I want to Start a Mac Webserver

BLSTKRDR · #1 February 4th, 2007, 02:13 PM

hi i want to start a mac webserver just for fun. Ive been looking on ebay at powermac g3& g4 servers but i dont have a clue on how to even get started on this. i currently have a powermac g4 533mhz but can anyone lead me on the right path to making my own web server

symphonix · #2 February 4th, 2007, 03:09 PM

What you'll ideally want is:
- A Mac that runs Mac OS X, with ...
- Enough hard drive space to hold the files you want to put on your webserver, at least 128mb of RAM (512 would be MUCH better though) and ...
- A good network connection. ie: not Airport/wireless or dial-up.

If you're not sure on the specs for any given Mac you're looking at, visit apple-history.com and look up that model.

Other things you might want are:
- A static IP address. This means that your network address (eg 12.34.56.78) won't change. It costs a little extra from your Internet service provider. An alternative is to register a domain on DynDNS.
- A domain name, if you want to be able to access your webserver from an address like joesfishshop.com.

Of course, your Powermac G4 533 should be up to the task, without slowing down performance too much, provided you aren't expecting more than 10 visitors per hour.

Oh, and don't forget to consider how much network traffic will be going through your ISP, and work out what - if anything - it will cost.

nixgeek · #3 February 4th, 2007, 03:09 PM

Well, you could purchase a copy of Mac OS X Server which has the nice graphical consoles for stuff like Apache, e-mail, and any other services that you want to serve out. You could also use a stock Mac OS X client installation, but that would require rolling up your sleeves and configuring some config files manually in order to override the default configs for client operating systems. For the record, Mac OS X (both versions) come with Apache, SSH, FTP, and other file and remote services already installed.

You could also install a non-Apple operating system like Linux/ppc or another open source Unix, but that would also require you to manually configure files for stuff like Apache and other services. However, the beauty of open source is that there are web consoles like Webmin and Swat and some others for configuring such files with an easy-to-understand web interface. And these operating systems and server applications and service front-ends are all available for free. Still, they're nothing like the console tools that come with Mac OS X Server.

BLSTKRDR · #4 February 4th, 2007, 03:17 PM

whats so special about the powermac servers compared to a powermac

nixgeek · #5 February 4th, 2007, 03:54 PM

If you're talking about the hardware, like the difference between the Power Mac G4 and the Power Mac Server G4, I believe that they are basically the same thing except that one comes with Mac OS X client and the other with Mac OS X Server. That changed, however, once the Xserve was introduced as it's more server-like with it's rackmount chassis and multiple hard drive bays.

In other words, the Power Mac servers are built more for server use (SCSI, RAID and whatnot), while the Power Mac clients usually have more modest components (IDE hard drives, etc.). Of course, this is only in reference to the G4 model and how they are sold from the factory. You could always add a SCSI card with RAID capabilities, purchase Mac OS X Server, and you've basically got the same thing.

webexplorer · #6 May 1st, 2007, 09:29 AM

I read your posts. I am not sure what to find on the internet for connecting a Xserver. Is it a possible to hook it a telephone line like a regular phone number without paying a 3rd party? Probably not?

I would like to have my Xserver to connect a server company service. Is it called "Dedicated Hosting IP?" Is there a Mac company that provides the Dedicated Host IP? How can I find it? I could find it on a google, but what else is better than instead of finding one for several hours?

I absolutely refuse to pay a bandwidth fee because I don't believe it, and the company is making an extra money. You guys should never pay the bandwidth for the service. You should always check out the info before you pay the service.

Of course, I could pay the service as long as there is no bandwidth cost. I found a few websites that do not come with the bandwidth fee, but they do not have a dedicated host IP.

What else you have to say something so that I could learn from you?

rvamerongen · #7 June 21st, 2007, 03:08 AM

Symphonix and NixGeek are right about that,

How small your needs are, make a plan, search and do research. Otherwise it will give you more problems at the end. Start step by step. Better 10 steps right then one wrong jump.

and

Quote:

Originally Posted by webexplorer

I read your posts. I am not sure what to find on the internet for connecting a Xserver. Is it a possible to hook it a telephone line like a regular phone number without paying a 3rd party? Probably not?

Yes, probably not. An Xserver on a phone line? An ocean steamer with peddles. Even with isdn and the lines connected togather doesn't work nowadays. To slow, people will think, there's something wrong and goalong.

Quote:

Originally Posted by webexplorer

I would like to have my Xserver to connect a server company service. Is it called "Dedicated Hosting IP?" Is there a Mac company that provides the Dedicated Host IP? How can I find it? I could find it on a google, but what else is better than instead of finding one for several hours?

Hey, your The webexplorer! Problems to explore the web :-)

Quote:

Originally Posted by webexplorer

I absolutely refuse to pay a bandwidth fee because I don't believe it, and the company is making an extra money. You guys should never pay the bandwidth for the service. You should always check out the info before you pay the service.

Of course, I could pay the service as long as there is no bandwidth cost. I found a few websites that do not come with the bandwidth fee, but they do not have a dedicated host IP.

Of cource you can check the bandwidth by your self and compare it with the bill.
And you can look world wide, and there are dns/domain providers who give basic things for free with a good bandwidth.

Also here count, make a list of needs and whises.

HTH

Kees Buijs · #8 June 22nd, 2007, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLSTKRDR

hi i want to start a mac webserver just for fun. Ive been looking on ebay at powermac g3& g4 servers but i dont have a clue on how to even get started on this. i currently have a powermac g4 533mhz but can anyone lead me on the right path to making my own web server

You need a system, a webserver (like ox s server 10.x.x) and a fast permanent internet connection. A phone line is possible but very stronly NOT advisable (very much too slow).

Good luck, Kees