Hi all,

I am looking into new computer systems for a small office (around 4 iMacs and a MacBook Pro) and am not the best with IT. Anyway, my question is, can I set up the main (bosses) iMac computer as the server control computer using the Mac OS X Leopard CD and installing that onto his computer, thereby having it double as his computer and the server, or to get a working server for Mac's on such a small network, is it a must that I install an Xserve, Xsan or Mac Pro and then load that up with the software?

Basically overall I'm asking can I set up a server with just one of the iMac's and the Leopard Server Disc, or must I actually get another piece of equipment like Xserv before I can set up a working server in this small office?

Thanks all!

I really don't recommend using the same computer as a client and a server for more than two or three computers.

It all depends on what you will do. An Xserve has hot-swappable drives, and an option for a redundant second power supply. This is mostly for continuous operation, such as for a Web server. Typical small office use would allow any Mac to be the file server. Usually a Mac Pro or MacBook Pro would be best, as the FW800 port (much faster than USB 2.0) can network an external FW drive. You could even use an old G4 FW800 box; processor speed is not usually an important factor for a file server and with gigabit ethernet and FW800, it will network very well.

Asking a work station to double as a file server is possible, but the drain will slow down some intense work station tasks. If that work station were used as an admin post only (look up customer records, type Word documents), you might be satisfied. For video rendering, no way.

If you just happen to already have an OS X Server disc, go with it. If not, save your money, unless you really need the features of OS X Server: applications for cross-platform file sharing, standards-based directory and authentication services, networking and security services, calendaring and scheduling, web hosting, email services, secure instant messaging, web-based collaboration, system imaging, live video broadcasting and on-demand video streaming, podcast encode and delivery, client management and distributed computing.

Server management is a complex task. You'd better be more than an IT novice or you will find yourself "spinning out on the curves", so to speak.