DO YOU HAVE an old Mac gathering dust somewhere in your home? If so, why not press it into service as a dedicated server? As the name implies, a server provides services through your network, from a simple centralized file-sharing repository to full-blown tools such as media streaming, password manager, VPN server, cloud storage, home surveillance, and so much more.
In this feature we'll show you how to prep your old Mac for its new role. You'll wipe it clean and upgrade it to the latest version of macOS - even if it's no longer officially supported by Apple. We'll also highlight useful hardware upgrades - including extra memory, Ethernet add-ons and external storage, and reveal how you can set it up for remote unattended access, so it can be connected directly to your router without needing a monitor, keyboard and mouse.
We'll then shift our focus to looking at the kinds of services you can run on your new server, from built-in features like printer and file sharing - as well as setting up a single Time Machine backup for your entire network - to recommended third party services that'll provide media streaming, VPN and file syncing. We'll then look at Docker, a tool that allows you to run all kinds of services from your Mac - we'll even show you how to set up a self-hosted password manager to protect your passwords from hackers and other nefarious agents.
If you thought your old Mac was past its best, think again. Turn the page to give it, and your entire household, a whole new lease on life.
Setting up your server
Step one: wipe your old Mac clean and prep it for its new role
Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av Mac Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av Mac Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Philips VoiceTracer Pen
Capture recordings and convert speech to text
Bring Help windows to the front
Why doesn't macOS bring Help windows to the front when open them, instead of hiding them?
Next-gen CarPlay
It promises to change the way you use your Car, So what's the latest?
Customize and use Control Center on Apple Watch
Access your favorite features faster with Control Center
Remove unwanted apps
Free up space the easy way by removing programs you don't use
Add additional users to a Mac
Don't keep the magic of your Mac all to yourself share it responsibly
Logic Pro for iPad 2.0
A serious music studio on a tablet
Soundcore Boom 2 Plus
Boom by name, boom by nature
Logitech Signature AI Edition M750
Integrate ChatGPT into your workflow
BlueAnt Soundblade
Power up your music and movies