Macintosh Servers

Ken Elliott's picture

They have: 358 posts

Joined: Jun 1999

Well I just got a new graphic design job, and after accepting the job, I found out that they used Apple for more then just their desktop publishing. Some MacAddict decided that the entire place was going to be run by Macs. I have no problem with this, but I think we all would agree that Unix/Linux/FreeBSD makes for a much more stable webserver. Alas, my question is,
"What major differences should I be aware of, comparing a Mac Server to a Unix/Linux server?"

This includes and of course is not limited to, PERL(CGI) scripts, SSI, and file permissions.

Thanks for all your help.

VulKen
If I had a dog that looked like that..I would shave its ass and teach it to walk backwards

Pimpin like a pimp with an electrofied pimpin machine!

They have: 5,633 posts

Joined: Jan 1970

It really depends on the specifications of the hardware and the server software. Apache runs on Macintosh OS. Though I’ve never used the Macintosh version I’d imagine it’s similar to the Windows version.

If the server’s hardware were comparable my guess would be that a Windows NT server is comparable to a Macintosh server.

Macintosh’s X server (the latest) comes a powerful G4 5000 running Apache, WebObjects, QuickTime server, etc.

I think you’ll have some fun with the server once you get used to the OS. Particularly if you have access to the server other then through telnet/ftp.

Ken Elliott's picture

They have: 358 posts

Joined: Jun 1999

Yeah I the server is sitting right behind me now. I haven't had time to look at it though. I just wanted to be aware of the major differences. So file permissions is not a concern when working with Mac O/S. I can almost guarentee that this server is running the most current most expesive software available.

Fortunately this is a large scale company that does antique shows for Hong Kong, Japan, China, USSR, and all of the US..including Beverly Hills.

Let me know if anything else comes to mind about Macintosh Webserver.

Thanks for your help.
VulKen
Forgot my witty comment!

Pimpin like a pimp with an electrofied pimpin machine!

They have: 5,633 posts

Joined: Jan 1970

I’m not sure about file permissions. There is a port of Perl called MacPerl that can be found at http://www.macperl.com

Most SQL type databases don’t have Mac ports that I’m aware of. The big Macintosh database program is FileMaker (www.filemaker.com).

PHP and ASP do not run on Mac. However Apple’s own WebObjects software offers similar capabilities. Take a look at http://www.apple.com/webobjects/whitepaper/index.html

If you’re used to Unix using a Macintosh server will take some getting used to. Switching from NT is probably a bit easier. Overall it’s a matter of getting used to the “happy go lucky” ways of Apple.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

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