[Walker]

In case you don't know what it is:

http://www.slimp3.com

A friend of mine bought it for me. I had always planned on getting it....someday....when I had more money and knowledge of how to make it work. But he hastened this process dramatically by putting on my doorstep.

My current setup:

4 ethernet networked computers into 8 port linksys router. Aiport basestation plugged into router for 2 laptops. These computers are networked only to share the high speed internet connection. I have never used file shariing across the network and wouldn't have a clue where to start.

I would like to add another computer to the network for my SLIMP3 server. And I have 2 places in my house where I will use the SLIMP3 players (ethernet wiring is already in place). That fills up all 8 ports on the router. However, if I'm going to add another computer for the SLIMP3 server, I'm guessing it would probably be a perfect time to make this computer also a network server. And from what I've heard, I can set up this server to have multiple hard drives that automatically back up on a scheduled basis (is this called a "raid?").

Well all of that sounds very cool, but I have no idea of how to set up a server on my network. I do know I'll need a computer that will run OS X because that is a requirement of the SLIMP3 server. But I have a ton of questions:

1. So in order for this computer to be my network server, do I need to purchase MacOS X server software?

2. Do I need to purchasae an actual MacOS X server computer?

3. I would like to run the server headlessly, so will I need additional software for this?

4. How do I get the backup of the hard drives to happen automatically.

5. Do all my computers on the network have to be set up so they automatically see the server and will save my files on the server? Do I have to use the "connect to server" command each time or will the computer automatically do this?

6. Am I way over my head or can I actually pull this off?

I'm looking forward to starting this project, and hope I don't break anything in the process. Thanks for any and all advice.

lw

[finknottle]

I just bought the Slimp3 and haven't had a chance to set it up yet. I have 700Mhz iBook and an iMac both with airport, and I bought a wireless bridge to connect the Slimp3 to the wireless network, to avoid all the cables. I'm pretty much in teh same boat as you. Setting this thing up is a little bit daunting as I don't know the first thing about filesharing.
I presume you read this article already http://reviews.macnn.com/review.php?id=39

There was also an article in one of the recent mac world magazines. I will let you know how I get on as soon as I get cracking on this thing, hopefully this week

[dweeks]

I reviewed it for MyMac.com, and loved it so much that I bought the review unit.

http://mymac.com/weeks/slimp3_6.6.03.shtml

[tech_geek]

1. No you don't need to purchase OS X server software. Every Mac has the ability to "share" it's disks/folders [Personal File Sharing]

2. No. Unless you plan to have all your computers accessing the "server" constantly. Transfering large amounts of data back and forth.

3. You will need some third party software, such as Timbuktu to access the computer remotely.

4. You can use thrid party products such as Dantz Retrospect. What wil you be backing up those hard drives too, DLT, AIT, CD, etc.?

5. If you want those server volumes to be always available to your workstations, yes you will need to configure them to automatically connect. If you need occasional acces, use "connect to server" and make an alias of the server volume on your desktop.

6. If you can network your computers, you can handle this.

Have fun