OS X Server basics

With OS X Server, small organizations and workgroups without an IT department can take full advantage of the benefits of a server. A nontechnical user can easily set up and manage OS X Server for a group. Other users in the group can automatically configure computers using OS X and iOS devices such as iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch to get services from OS X Server.

Users and groups

Each person who wants services from OS X Server needs a user account.

A user account lets a person authenticate to services, controls which services the person can use, and specifies the person’s group membership. Your server may have its own users and groups that you add using the Server app. You can configure your server to allow users from a network account server (Open Directory or LDAP server) in your organization. Instead of having its own users or importing them, your server can be configured to access users and groups residing on your organization’s network account server.

For instructions, see Create a user account and Create a group.

Services

OS X Server can provide services to Mac, Windows, and UNIX computers, and to iOS devices such as iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. You use the Server app to turn on the services you want to provide, customize service settings, and turn off services you don’t need.

	Caching service provides caching of software distributed by Apple through the Internet. Provide a Caching server
	Calendar service provides shared calendars, so users can check each other’s availability, book conference rooms, and schedule meetings and events. Provide calendar service
	Contacts service provides centralized contact information. Provide centralized contact service
	DHCP service provides IP addresses for other computers. Provide IP addresses with DHCP
	DNS service provides domain names for other computers. Provide DNS service
	File sharing service lets users store and share folders and files on the server. Share files across devices
	FTP service gives users a simple way to move files and folders to and from your server. Provide FTP service
	Mail service lets users send and receive email on your local network and the Internet using any email app. Provide mail service
	Messages service lets users collaborate by chatting and sharing information. Provide Messages service
	NetInstall lets you manage the installation of OS X onto multiple computers. Provide NetInstall service
	Open Directory service helps you integrate your server with an existing directory services implementation or provide advanced directory services in your organization for implementing technologies like RADIUS. Provide Open Directory service
	Profile Manager service lets you manage mobile devices and distribute configuration profiles that set up users’ Mac computers and iOS devices to use your server. About Profile Manager
	Software Update service lts you host and manage which Apple-provided software updates are available to computers in your organization. Provide Software Update service
	Time Machine service lets users back up their Mac computers on your server’s disk. Provide Time Machine service
	VPN service gives users secure remote access to your server and network over the Internet. Provide secure remote access with VPN
	Websites service lets you publish custom websites. Publish a website
	Wiki service lets users share information using wikis, blogs, and web calendars. Host wikis
	Xcode service automates the analysis of software continuously during software development. What is Xcode service?
	Xsan service lets you create a shared storage area network (SAN) on your local network. About Xsan SANs

Server tools

You use a few different tools to change service settings, check status, and perform other server administration tasks on Mac computers using OS X Server.

The Server app is the primary tool you use to:

Manage users and groups
Monitor server status
Start, stop, and customize services
View and change system, network, and storage settings
Manage an AirPort device

The apps described below are available from the Tools menu in the Server app. They help you manage other more advanced functions of your server.

Directory Utility	Configure advanced connections to directory servers.
Screen Sharing	Observe and control your server from another computer on the network.
System Image Utility	Create NetBoot, NetInstall, and NetRestore images for Mac computers.

For more information about these apps, open the app and use the Help menu.

Many management and setup features of OS X Server are also available from the command line using the /Applications/Server.app/Contents/ServerRoot/usr/sbin/serveradmin tool. For information about the serveradmin tool, see its man page.

More resources

OS X Server website (www.apple.com/osx/server/)

View extensive product and technology information.

OS X Server Support website (www.apple.com/support/osxserver/)

Access hundreds of articles from Apple’s support organization.

Apple Training and Certification website (training.apple.com)

Hone your server administration skills with instructor-led or self-paced training, and differentiate yourself with certification.

Apple Discussions website (discussions.apple.com)

Share questions, knowledge, and advice with other administrators.

Apple Mailing Lists website (lists.apple.com)

Subscribe to mailing lists so you can communicate with other administrators using email.