How-To-Mac > What you need for a basic Mac Server setup

The cheapest option for a mac server and what you need

In order to restrict students and teachers from playing around with the operating system you will need a mac server. Now in most cases you hear the word “server” and expect a mass of expenses. Well that is where Apple most definitely have an advantage over Microsoft for its great cost for licencing.

So here is what you need and this is the cheapest option. 

The Hardware 

First you will need the hardware to drive the server software. 

The minimum Spec for OS X 10.5 is the following

Mac server or desktop computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor; 1GB of physical RAM; 20GB of available disk space.

Extracted from Apple.com

Now the cheapest option for this is to use a Macmini

MacMini (Due Refresh)

1.83GHz or 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
Up to 2GB memory
Intel GMA 950 graphics processor
DVI connector, VGA adapter
Slot-loading optical drive
Up to 160GB hard drive
Built-in Gigabit Ethernet
Expansion via USB and FireWire

Average Education price exp: £330 + Vat

The Software

Now you have the hardware which will come with OS X 10.5 you will need to install OS X 10.5

To take you over the features I may as well write a whole book. To find out more information as to what 10.5 server has to offer you can visit the Apple site page on OS X 10.5 Server or you can click HERE

The average price for OS X 10.5 server is £350 + Vat 
This price includes unlimited client access. 

Remote Management

Now you have your server setup you will now want to be able to see what is happening on your network. This is where once again Apple has made another product which makes all of us Network Administrators happy. One product which allows administrators to view an entire network with thumb nails. One product which allows you to Remotely install software, send unix commands, lock computers and share screens plus many many more. 

Average price for remote desktop 3 is £240  + Vat
This price includes unlimited client access

SO as you can see above it cost less than £1000.00 to have a Apple server with no hidden or extra costs. 

To see the UK Education price list from Apple you can visit their education store by clicking HERE 

If you wish to deal with someone in your area you can contact a Apple reseller by visiting HERE

If you have a query on any prices feel free to contact me and I can tell you if you are paying a fair price.