Most important for our experiment is that Linux distributions (“distros”) easily run on Intel-based Macs. Linux was estimated to run 67% of all web servers in 2016, and that number has probably grown since that time. All Apple operating systems are UNIX-based, and Linux is a form of UNIX. By early 2018, Apple removed most of the useful features of macOS Server and rendered it essentially useless.įor an Apple-centric shop, buying into the Microsoft Windows Server world is a costly and counterintuitive move.

The Rocket Yard featured a series of articles on Mastering macOS Server in 2017. Why a Linux Server and not macOS Server?Īre you wondering why I’m talking about using the Open Source Linux operating system and not macOS? Apple used to sell and support a Server version of macOS. Linux is a family of open-source UNIX-like operating systems and is used on many servers. Running your own server also provides more flexibility in customizing services. For the security of your data, nothing beats having a server on-site in a locked server room. Many companies find it is more cost-effective to use cloud services instead of their own server. Visiting a website? Your computer is connecting to a web server. When you set up an email account on your Apple device, you’re connecting to a mail server. File server (shared and private directories).What’s a Linux Server?įor businesses, a server is a computer that provides services for a group of users. Today, I continue the theme of recycling and reusing older Mac minis by turning one into a Linux server. I recently showed you how to use a used Mac mini as a media server for your home.

How to install linux on a mac