Mac mini as compute node connected wirelessly to MacBook

[jamesedavies]

This is my first post, I hope I am sending it to the right place. I want to use a new mac mini (not yet purchased) as a compute node to run day and night on some modeling code. I don't want to connect a keyboard or monitor - but I have access to these to set things up. The model accesses data on the internet, and I want to connect (wired or wireless) to my cable modem to get at these. Once set up and running I just need ssh access to see how things are going and scp to copy stuff onto and off of the mini. I have a MacBook that I plan to use for this purpose, that I want to connect wirelessly to the mini. Is this possible? Is it difficult? I don't really want to shell out for expensive remote desktop software when I only need terminal type access to the mini - to check on progress, copy stuff on/off and compile programs. Thanks in advance, Jim.

 

[dyn]

You can use any Mac for that. Enable remote login in the system preferences under sharing to enable ssh remote logins and thus things like scp. Use screen to run the different jobs so you can detach and resume the session at a later time. You can hookup the mini to the modem by wired or wireless and let the MacBook access the machine. If you want you can also connect the mini to the modem by wire and use the wifi to create a new wireless network. Downside to this is you can only use WEP to secure it, no WPA or WPA2 Because of that using a wireless router is a better choice.

 

[jamesedavies]

Thanks jyn(?)

The question mark is because I got logged out and am not sure of your "handle" - the post reply window just came up. Thanks for your massively swift reply - I feel confident now to go spend the bucks for a new mac mini. Thanks again. One day I might be able to usefully reply to other people's requests - I hope so. Cheers, Jim.

 

[jamesedavies]

Ubunto on mac mini via VMware - any problems

Will it matter if I am running my model under Ubuntu via VMware in terms of ssh-ing in to the mac mini? A good question might be, "why the hell would you be doing that!" The answer is that my model comes only as a Linux executable distribution. So why not get a Linux box for it? Because I like the footprint of the mac mini - and I seem to move houses often (don't ask). Maybe dyn could answer - I would appreciate it.
Thanks, Jim.

 

[ADent]

Two ways to access stuff - VNC into MacOS (aka screen sharing) or whatever Ubuntu uses - SSH sounds good.

The Mac mini needs some setting (Bluetooth IIRC) to boot w/o keyboard and mouse (it thinks it is supposed to pair with missing BT KB & mouse).

 

[jamesedavies]

Thanks ADent

I am going to spend my cash and give it all a try. Thanks for your help. I'll let you know how it all pans out. Cheers, Jim.