Can a Mac be a full blown web server?

[Sten-Erik Björling]

Hi Das,

My responses in the text below...

> 26 juni 2020 kl. 17:05 skrev Das Goravani <das at Goravani.com>:
> 
> Steme
> 
> Hi!  I have a few basic questions for you.
> 
> Does one need an ISP as you seem to indicate you do. I currently use GoDaddy. I am very worried that they will close any route for me in this regard as you said yours did. I have seen people say they couldn’t get their web sites away from GoDaddy. I am very worried about this. I registered one with them I am very attached to: ReadMyAstrology.com <http://readmyastrology.com/>, and I have my main site Goravani.com with them… very worried.. has anybody gotten their sites away from GoDaddy?

In my case it is the internet provider (fiber) that is blocking the SSL port. You have to check that on your side.

> Next, I read that MAMP Pro (for Mac) is hard to use.. that the company doesn’t really reveal how to use it.. doesn’t support it well.. would you help me if I got it and used it? You seem to be friendly about it. I have not yet gotten a machine.. yes my needs are small and will remain small forever. That’s one reason I’m trying to really feel this out.. why should I make it harder than it has to be? If the Mac is SIMPLER then I’d rather go that way. 

The advantage with MAMP is that you can install it as an app and run it for testing purposes before you install it ”for real” on a separate server machine. In the current version I have had no major problems with it as long as I did not push the limits - trying to install and use Omnis modules is one such example. One also have to locate the settings files and modify the right ones.

> I am so worried about whether to use Windows or Mac.. I am normally an ALL MAC guy.. I only use Windows the bare minimum… would rather go Mac if it’s a real working thing.. which you seem to be doing.. you say if the Mac mini is sufficiently strong you can install AppServer on it too.. well I would hope so… Apache, AppServer, Omnis (If that’s needed), my library.. have to all be on one machine, one server, yes please comment on whether good laptops would be a fine server too.. it’s nice to have the keyboard, trackpad, monitor, computer, all in one device.. .

A laptop for simpler purposes and low loads can be a good option - you gain power security for some a limited time built into the package.

> I heard you at the end when you said you regard this approach to be most simple and effective.. for ME.. you’re listening and responding to the expressed needs.. thank you.. it’s really daunting to approach this topic.. at first.. when you dont have a clue like me.. you aren’t sure about ANYTHING.. so it’s hard to take a step.. you dont know for sure which machine to buy, so you can’t start installing and learning, you’re stuck just asking questions, reading so many topics on the web, head spinning..

I recommend that you install MAMP Pro and start testing on your computer to understand and test what is connected to what and how the different parts interact.

> Just so you know.. I have converted my app to use SQLite. So my app uses SQLite but that is just one text file that sits next to your library wherever it is stored, there are no other files and nothing to install or manage, it’s a lot like the DF1 in that regard. One might put it on it’s own hard drive if one had tons of data, but otherwise, it sits with your library and grows there. Way easier than Postgres. 

I would recommend that you use Postgres App (www.postgresapp.com) and use Postgres as a database. Omnis do not really make a difference in internal management between Postgres and SQLite but SQLite is very limiting - simple to get started, will create problems later - the main issue is the handling of multiple connected users and locking...

> I will look into MacMini’s today 

Try to find Mac Mini i7 of the older generations - they should be within the right price brackets at this time. Try to find SSD and 8 GB equipped ones. But first I think you should perform testing, evaluation and development properly on your work computer so it is all ready to be installed as a unified system. The advantage of this is the release of new computers from Apple using their own silicon - you might not want to buy any of the newer computers but the markets for used computers are impacted - often with lower prices.

> Thank you VERY MUCH for chiming in like this with this opinion.. it steers me back towards Mac because I really hear your last statement about simple and effective.. Well known OS (YES) and approaches.. (Speaking from experience) compact server install, YES, I am working out of a bedroom with limited space. 
> 
> A normal Windows machine would have a fan or two running.. I have worried about that.. 
> 
> Stene, I started Apache.. but I have to ask.. there are no controls on the localhost webpage.. there is no app.. how do you control your web server? All through Terminal commands? Isn’t setting up a web server something that has ongoing need for controls over the web sites you set up? That can all be done through Terminal? Is there ever an App window that we see for Apache on the Mac.. or is it all Terminal? So the Apache that you start up with Terminal is the Apache you use?

I use the Apache installed by MAMP and its most important controls are managed by a GUI. Including the settings of the access to relevant folders etc. that often creates problems. You can also create and use different systems and domains and management of PHP core functions are also included.

That said - when you really are getting heavy loads and / or wants to expand - then look into Linux. But be prepared to spend a lot of time learning...

> If my ISP supports me serving for myself and they support putting the certificate out there.. then is it easy to setup the certificate in MAMP or Apache? Wherever it goes.. ?

The system that I have presented is running within my own network using my own broadband connection - no need for an ISP. But check with the broadband vendor if they let through SSL comms to your internal services.

> If I can get it I would suspect that 16 GB of RAM is better in the server yes? Or it doesn’t matter?

For future growth more memory is always better… The ”spare” memory not used by applications and services are used for caching which increases speeds but also lowers demands on storage mediums etc.

> A bit of this I can probably guess the answers.. but I figure there’s no harm in asking.. what may seem obvious sometimes is not as it seems.. like if Omnis and App Server dont USE the 16 GB of RAM then why buy it? For all I know these things are simple Utilities that are just complex to setup but have really small footprints.. for all I know that could be true.. at this point I’m just asking questions and gathering info. And gradually gaining the insight I need to take the step of committing to a machine, Mac or Win, and then installing, learning, going forward.. 
> 
> Thanks so much Stene, and to everyone, sorry I type so much.. I dont know how you all type so little. :-)
> 
> Cheers
> 
> Das
> 
Take care, all the best…

Stene
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