There are many rumors re Lion/10.7 containing server software. If the rumor is true…

What are the advantages to one with only a small home network? I understand the need for a server if one were hosting a site, blog, running a business, etc., but beyond that sort of thing, will server software be of everyday-practical benefit to one such as moi?

Or, is this merely an effort to expand the small business market share?

You can actually do all of those things (run a file server, host a Web site, and so on) with the regular version of OS X, which has always included file sharing software, Apache Web server software, and so on.

The primary advantages of OS X Server are in scalability (if you want to share files across a home network, OS X is fine; if you want to share files with 10,000 users in six countries, you'll probably want OS X Server), administration of distributed user profiles, administration of Xgrid supercomputer clusters, running a calendar or chat server, running a VPN server, and so on.

OS X Server also includes server software for doing things like live video streaming, WebDAV, and so forth.

So, to put it simply: probably not. Home server users likely don't need the Server version of OS X; hosting small Web sites, file sharing across a home LAN, and so forth are built in to regualr OS X and are probably all you need.

Many thanks Tacit. Again, an explanation that *works*. Slowly, oh so slowly, this grasshopper learns-

Wax on, wax off...

Server offers quite a few features, most of which aren't too useful for home users. Centralized login, time machine backup management, and mobile accounts come to mind. VPN could be useful for accessing things at home while at work or on the road. Remove your router and use the mac pro as the router/firewall too. Depends on what you're comfortable with doing. Other web services like wiki too that you don't get with client.

Wow... Tough viewing!

Looks like Lion's got some nice stuff, as well as more eye-candy, but I didn't see anything that screamed "Buy Me..." to me, anyhow; my attitude may change over time, but Snow Leopard satisfies my minimal requirements for the moment.

What I did see is that I'll have to do plenty of de-configuring on my first launch.

Perhaps not the first day, but as soon as Amazon has a ship date, I'll place my order. Alas, I still use Quicken 2007 and thus require Rose Etta, or change accounting/investment applications (I plan on switching to See Finance when the new version is released, est: April-ish).

But when I install Lion, I'll opt for a Custom Install and forgo the Server parts, even though I now know, thanks to yous guys, why having a server may be of great value.

FWIW: It seems to me that the chap who produced the video (which I enjoyed, thanks) is in violation of his NDA or is using stolen property. At any rate, I am surprised that video has not been suppressed by Apple.

Even though that viddy didn't address the "server" aspect, i went ahead and posted it in here anyway. [can we just make this the official Lion thread, or should another be started?]

Has it ever been established that Lion does include "Server?" Harv posted it as a rumor (that hasn't been confirmed in this thread).

After exhaustive research, I found the answer to your query at an obscure website:

Far better resource than Hal's video, but couldn't you find a doc that didn't require my scrolling all the way to the bottom of the page to find my answer?

Thanks.

Mac OS X Lion 10.7 11A390 Preview Part 2