MAC OS X Server 10010.3 Panther [Electronic resources] : Visual QuickPro Guide

Schoun Regan, Kevin White

نسخه متنی -صفحه : 104/ 23

Saving Configuration Settings

The Server Assistant's Confirm Settings window gives you the option of saving your configuration settings (Figure 2.40). Doing so has several benefits. You can save a small test file to a local USB storage device or iPod and transfer these settings to a clean installation of Server, thus saving you from typing in the information again. You may also wish to create a clone of your server or quickly reformat and reinstall your server software after a severe disk failure. In addition, you can save the file to a directory record; doing so lets you save the configuration to another directory server on your network, in case a server needs reformatting. You can reformat the server and pull down the initial settings again, saving you from running through the Server Assistant repeatedly. Table 2.1 lists the possible ways to save your configuration settings.

Figure 2.40. You can save your configuration settings as a text file for possible printing and saving.

Table 2.1. Saving Directory Data Options
SAVING OPTION	SAVE LOCATION	ENCRYPTION?
Text file	Any connected device	No
Configuration file	Any connected device	Optional
Directory record	Other directory server	Optional

When you're saving configuration settings, choose the method that best fits your infrastructure. Saving to a text file doesn't allow encryption, so anyone can open the file and see your configuration settings. You can save the file anywhere, but the best idea is to save it on a USB, an iPod, or another storage device.

Another method is to save the configuration settings as a configuration property list file. Doing so allows for encryption of the file, and the Ethernet address is automatically used as the name of the file (Figures 2.41 and 2.42). To allow for automatic setup, place the file inside a folder called Auto Server Setup on a removable storage device.

Figure 2.41. Saving the configuration settings as a property list file offers a Passphrase option.

Figure 2.42. If you save the configuration settings as a configuration property list file, the Ethernet address is used as the filename.

Tip

You can change the name of the configuration property list file to generic.plist. When you do this, any server can use the file to configure itself with the parameters contained in that particular property list file (Figure 2.43).

Figure 2.43. Changing the name of the configuration property list file to generic.plist lets any server use the file to configure itself.

The third option is to save the file in a directory record. Doing so creates the file inside another Mac OS X Client or Mac OS X Server. When a freshly installed (and not configured) copy of Mac OS X Server reboots, depending on how the other Mac OS X Server on the network is configured, it will discover the plist directory record on the local network and automatically configure itself (Figure 2.44).

Figure 2.44. You can save the file as a directory record in another directory server.

To save initial server settings:

In the Confirm Settings window, click the Save As button in the lower-left corner.

Choose Configuration File from the list of options.

If you want to associate a passphrase with the file, enter one now (Figure 2.45).

Figure 2.45. You can save the configuration with a passphrase.

There is no confirmation of the passphrase, so make sure you type it correctly.

Insert a USB, a FireWire, or another storage device, if you have one.

If you don't have one, you can save the file elsewhere on the local or remote volume for later use.

Decide whether you wish to keep the Ethernet address as the filename or change the name to generic.plist, an IP address, or a host name.

Keeping the Ethernet address ties that file to the server with that address (Figure 2.46).

Figure 2.46. Saving the configuration file on a removable USB device allows for automatic configuration upon another installation.

Before you save the file to the storage device or local volume, expand the Save dialog, and create a folder at the base level of the device called Auto Server Setup.

Transfer the file to a remote storage device if you haven't done so.

Save the file inside the Auto Server Setup folder.

Apply the settings, and the server will reboot (Figure 2.47).

Figure 2.47. Clicking the Apply button will apply all the settings.

[View full size image]

This configuration file may come in handy should you need to reformat and reinstall your server. It ensures all your settings are exactly as they were when you first installed Mac OS X Server.

Directory Records

When you save your server setup information to a directory record, all the server setup information is placed inside a NetInfo database on a Mac OS X Client or a stand-alone Mac OS X Server. If you have created an LDAP database on your server (as you will in the next chapter), you also have the option of saving it there.

To reapply saved server settings:

To reapply the server settings, the computer's disk(s) running the server software must have been reformatted and the server software installed.

After the first Mac OS X Server CD finishes its installation, the server will reboot itself and ask for the second Server CD.

Insert the CD and, any time after that, connect the remote storage device.

After the second CD is done installing, the server may take a few minutes to locate the configuration file. Then it will reboot itself, fully configured (Figure 2.48).