Mac Mini as file server??

[pc-modd]

Currently i have a very large and noisey windows server PC running 24/7 in my room. Iv'e just about had enough with it and need something new.

I have never had my own mac but i do like them allot when i get the chance to use them. So my idea is to buy a mac mini, this will allow me to play around with OSX properly and decide if i want to ditch my PC for ever and then i can use it as a file server??

I noticed you can get the 750gb stackable drive to go with the mac mini.

1) Can OSX share files with windows ps's? (even if i get a mac my parents all how windows)
2) Will it be ok being on 24/7?
3) anybody know if they are pritty silent?

I will also probably plug it into my TV to use as a media centre. I presume ill be able toplay all my video i have now if i useVLC or similar?

Edit: also is there anyway to run a website from OSX? not really needed but i like to have my own local web server for testing and playing about with.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

1. Yes. System Preferences -> Sharing -> Check "Windows File Sharing"
2. I don't see why not.
3. Dead silent.
4. Yes, VLC works great. If Quicktime is more to your taste, Perian is your friend.
5. OS X comes with the Apache web server preinstalled. You just have to turn the daemon on. System Preferences -> Sharing -> Check "Personal Web Sharing." This server will behave just like any other run-of-the-mill Apache installation.

 

[J1234]

1) Can OSX share files with windows ps's? (even if i get a mac my parents all how windows)
2) Will it be ok being on 24/7?
3) anybody know if they are pritty silent?

1) Yes.
2) Yes.
3) Yes.

I will also probably plug it into my TV to use as a media centre. I presume ill be able toplay all my video i have now if i useVLC or similar?

Yeah, that will work. Providing it's not a huge screen.

Use Perian and Flip4Mac to play all types of video with Quicktime. And VLC for everything else.

Edit: also is there anyway to run a website from OSX? not really needed but i like to have my own local web server for testing and playing about with.

Yeah you can, or you could buy .Mac.

 

[Caged]

Be warned if you do want to use it for pure filesharing duties, SaMBa is very very slow compared to actually running a flavour of Windows. I'm sure you'll be OK, but don't expect to expand it. It a very expensive way of getting a fileserver though.

 

[sloth]

Just to add I've been using my Mac Mini as a media pc and file server (sharing parts of the internal, and an external drive) 24/7 for almost a year now. Silent and it's never crashed.

 

[pc-modd]

Just to add I've been using my Mac Mini as a media pc and file server (sharing parts of the internal, and an external drive) 24/7 for almost a year now. Silent and it's never crashed.

Awsome i think that is me set on buying a Mini when i get payed then! I get student discount too.. Wooo!

If i like this as much as i think i will do ill be selling my pc and buying a macbook pro!!

Thanks for the help peoples!

 

[keogh]

And another advantage of the Mac Mini, if you do get sick of OS X, or want proper windows file sharing and not samba, you can easily install XP/Vista natively on the mac using Boot Camp.

SO buying a Mac Mini, you have a PC and a Mac, if you bought a PC you just have a PC (unless you illegally use a emulator)!

I use VIsta a lot via bootcamp on my Mac Pro, and its more stable than my PC... honest!