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Apple Blurs the Server Line With Mac Mini Server

Toe, The writes "Today Apple announced several new hardware offerings, including a new Mac mini, their (almost-literally) pint-sized desktop computer. In a bizarre twist, they are now also offering a Mac mini with Mac OS X Server bundled in, along with a two hard drives somehow stuffed into the tiny package. Undoubtedly, many in the IT community will scoff at the thought of calling such a device a 'server.' However, with the robust capabilities of Snow Leopard Server (a true, if highly GUI-fied, UNIX server), it seems likely to find a niche in small businesses and even enthusiasts' homes. The almost completely guided setup process means that people can set up relatively sophisticated services without the assistance of someone who actually knows what they are doing. What the results will be in terms of security, etc. will be... interesting to watch as they develop." El Reg has a good roundup article of the many announcements; the multi-touch Magic Mouse is right up there on the techno-lust-inspiration scale.

2 of 557 comments (clear)

  1. Only posers would scoff... by BobMcD · · Score: 1, Flamebait

    Undoubtedly, many in the IT community will scoff at the thought of calling such a device a 'server.'

    I'm not familiar with this exact device, but the premise of the statement is rife with inexperience. You cannot look at the physical characteristics of a thing and say 'that is not a server'. It may not be a 'good server', but 'server' is certainly possible based on this simple test:

              Does it primarily offer services to people using another machine for their interface?

    If yes, 'server'.

    If yes, but someone is using it as an interface, that's 'server being used as an interface'. (Which is bad, by the way.)

    If no, not primarily, that's 'workstation with shares'. (Also bad, but less so.)

    Its all about the purpose, not the form factor. Lets not forget, the cell phone in my pocket is more powerful than the first 'server' I was ever asked to admin.

    Stay around long enough, and you'll soon be able to say the same.

  2. Re:Snow Leopard is not a "true UNIX" by 4D6963 · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    No one gives a crap. If Leopard is a full-blown UNIX, then what could possibly prevent Snow Leopard from being one too? What's the difference? There's none, you're just a mindless tool who can't think for himself, so you think that because that worthless certification wasn't renewed it's in any way significant.

    If not then go ahead and tell me what's the difference that would make it less a UNIX than Leopard. You'll have to research it, because right now I don't think you have the vaguest idea. As far as you know there's none, so there was really no point in bring that whole shit up in the first place.

    --
    You just got troll'd!