I am setting up a Mac network and am wondering wether it is possible
to create a system whereby the end user logs on to a terminal and
his/her profile is loaded in the local machine from the server, like
for windows. I think you can do it using OS X server but I would like
to know the detailed procedure.
I am also wondering whether I should invest in an Xserve machine or
use an old G4. 5 people are going to need to access a database stored
on the server.
Lastly I want to put an image of OS X on an hard drive with all the
required applications pre-installed on it abd be able to just load it
up when a terminal goes wrong, is that possible? (I use to do it using
norton ghost on windows).
Thanks very much

going into detail for each of your questions is beyond the scope of
this site. But osx server will do all you're requesting and more.

i would recommend you definitely get a new machine. having an older
machine for  a business environment would not work great
(performance). plus you'll be putting in a ton of time getting all the
elements to work. And the last thing you want to happen once you're
done is saying "darn, i need a faster machine (now); but i don't want
to configure another machine ("are you kidding me")".


here's a great link you'll want to keep:
http://www.apple.com/support/macosxserver/

i use it every week; the forums for each category are the best. you
really never need to post; just do a search for the keyword ;)


--Paul