18 replies to this topic

[BlendedFrog]

I am really looking for hone my mac skills and really learn the lion and lion server. I own a mac mini with lion server and I want to really learn how to create an open directory, connect to domain, etc...

So, I am thinking of trying to pick up rather cheaply a couple of computers that can handle either snow leopard or lion...non server. What would be the best hardware for this....a laptop or desktop? Is that dell mini 10 still available somewhere?

[Arceles]

many intel boards are supported as far as I know, in this case you really have to avoid amd because most of their chipsets are not supported in OS X

[Fus10n]

you could also try to install in vmware..

[.Neo]

Just buy any €300 PC at one of those bigger supermarket chain stores, wipe Windows off it, install ElementaryOS and you're all set to go!

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[BlendedFrog]

Fus10n, on 04 February 2012 - 16:28, said:

you could also try to install in vmware..

I could do vmware but that takes up resources. I'd rather have a physical separate computer.

@Aeceles - I suppose I could build one but I rather not. What pre-built ones can I use?

[.Neo]

BlendedFrog, on 04 February 2012 - 16:37, said:

I could do vmware but that takes up resources. I'd rather have a physical separate computer.

If it's just for learning purposes why would you go through all that trouble? A virtualized environment is more than enough in your case. In any case I'd give it a shot, if it really does't suit you you can always choose to buy a dedicated computer for it.

I'm confused though... You say you already own a Mac mini, why do you need a second "Mac"? If you don't want to fiddle around with your existing installation simply install a second OS X Lion copy on an external HDD.

[remixedcat]

+1 for vmware. it's very easy and vmware player is free and it may work.

even purchasing vmware workstation is cheaper then buying a dedicated system for it. workstation runs around 200 USD.... building a hackintosh ready system is around 800-1500 for a decent system.

[BlendedFrog]

.Neo, on 04 February 2012 - 16:39, said:

If it's just for learning purposes why would you go through all that trouble? A virtualized environment is more than enough in your case. In any case I'd give it a shot, if it really does't suit you you can always choose to buy a dedicated computer for it.

I'm confused though... You say you already own a Mac mini, why do you need a second "Mac"?

Here is my reasoning for it, I just finished setting up the mini is in the following:
1. One login for a media server
2. One login for a small consulting business and remote support
3. One login for general computing

I have the dns and all of the network settings configured already. So I was looking for a couple of physical computers that can be played with so those settings can be matched to the server. The problem with using vmware on the server is that it is tasked with other uses already and I am not sure I want to do that.

[remixedcat]

what are the specs on the HOST system???

[BlendedFrog]

remixedcat, on 04 February 2012 - 16:51, said:

what are the specs on the HOST system???

I knew someone would ask that. The mac mini specs:
core i7 2.7 ghz
8 gb ram
500 gb hd
airport extreme router connected to comcast at 25/5
8 port managed switch

[Ninja Grinch]

I know Gigabyte is probably the best motherboard to go with for a hackintosh thanks to Kakewalk. Makes my life so much easier.

[alexalex]

Build a Hackintosh Mac for Under $800


http://lifehacker.co...c-for-under-800

[Order_66]

CustoMac builds http://tonymacx86.bl.../label/CustoMac

[remixedcat]

BlendedFrog, on 04 February 2012 - 16:56, said:

I knew someone would ask that. The mac mini specs:
core i7 2.7 ghz
8 gb ram
500 gb hd
airport extreme router connected to comcast at 25/5
8 port managed switch

should be enough to run a couple basic instances. might be slow.... but not recommended, doable, but would be a little slow if you wanted to be heavy with the usage. however it's really easy to manage.not very many hassles and you can snapshot the OSes and everything with vmware workstation.

[BlendedFrog]

remixedcat, on 04 February 2012 - 17:13, said:

should be enough to run a couple basic instances. might be slow.... but not recommended, doable, but would be a little slow if you wanted to be heavy with the usage. however it's really easy to manage.not very many hassles and you can snapshot the OSes and everything with vmware workstation.

Remember that workstation is for windows and linux. For os x, it is vmware fusion. If I go that route I am really thinking of maxing out to 16gb ram and at least 1tb hd. That should go better for a vm route.