TOPIC This article contains frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Mac OS X Server. See also:
DISCUSSION Q. What is the foundation for Mac OS X Server? A. Mac OS X Server is based on a Mach microkernel that roughly corresponds to Mach 2.5. This microkernel is integrated with an implementation of BSD 4.4 to provide a full UNIX-style operating environment. Q. Is Mac OS X Server based on UNIX? A. Mac OS X Server is built on UNIX technologies, implementing most of the POSIX APIs, which makes it easy to port UNIX applications, particularly those from a BSD heritage. The main exception is applications with a graphical user interface, because Mac OS X Server doesn't include the X Window System UI toolkits. Mac OS X Server is built around a graphical interface, unlike traditional UNIX systems that rely on the command line. However, Mac OS X Server cannot be called a UNIX operating system, as it does not fully comply with the POSIX and X/OPEN specifications required for use of the UNIX trademark. Q. Does Mac OS X Server use a command line interface? A. The primary interface is a Mac-like user interface, allowing administration with graphical tools. For administrators who prefer the command line interface or make use of Telnet/rlogin for remote administration, a Terminal application and several UNIX shells are included, as well as standard tools such as NFS, FTP, Perl, Tcl, and Emacs. Q. Does configuring Mac OS X Server require editing configuration files? A. No. Mac OS X Server provides a friendly Setup Assistant and a rich set of graphical administration tools. Editing configuration files is not required for basic use of any of the core ser vices. However, certain UNIX-derived services such as Apache use their existing configuration files for advanced administration. Q. Does Mac OS X Server support remote administration? A. Yes. There are currently several options, each suited to different purposes. Users, groups, and mountable volumes can be managed via a web-based remote-administration tool, similar to the one in AppleShare IP Configuration information can also be managed from another Mac OS X Server system via NetInfo, the built-in Network Directory Service. In addition, UNIX-savvy system administrators can enable Telnet for command line-based remote administration. |
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| Document Information | |
| Product Area: | Mac OS System Software |
| Category: | Mac OS X Server |
| Sub Category: | General Topics |
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