This article contains frequently asked questions about Mac OS X Server, with answers to those questions.

For Part II of this article, please see article 88109: " Mac OS X Server: NetBoot/Macintosh Manager FAQ, Part II "

See also:

Article 60165: " Mac OS X Server: General FAQ "
Article 60166: " Mac OS X Server: Operating System FAQ "
Article 60167: " Mac OS X Server: Services FAQ "
Article 60169: " Mac OS X Server: Hardware and Compatibility FAQ "
Article 60170: " Mac OS X Server: Pricing and Availability FAQ "

1. What are the advantages of the NetBoot server?
2. Who should use the NetBoot server?
3. What components are included with the NetBoot server?
4. What types of Macintosh computers can I use with the NetBoot server?
5. What is Macintosh Manager, and how does it interact with At Ease for Workgroups?
6. Can I manage non-NetBoot clients with Macintosh Manager?
7. Can other Mac systems be upgraded to support NetBoot?
8. How does a Macintosh start up from the network?
9. How do I set up a Macintosh to start up from the server?
10. What version of the Mac OS runs on a NetBoot client?

Question 1: What are the advantages of the NetBoot server?

Answer : The NetBoot server makes it easy to manage a network of Macintosh computers. With a traditional network, adding an application or changing a system component requires administrators to physically update every computer on the network. NetBoot-capable Macintosh computers--called NetBoot clients--share the same System Folder and applications stored on the NetBoot server. Updating the shared System Folder or adding an application to the server immediately updates every NetBoot client on the network. The shared system components are protected to prevent users from corrupting the system. Since new NetBoot client computers on the network don't require any configuration, adding one system or creating a new lab of computers is fast and simple. Users also have access to their applications, documents, and personal desktop environment at any Macintosh on the network.

Question 2 : Who should use the NetBoot server?

Answer : The NetBoot server is designed for any organization using Macintosh computers on a network. It helps educators bring technology to the classroom with low-cost, easy-to-manage computers like the iMac. NetBoot helps educators who want to:

• Improve the student to computer ratio.
• Achieve technology goals under tight fiscal constraints.
• Reduce the cost of managing their computing infrastructure.
• Use existing technology resources.

Question 3 : What components are included with the NetBoot server?

Answer : The NetBoot server runs on Macintosh G3 computers with the Mac OS X Server operating system. NetBoot includes:

• Three server applications: a BootP server, an AFP server, and a Macintosh Management server.
• Mac OS 8.5.1 system software and accompanying applications used by the NetBoot client computers.
• Two administration applications: NetBoot Desktop Admin for installing applications for use by NetBoot clients, and Macintosh Manager for administering users and groups on the network.

Answer : All iMac computers and the new Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White) computers introduced at Macworld 1999 have the necessary hardware and firmware needed to support NetBoot. Future Macintosh computers may also be NetBoot-capable.

Question 5 : What is Macintosh Manager, and how does it interact with At Ease for Workgroups?

Answer : Macintosh Manager is a technology for storing the user's computing environment on the server, so that the user can obtain his or her environment from any Macintosh on the network. This can include application preferences, desktop patterns, and fonts, depending on the level of customization allowed by the administrator. Macintosh Manager is based on, and can be considered a replacement for, At Ease for Workgroups, an earlier Apple product available only to education customers. Macintosh Manager on Mac OS X Server systems can serve both NetBoot and non-NetBoot clients.

Question 6 : Can I manage non-NetBoot clients with Macintosh Manager?

Answer : Yes. An installer is provided that adds the necessary components to non-NetBoot Macintosh computers.

Question 7 : Can other Mac systems be upgraded to support NetBoot?

Answer : No. Systems that are not NetBoot-capable can only take advantage of the file, Web, and Macintosh Management services of Mac OS X Server.

Question 8 : How does a Macintosh start up from the network?

Answer : At startup, the NetBoot client computer broadcasts a BootP request on the network. BootP is a standard industry protocol for allowing computers to discover information about their network settings and the location of files to execute from a network server. The NetBoot server receives the BootP request and replies to the client's request with the information needed to start up. The client uses the information to configure its network settings and begins a TFTP download of the Mac OS into RAM. The client uses this file to finish booting.

Question 9 : How do I set up a Macintosh to start up from the server?

Answer : A NetBoot-capable Macintosh requires no software setup to start up from the NetBoot server. To make a Macintosh boot the first time, hold down the N key until the Mac OS logo appears. After the computer is booted, simply set the Startup Disk Control Panel to start up from the network drive. From then on, the Macintosh will boot from the network without the aid of the N key.

Question 10 : What version of the Mac OS runs on a NetBoot client?

Answer : NetBoot clients run Mac OS 8.5.1 with some minor modifications. These modifications allow the Macintosh to operate over the network and do not affect the user experience.