One of the most popular uses for the mac mini is as a living room media server. Interestingly enough, this was what original drew me to the mac mini platform and convinced me to create Mac Mini World. I never understood why Apple avoiding directly marketing this device as a media machine. Instead Apple created the “Apple TV” which, while cool, isn’t exactly what I was looking for.
Finally, Apple has decided to embrace the mini media server by adding an HDMI port. While the DVI interface is technically compatible with HDMI, the direct port allows audio to be transmitted as well. This makes for a very clean single-cable setup, prefect for cramped A/V closets.
Last but not least… with the introduction of OS X Snow Leopard, Apple also improved support for HD-TV’s. Now OS X reports 1080i as the display rather then the confusing screen resolutions.
Nice work Apple. Nice.
Source: AppleInsider
By default Mac OS X uses the mDNSResponder process for unicast DNS (domain name system) and Bonjour functions. If you disable this process you will break both DNS and Bonjour. Without DNS you’ll be unable to resolve host names which is required to do just about anything.
Depending on your setup, it might be a good idea to disable Apple’s Bonjour.
Important: Before you begin make sure to backup your computer using time machine.
To disable Bonjour and leave DNS functional follow the sets below.
- Make a backup copy of the mDNSResponder.plist file as a precaution.
- Open the mDNSResponder.plist file in terminal. Here is a sample command:
sudo nano "/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.mDNSResponder.plist"
- Add “<string>-NoMulticastAdvertisements</string>” to the array in the “ProgramArguments” section.
In other words:
<key>ProgramArguments</key>
<array>
<string>/usr/sbin/mDNSResponder</string>
<string>-launchd</string>
</array>
becomes…
<key>ProgramArguments</key>
<array>
<string>/usr/sbin/mDNSResponder</string>
<string>-launchd</string>
<string>-NoMulticastAdvertisements</string>
</array>
- Save the file. Important: If you edited the file using emacs, you must remove the emacs backup file (the file with a tilde at the end of the name, “/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.mDNSResponder.plist~”) or your Mac will not start up.
- Restart your Mac.
Source: Apple Article HT3789
There have been some questions recently regarding how to configure the new Mac Mini Server for RAID 1 mirroring. Out of the box the Mac Mini is setup without RAID. You have two identical 500GB disks so RAID is possible. To make this work you’ll need another Mac computer running firewire because the device lacks a CD/DVD drive.
EDIT: Some people have asked “Why run RAID 1 mirroring when you already have a solid backup strategy?” The answer is simple: Downtime is bad and costs money … some people a lot of money! Running a RAID 1 mirror on production environments is essential to maintaining high up-time. Hard Drives can and do fail so its better to be prepared for it. Restoring files from backups and locating a replacement disk is not fun at 5AM. If a RAID mirror disk dies you can plan a time to repair it, you won’t have that option if you only have backups.
Step 1: Start the Mini in Target Mode. Press the T during start. In a few seconds the firewire logo will appear on your screen.
Step 2: Go to your second Mac. Connect the firewire cable between second Mac and Mini.
Step 3: On the second Mac start the disc utility. The two identical drives on your mini will show. Create a new Raid set (mirrored = Raid 1). Include both drives. Confirm the warning that all data on the mini will be lost.
Step 4: Make sure your second Mac has CD/ DVD sharing option installed. This is to use the super drive to install OS X Server on the mini.
Step 5: Shutdown both Macs
Step 6: Start your second Mac in target mode. Make sure the firewire cable is still connected.
Step 7: Start the Mini with the option key pressed.
Step 8: Insert the OS X Server install disc in your second Mac.
Step 9: wait till the drive logo appears om the Mini. Continue the install. Will take about an hour.
An even easier option is to purchase or borrow a USB DVD drive and just boot from that.
Now that you can protect important corporate data why now switch to a hosted mac mini server? Sign-up Today!
Source: HT2559
Today is a very special day here at Mac Mini World. Apple has just announced a new line of Mac Mini Servers which add the following features.
- Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 Server
- 2 x 500GB SATA Drives (removed optical drive)
- 4GB of Memory
- Faster CPU
We’re going to begin rolling these units out exclusively for our hosting environment. Having redundant disks bundled with OS X Server makes all the difference.
Thank you Apple!
October 20th, 2009 in
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Its official: Apple Mac mini is lowest-power PC (and mac mini server) available! The mac mini operates between 11 Watts (idle) and 44W (full-load). This much lower than even entry-level servers.
This begs the questions: How many server could be replaced with Mac Mini’s? How much electricity could be saved?
September 28th, 2009 in
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After a short vacation our new website is ready! We are now going to begin marketing our products and services. We believe our facilities and staff are top notch and our prices cannot be beat.
Thanks to all of our loyal beta testers and interested parties. We are now accepting orders from a mac mini hosting sign-up page.
The signup form is now complete! We are not accepting orders yet, but the form functionality has been tested and works prefect. We will be adding an SSL when we begin processing orders.
We have began planning / development / construction on a new data center specifically designed for hosting Mac Mini’s a server. The goal of our service is to provide quality mac mini colocation, mac mini dedicated hosting, and custom mac mini hosting services.
Please check back for further updates!
~The Admin
