Administration from a non-Mac computer

You can use a non-Mac computer that offers SSH support, such as a UNIX workstation, to administer OS X Server using command-line tools.

You can also use any computer that can run a VNC viewer to administer OS X Server. Administering the server via VNC is the same as using the server’s keyboard, mouse, and display. You use all the same utilities that OS X Yosemite uses, but virtually over VNC.

You make OS X Server accessible to VNC viewers by turning on “Remote Management” in Sharing preferences, then clicking Computer Settings, selecting “VNC viewers may control screen with password,” and enter a password.

WARNING:  Before using these command-line tools, be sure to review the man pages for each tool to learn how to properly administer the tool. Improper use of a command-line tool can cause undesired results.

Command-line tool

Purpose

serveradmin

Configure and monitor services and administrator access

ssh

Connect to a server using a UNIX command shell

asr

Perform mass disk imaging tasks

bootpd

Control DHCP service parameters

calendarserver_manage_principals

Add locations and resources to your Calendar server

calendarserver_purge_principals

Remove locations and resources from your Calendar server

defaults

Read and write system or application preferences

diskutil

Modify, verify, and repair local disks

dscacheutil

Gather information and statistics, and initiate queries to the Directory Service cache

dscl

Configure and alter directory services

dsconfigad

Configure and modify Active Directory services

dseditgroup

Manipulate group directory records

freshclam

Update the Mail service antivirus database

hdiutil

Manipulate disk images

installer

Install software packages

kdcsetup

Configure an Apple Open Directory KDC

kickstart

Modify Remote Desktop settings and access

launchctl

Control launchd

networksetup

Configure network settings in System Preferences

osascript

Run AppleScripts from the command line

pwpolicy

Get and set password policy

radiusconfig

Configure the RADIUS services via radiusd

sa-learn

Train SpamAssassin’s Baysian filter

security

Manipulate keychains and the Security framework

slapconfig

Configure slapd and related daemons

systemsetup

Configure certain machine settings in System Preferences

Many additional standard UNIX tools are also available: chmod, mkdir, chown, sudo, tar, pax, rsync, cp, scp, ditto, gzip, tail, syslog, exit, su, srm, less, cat, passwd, shutdown.