Completely Baffled

[eliyanimoses]

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I asked the apple geniuses and they said it can't be done. Someone here said it can. All I want to know is can you download iLife 11 to the Mac mini server. I want to get the server version for the bigger hard drive. Can I use it as a normal Mac with all of snow leopards features without the server add-ons getting in the way. Hopefully I get a clear answer. EDIT: Can I also install the Mac app store?

 

[Verix]

Wouldn't it make sense to just buy Snow Leopard with iLife? It's not exactly expensive, and it would save hard disk space and perhaps some RAM/CPU resources.

 

[eliyanimoses]

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Can I install regular regular snow leopard on the server version.

 

[davids8477]

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Can I install regular regular snow leopard on the server version.

Yes I am running it like that.

 

[talmy]

I strongly recommend installing regular Snow Leopard if you aren't using the mini as a server. The server version has differences for sharing (files, printers, screen) and TimeMachine that I know of, and probably more, that can potentially cause you problems.

Note that I have three minis, two that are used as entertainment systems and the third is a mini with Snow Leopard Server that is used as a server. Getting the above mentioned features working properly on Server was an exercise I didn't need to do on other Macs.

Added: with the upgrade to 10.6.6 the server now has the Mac App Store application and can download iLife's iPhoto, iMovie, and Garageband, although there is no way to get iWeb or the (generally useless on the server) iDVD without buying the box.

 

[eliyanimoses]

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How do you do this. Does it void the warranty. And do I have to buy the regular snow leopard discs or is it included on the server.

 

[walterwhite]

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How do you do this. Does it void the warranty. And do I have to buy the regular snow leopard discs or is it included on the server.

Installing software doesnt void your warranty... doing things like opening it up (if its not user installable) and/or breaking something. You can install iIlfe'11 on server... I just tried it on one of mine... no issues.

You may be able to keep the Server box and sell your server software... then just buy 10.6.x and ilife 11 and you may come out a bit ahead. Just a thought.

 

[ahankinson]

AFAIK, the server software comes as part of the restore CD set, which makes selling it tricky.

I think your life would be a lot easier if you got the regular mini and just attached a very large 2TB external drive. You save money, time, and you get a much bigger drive in the end.

 

[eliyanimoses]

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So how would I install normal snow leopard.

 

[talmy]

Two ways I know -
1. Attach an external DVD drive and boot the install disk from that.
2. Install Snow Leopard on an external drive using another Mac, boot from the external on the mini and clone (SuperDuper! or CarbonCopyCloner) it to your internal.

 

[eliyanimoses]

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Sorry if I'm stupid but let's say I buy the external SuperDrive with the mini server. And let's say I buy the snow leopard install discs. How would I put it on the mini. Step by step please. And where would I buy the install discs direct link please.

 

[yellow]

On a side note, there's nothing wrong with running the server OS and using it like a regular Mac. App Store functions normally, as do all the iLife apps.

 

[eliyanimoses]

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How would I use the multiple hard drives. Would it bee possible to read them as one? Please keep any explanation simple. Or use both of them normally because I've read one is for backup. Is there a way to change that?

 

[talmy]

I'm afraid that giving you step by step instructions for operations that aren't normally done or needed by beginners might be giving you "enough rope to hang yourself." I'd strongly recommend just buying the standard, non-server mini, and if you need it in the future buy and plug in an external drive. These can be bought in capacities much larger than even the mini server has. Then you can come back, with some experience behind you, and ask about how to make its use automatic.

Meanwhile you should buy an external drive anyway just for TimeMachine backups, the easiest way to have some protection against data loss. If you buy from an Apple store, they will show you how to set it up.