Webmin, Usermin and virtualmin on a MacMini server 2011.

[Gfive]

Just as my previous post, fedora on the xserve.

I managed to run Webmin, Usermin and virtualmin on my MacMini Server 2011.
Including ical, webdav, good working mail server, apc and memcache e.a.

For those who are interested: MacMini Server 2011 (4 parts)

Edit:
Forgot to mention. My setup lets you update OSX lion server and preserves all settings and programs. Meaning no breaks.

Detailed description about setting up:
Mysql,
FFmpeg,
FFmpeg-php,
mod_perl,
mod_suexec,
DNS server,
dovecot/smtp server,
APC and Memcache.
and a lot other.....

 

[ckoepf]

Hey there Gfive! I found your instructions/steps through Google searches. You have some awesome information there. I was going to comment on your blog, but I haven't gotten to the end of the steps yet. I'm making my way through all the steps and had a few minor hang ups.

Definitely awesome info though! Exactly what I've been looking for to get my MacMini up and running as a production webserver.

I can't believe the lack of information for doing this with a Mac. Apple wants a Mac Server to be an "everything" server, yet there is very little info out there about production web hosting.

Other than the webmin/virtualmin combination...
I've only found GPLHost's DTC which the info for Mac is old and the install requires older packages than what is installed on Lion. I have read that their support is decent, but to get the DTC install up to date to work on Lion is lot more effort than I'm looking to get involved in. If they get it updated, it looks like it's a viable option.

The other I found is iTools, but it's almost $400US. I went with the MacMini to save hosting expense. I am currently spending hundreds a month on dedicated server hosting and after purchasing my Mac Mini I can have MacMiniVault colocate it for me for $50/mth.

Anyway, enough rambling.... my original comment was to give you a HUGE compliment on your info. Love it! Can't thank you enough.

 

[Gfive]

@ ckoepf

Thanks, you're welcome
That was also my reason to run my own dedicated server.
- I paid to much for a dedicated server, with no freedom.
- than I managed to install webmin/virtualmin on my old G5 dual 2 Ghz. But my power bill went to the top. (to much power )
- So I ended up with the new 2011 MacMini server, low power and low noise.

I thought I did it before, on my old G5, so I could do it again...
And while I was searching the web to get all in place I thought why not write a blog about it. Helping other mac users if they need the information. (running your own web/mail server)

I didn't know that so many people where searching for the same info, now I know... the amount of blog visitors increased 100x.

Apple server, yes it's handy but not complete at all.

If you need more info or help, just send me an email (found on my website)

 

[ckoepf]

Yes, it is VERY hard to believe that there is so little information out there about doing this on a Mac. So little in fact that I was getting very frustrated and almost ready to give up and install linux on my Mac Mini until I found your site.

I am very capable of doing all the set up manually, but having to hunt down the steps for every piece of the puzzle is very time consuming and time is one thing that I don't have since webhosting is not my main business. I run a full time business outside of the webhosting.

I just can't believe that Apple or some other company has not developed a solution for this. There is definitely a big market for it.

So again, thanks for your time and trouble. I really appreciate all the info as it's helping me save time and money.

 

[Gfive]

Section 3 is just installing.
- I tried to set it up so that it would be easy copy/paste.
Just install it all, section 4 is connecting the dots (settings e.a. not yet worked out, rough cut)

WebHosting is also not my core business, webdesign and building website is.
But All that's apple related is fun for me so this was fun for me too. (beating the odds and why pay for it if you can do it your self.)

But what I don't get is that apple is not delivering a more future full server.
Some basic stuff are missing or not active. Even the webmail was not working as it should be even when they use roundcube.... best but most simple to install webmail client.

Oh yes, I hope you installed Xcode 4.1, otherwise you will be hanging on compiling and installing most of the scripts...

 

[ckoepf]

Postfix and Dovecot problems

Hey Gfive, I've been working hard on my Mac Mini's the last couple of weeks as I have a short time to get them working as our live web servers and I've been going back through your blog info for help.

At this point, I have everything working as it should except for Mail. Mail has been driving me insane and I have tried everything.

Any chance you could help me out? I'd be willing to pay you for services at this point if you would be able to get or help me get mail up and running with dovecot, working through Virtualmin.

 

[Gfive]

@ ckoepf
Just mailed you.
(be aware, time difference.... I live in The Netherlands)

 

[Gfive]

For those who are interested: I have Let's Encrypt running on my os x 10.7 mac mini server. And due to the use of Let's Encrypt I had to install and use OpenSSL 1.0.2g. (Apple Apache upgraded to 2.2.31 with OpenSSL 1.0.2g) My SSL is now A+ on all my sites.

Let me know and I'll write the blog....

 

[Attila_G]

Hello Gfive

I have the same config as you have described above (MacOSX 10.7 / Webmin). I am searching for a tutorial how to implement Let's encript with Webmin on a Mac. Would be great to read a blog about this!

 

[belvdr]

Hopefully, the *min products have gotten better. I tried it back in 1996 or so, and it butchered my config.