[blikum]

I'm not sure this is in the correct topic, but if it's not feel free to move it elsewhere.

I'd like to set up a Mac Mini as a server. It will be running Tiger Server. It will be used primarily as an FTP Server. But I would also need to connect to it via AFP and also through Remote Desktop. It will be a very low traffic machine. My first and primary question: I do not have a static IP, will I need one? I have a DSL modem and router and switch. I have heard that you can do this with a dynamic IP but I don't know where to start. Any information that anyone can provide will be most helpful. Thanks in advance.

[nonhuman]

A static IP would be very helpful, but not really necessary. The easiest and cheapest way to do it would probably to stick with the dynamic IP and use a service like DynDNS (http://www.dyndns.com/services/dns/dyndns/).

There's probably no reason for you to shell out the cash for Tiger Server though, unless you're going to need to have more than 10 people connected to it through AFP simultaneously.

What are you going to be using it for? More specific information would make it easier to give good advice.

[blikum]

Thanks for the reply and the link. It will be used at a small home based design company. We've already purchased Tiger Server and the mini. I want to use the mini because of it's small size. I will use remote desktop to administer it when necessary. It will be used to host and transfer files mostly via ftp. I would also like the ability to connect via AFP remotely. Can DynDNS do this for me? What ports do I need to open on the router? Thanks.

[nonhuman]

DynDNS should be able to do that just fine. I've never actually used it though, as I have a static IP.

Ports to open:
AFP - 548, 427
FTP - 21
ARD - 3238 (TCP and UDP)