Macos server high sierra how to#

Nothing Apple does to a future version of Server will affect your existing installation. What to do? If you’re running Server now, nothing needs to change right away, or perhaps even for some time. For each of the services to be removed, Apple suggests open-source alternatives, but most don’t have Mac-specific interfaces that simplify management. If they were configured in a previous version of Server that’s being upgraded, they’ll still be available. Second, new installations of the current macOS Server 5.6 and 5.6.1 hide quite a few services, including Calendar, Contacts, DHCP, DNS, Mail, Messages, NetInstall, VPN, Websites, and Wiki. And Time Machine Server lets you specify a shared folder as a destination for Time Machine backups from other Macs on the network. File Sharing Server lets you create a shared folder that multiple Macs can access. Caching Server reduces Internet usage by sharing software distributed by Apple (updates and apps) and iCloud data from one Mac to other Apple devices on a local network.

First, the most popular features of Server-Caching Server, File Sharing Server, and Time Machine Server-are now part of macOS 10.13 High Sierra.

To prepare for that, Apple has done two things. Now, however, Apple has announced that, in a Fall 2018 update, it will be eliminating all but 3 services: Open Directory, Profile Manager, and Xsan storage management. Server became popular because it put an easy-to-use graphical interface on top of the Unix apps, allowing Mac users to avoid complicated configuration files and reducing the need to work at the command line.Īt its peak, Server boasted 24 different Internet services, but since then Apple has pared down what it can do, such that recent versions of macOS Server offer only 13 services.

Macos server high sierra how to#

How to Deal with macOS Server Losing Many of Its Servicesįor many years, Apple has sold macOS Server (previously called OS X Server) for those who wanted to run various Unix-based Internet services on a Mac.