Q: What
is a Macintosh Server?
A: A Macintosh Server is one which uses
server software from Apple. Apple's latest version of server software
is Mac OS X Server. Taking its place with Windows NT, Novell NetWare,
and Linux, Mac OS X Server provides file and print sharing, a Web
server, and multimedia content streaming services to Apple Macintosh-based
networks.
A Macintosh Server can perform
most tasks as well as any other platform. Mac OS X includes the
popular Unix web server apache enabling you to use Perl, PHP, and
a range of other scripts on your website.
Q: What
are the advantages of hosting your site on a Macintosh Server?
A:
Security
The Macintosh platform is more secure than
any other platform. In test after test, hackers have been
specifically employed to crack into a Macintosh server; they
have met with no success. Further, the very file system that
Macintosh uses prevents a hacker from cracking the tree structure
at all. Without that rather important piece of information,
it is impossible for the hacker to get into the system and
even begin to do damage. For example, in an effort to increase
security, the US Army has switched from Windows NT to a Mac
server
URL Case insensitivity
In most web environments, your URL is case
sensitive. In other words, if your URL reads www.yourcompay.com/Document.html
and a user types in www.yourcompany.com/document.html the
web server will return a File Not Found error. A Macintosh
disregards the capital "D" and serves the page as intended.
Familiar Tools
Most Mac tools/software are easy to use
and for those who are used to working on a Mac you are able
to use those familiar programs (Filemaker Pro) or scripts
(Applescript). There is no steep learning curve in adjusting
to a new platform and learning new programs.
Q: What
are the disadvantages of hosting your site on a Macintosh Server?
A:
Cost
Hosting on a Macintosh server is more expensive
than on either Unix or Windows NT. Also, due to the limited
number of hosting companies with Macintosh servers your options
are restricted if you have problems and need to find a new
hosting company.
Limited Tools & Software
Unlike other operating systems, Mac servers
are not popular and are used by a limited number of users.
Therefore, there are limited tools and software available
in the market. If you wish to use the popular Microsoft Access
databases on a Macintosh server then you will be out of luck.
You will need to use a Mac OS database, such as Filemaker
Pro.
