Advisability of Installing macOS Server on a Daily Use Workstation

The decision to install macOS Server on a Mac that is primarily used for everyday tasks can be complex and depends on several factors. Given that macOS has not been updated and likely won't be supported beyond Mojave, this presents a critical consideration. From an operational standpoint, macOS Server can still be installed and used, but it's essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Downsides and Considerations

Given that the current version of macOS will not receive further updates, any investment in macOS Server could become obsolete quickly. Apple recommends moving to other software solutions such as Jamf for Mobile Device Management (MDM) or using built-in features like File Sharing. These alternatives are more future-proof and are likely to receive ongoing support and updates.

When running macOS Server, several operational issues arise:

The server will need to be online to provide its services, which could cause interruptions during reboots if not properly scheduled. Data access and performance issues may arise when multiple users simultaneously use the server, as this can tax the server's resources and affect overall system performance. Services running on the server may consume substantial system resources, reducing the available RAM for application usage on the workstation, which can impact productivity.

Historical Experience

A personal experience with a workstation running macOS Server was notably negative, reflecting a less favorable situation than exists today. The lack of support and the complexity of managing such a system made it a challenging and perhaps unwarranted endeavor.

Current Capabilities of macOS Server

Despite its limitations, the current version of macOS Server does offer a range of functionalities that could be useful in certain scenarios, particularly in environments where mobile device management, file sharing, and software distribution are common.

The macOS Server application can still be slimmed down, with many traditionally server-based services now included in macOS itself. Cloud-based services have seen some of their configuration tools moved from the server application to the cloud/browser, which can streamline management but may also require more network bandwidth.

Use Cases and Future Prospects

While macOS Server can be technically installed on a daily use workstation, it is essential to consider the specific use cases. If the workstation needs to provide services to multiple users, the benefits may outweigh the challenges.

For example, in a small office environment, a macOS workstation running macOS Server could serve as a central configuration hub for managing multiple mobile devices and distributing updates. However, this would require careful planning to ensure that the server services do not interfere with the workstation's primary functions.

It is crucial to recognize that macOS Server is not a separate operating system but an application that runs alongside macOS. This means that while the server app can run, it will require the workstation to be available to provide services.

The extent to which running macOS Server on a daily use workstation presents issues will depend on the specific use cases and the resources available. Proper planning and resource allocation can mitigate many of the potential drawbacks, but the decision to proceed with installation should be made with these factors in mind.

Conclusion

While it is possible to install macOS Server on a daily use workstation, the recommendation is to weigh the specific needs against the potential drawbacks. If the environment and tasks justify the installation, taking steps to ensure minimal impact on the workstation's primary functions is critical. Considering alternative solutions like Jamf or leveraging built-in macOS features might be more sustainable in the long term.