic books.

Paul