TweetFollow Us on Twitter

Jul 99 NetProLive

Volume Number: 15 (1999)
Issue Number: 7
Column Tag: NETPROLIVE

More on Mac OS X (Server)

by Todd Stauffer

Find the Sites Discussing the Latest Apple OS

The owner of an Apple Specialist shop and I spent some time in the last few weeks just trying to find the basics on the Apple's hearlded, if largely secret, foray into the world of server Oses. This bizarre and exciting convergence of Unix, NextStep and Mac OS has everyone's imagination a flutter. But we were just trying to get basic information on Mac OS X Server, an announced, demoed product.

"An Apple rep told me it doesn't include AppleShare," he told me.

"Sure it does," I replied. I produced the PDF from Apple's Web site that told me it was so.

After we took a hard look at the PDF, we noticed that it clearly mentioned file services, but there was nothing about AppleShare-based print services. Would Mac OS X Server ship without such print services? Would it be IP only? Could that be true? Would it really matter?

Clearly, there isn't enough information on this topic to help someone as dumb as me answer a simple question. That means it's time for a NetProLive hunt.

The Official Word

Of course, the official, customer-level info on Apple's Web site can be found at Apple's Mac OS X Server page. Most of us have gotten used to Apple's servers well enough by now to be able to guess that URL. But at the time of writing, that's not exactly the world's most useful site on all things Mac OS X related.

The real action for decision-makers in the Mac space is where such information is usually hidden -- on Apple's developer site. It doesn't cost anything to access the Mac OS developer pages, where you'll find much more information that seems to be kept reasonably up-to-date. It's a pain when Apple's policies of secretive development keep from hearing enough about the future direction of the OS strategy.

That said, you'll find some good information here, including some FAQ documents, technology overviews, developer resources and so on. Even if you aren't a programmer, it's likely that, at some point you'll be called upon to justify the purchase of Macs or Mac OS X software. You'll find some of the tools you need to prep that argument on these pages. For example, what makes a NetBoot-friendly application? It's buried a bit, but you'll find the answer -- geared toward the developer, mind you -- among these pages. (Specifically, you'll see this sort of thing at the Mac OS Server Developer Page.

Mac OS X Server Page
http://www.apple.com/macosx/
Mac OS X Developer Pages
http://developer.apple.com/macosx/
Mac OS X Server Developer Pages
http://developer.apple.com/macosx/server/

Omni Development, Inc. is pretty clearly dedicated to the proposition that while all Macs may be created equal, Macs running Mac OS X are a little more equal than others. Aside from their software produces -- OmniWeb browser, OmniPDF viewer and the OmniImage image viewer and translation program -- Omni as manages some great lists for the Mac OS X user.

Omni offers three Mac OS X lists -- administration, developer and generally discussion. If you're taking the wider view of Mac OS X, you might appreciate the lists discussing Enterprise Objects Framework, NEXTSTEP programming, Portable Distributed Objects and WebObjects. Best of all, you don't have to wait around the message to come in before you learn something. Omni offers the opportuinty to browse or search the mailing list archives to help you find questions quickly. (I should point out that I assume the search engine is useful - I've yet to get the server to repond to a search query after trying on three different occasions. Hopefully that's a glitch that won't affect you by the time you read this.)

Stone Designs, Inc., the once-OpenStep-now-Mac-OS-X developer, offers a developers corner (DevCorner) that offers some articles on Mac OS X and development for OS X and related environments. There isn't a heck of a lot there, but you can take a quick glimpse at the much-hearlded 13-line word processor app, which shows the power of OpenStep/Rhapsody and, we assume, Mac OS X APIs.

If you're looking for newsgroups, rumor has it that the Next computing hierarchy of newsgroups offer some discussion of projects once codenamed Rhapsody, especially in the general discussion areas and the advocacy groups. You may be able to learn something from OS X Server users here. Plus, you can peruse the Next marketplace and pick up a color NextStation for around $400-500. What could be cooler than that?

I would certainly be remiss in this round-up if I failed to mention Stepwise, which is certainly one of epicenter Mac OS X (and Server) discussion on the Web. Plenty of articles abound, along with links to other sites offering Mac OS X news, official Apple installation guides and Mac OS X-related news. There's also a file library and an archive watch page tracks updates to important servers elsewhere. Plus, there's a decent community of folks who visite StepWise, offering some mailing lists and other communications. For the lists, check out Stepwise's links list, which offers a useful little round-up of lists around the Web - including their own and Omni's.

Omni Development Mailing List Archives
http://www.omnigroup.com/MailArchive/
Stone Designs
http://www.stone.com/
Omni Development Mailing List Search
http://www.omnigroup.com/MailArchive/search.html
Next on Usenet
comp.sys.next.* (many groups under hierarchy, including the two I mentioned: comp.sys.next.advocacy, comp.sys.next.marketplace)
StepWise
http://www.stepwise.com/

Todd Stauffer is online editor for Net Professional, as well as a book author, magazine writer and Web magazine editor. His latest books, "Mac Upgrade and Repair Bible" and "Upgrading and Repairing Your PC Answers!" are available at better bookstores everywhere. Reach him at online@netprolive.com or at http://www.mac-upgrade.com/ on the Web.

 

Community Search:
MacTech Search:

Software Updates via MacUpdate

Latest Forum Discussions

See All

Whitethorn Games combines two completely...
If you have ever gone fishing then you know that it is a lesson in patience, sitting around waiting for a bite that may never come. Well, that's because you have been doing it wrong, since as Whitehorn Games now demonstrates in new release Skate... | Read more »
Call of Duty Warzone is a Waiting Simula...
It's always fun when a splashy multiplayer game comes to mobile because they are few and far between, so I was excited to see the notification about Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile (finally) launching last week and wanted to try it out. As someone who... | Read more »
Albion Online introduces some massive ne...
Sandbox Interactive has announced an upcoming update to its flagship MMORPG Albion Online, containing massive updates to its existing guild Vs guild systems. Someone clearly rewatched the Helms Deep battle in Lord of the Rings and spent the next... | Read more »
Chucklefish announces launch date of the...
Chucklefish, the indie London-based team we probably all know from developing Terraria or their stint publishing Stardew Valley, has revealed the mobile release date for roguelike deck-builder Wildfrost. Developed by Gaziter and Deadpan Games, the... | Read more »
Netmarble opens pre-registration for act...
It has been close to three years since Netmarble announced they would be adapting the smash series Solo Leveling into a video game, and at last, they have announced the opening of pre-orders for Solo Leveling: Arise. [Read more] | Read more »
PUBG Mobile celebrates sixth anniversary...
For the past six years, PUBG Mobile has been one of the most popular shooters you can play in the palm of your hand, and Krafton is celebrating this milestone and many years of ups by teaming up with hit music man JVKE to create a special song for... | Read more »
ASTRA: Knights of Veda refuse to pump th...
In perhaps the most recent example of being incredibly eager, ASTRA: Knights of Veda has dropped its second collaboration with South Korean boyband Seventeen, named so as it consists of exactly thirteen members and a video collaboration with Lee... | Read more »
Collect all your cats and caterpillars a...
If you are growing tired of trying to build a town with your phone by using it as a tiny, ineffectual shover then fear no longer, as Independent Arts Software has announced the upcoming release of Construction Simulator 4, from the critically... | Read more »
Backbone complete its lineup of 2nd Gene...
With all the ports of big AAA games that have been coming to mobile, it is becoming more convenient than ever to own a good controller, and to help with this Backbone has announced the completion of their 2nd generation product lineup with their... | Read more »
Zenless Zone Zero opens entries for its...
miHoYo, aka HoYoverse, has become such a big name in mobile gaming that it's hard to believe that arguably their flagship title, Genshin Impact, is only three and a half years old. Now, they continue the road to the next title in their world, with... | Read more »

Price Scanner via MacPrices.net

B&H has Apple’s 13-inch M2 MacBook Airs o...
B&H Photo has 13″ MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs and 256GB of storage in stock and on sale for up to $150 off Apple’s new MSRP, starting at only $849. Free 1-2 day delivery is available to most US... Read more
M2 Mac minis on sale for $100-$200 off MSRP,...
B&H Photo has Apple’s M2-powered Mac minis back in stock and on sale today for $100-$200 off MSRP. Free 1-2 day shipping is available for most US addresses: – Mac mini M2/256GB SSD: $499, save $... Read more
Mac Studios with M2 Max and M2 Ultra CPUs on...
B&H Photo has standard-configuration Mac Studios with Apple’s M2 Max & Ultra CPUs in stock today and on Easter sale for $200 off MSRP. Their prices are the lowest available for these models... Read more
Deal Alert! B&H Photo has Apple’s 14-inch...
B&H Photo has new Gray and Black 14″ M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max MacBook Pros on sale for $200-$300 off MSRP, starting at only $1399. B&H offers free 1-2 day delivery to most US addresses: – 14″ 8... Read more
Department Of Justice Sets Sights On Apple In...
NEWS – The ball has finally dropped on the big Apple. The ball (metaphorically speaking) — an antitrust lawsuit filed in the U.S. on March 21 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) — came down following... Read more
New 13-inch M3 MacBook Air on sale for $999,...
Amazon has Apple’s new 13″ M3 MacBook Air on sale for $100 off MSRP for the first time, now just $999 shipped. Shipping is free: – 13″ MacBook Air (8GB RAM/256GB SSD/Space Gray): $999 $100 off MSRP... Read more
Amazon has Apple’s 9th-generation WiFi iPads...
Amazon has Apple’s 9th generation 10.2″ WiFi iPads on sale for $80-$100 off MSRP, starting only $249. Their prices are the lowest available for new iPads anywhere: – 10″ 64GB WiFi iPad (Space Gray or... Read more
Discounted 14-inch M3 MacBook Pros with 16GB...
Apple retailer Expercom has 14″ MacBook Pros with M3 CPUs and 16GB of standard memory discounted by up to $120 off Apple’s MSRP: – 14″ M3 MacBook Pro (16GB RAM/256GB SSD): $1691.06 $108 off MSRP – 14... Read more
Clearance 15-inch M2 MacBook Airs on sale for...
B&H Photo has Apple’s 15″ MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs (8GB RAM/256GB SSD) in stock today and on clearance sale for $999 in all four colors. Free 1-2 delivery is available to most US addresses.... Read more
Clearance 13-inch M1 MacBook Airs drop to onl...
B&H has Apple’s base 13″ M1 MacBook Air (Space Gray, Silver, & Gold) in stock and on clearance sale today for $300 off MSRP, only $699. Free 1-2 day shipping is available to most addresses in... Read more

Jobs Board

Medical Assistant - Surgical Oncology- *Apple...
Medical Assistant - Surgical Oncology- Apple Hill Location: WellSpan Medical Group, York, PA Schedule: Full Time Sign-On Bonus Eligible Remote/Hybrid Regular Apply Read more
Omnichannel Associate - *Apple* Blossom Mal...
Omnichannel Associate - Apple Blossom Mall Location:Winchester, VA, United States (https://jobs.jcp.com/jobs/location/191170/winchester-va-united-states) - Apple Read more
Cashier - *Apple* Blossom Mall - JCPenney (...
Cashier - Apple Blossom Mall Location:Winchester, VA, United States (https://jobs.jcp.com/jobs/location/191170/winchester-va-united-states) - Apple Blossom Mall Read more
Operations Associate - *Apple* Blossom Mall...
Operations Associate - Apple Blossom Mall Location:Winchester, VA, United States (https://jobs.jcp.com/jobs/location/191170/winchester-va-united-states) - Apple Read more
Business Analyst | *Apple* Pay - Banco Popu...
Business Analyst | Apple PayApply now " Apply now + Apply Now + Start applying with LinkedIn Start + Please wait Date:Mar 19, 2024 Location: San Juan-Cupey, PR Read more
All contents are Copyright 1984-2011 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.