Mac Systems Management

johannacw writes "This story has in-depth info about managing Macs using Apple's Managed Preferences architecture. It covers how to use the 14 built-in systems-management areas, how preferences interact, how to secure workstations, and how to help users access resources including applications and printers. It's a must-read for any systems admin working in a Mac or mixed environment. Written by Ryan Faas, this is a follow-up to his popular Inside Apple's Workgroup Manager."

Comments

Workgroup Manager

[nevali]

It's worth noting that Workgroup Manager is a handy tool to run on your own Mac, even without an Open Directory domain, as it's a bit more flexible than Accounts.prefpane, especially for (for example) configuring limited accounts for family members.

It's part in the Server Admin Tools: http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/serveradmin tools104.html

I don't know if the license/installer says you have to have a Mac OS X Server installation to use them, because I haven't looked.

Used this for a long time

[guruevi]

I've used this in an all-Mac environment. You can't beat it with anything. I have it for home now.

It's kinda like Active Directory but much more simple, open and you can integrate it with other (non-Mac) systems since it's pure LDAP (over SSL) and Kerberos. There is even a feature to integrate and manage your Windows machines without using Active Directory. Combine it with Apple Remote Desktop and Apple's Software Update Service and you can deploy whatever package or update you want within seconds (it uses multicasting to save on bandwidth, eat that Microsoft)