What machine would you use for a 24/7 home file server?

[JAG]

For a while now I've been wanting to set up an actual 68k (or PPC) file server running AppleShare with netboot capability for my Apple II's and IIgs'. I've been able to get Basilisk II running where I can get it to share AppleTalk over the network but think I'd prefer to run it on real hardware, especially now that marciot has his VNC project going and I could run something headless.

I've never been able to get netbook working with netatalk but haven't tried in a year or two, so that may be an option as Apple II netbook, I think, was phased out with AppleShare 4.

So what are people running? Something that's super stable and I could control with a VNC client, maybe start/stop with a wifi controlled power outlet.

 

[LaPorta]

Don’t know at all about the Apple II NetBoot deal, but for file sharing except with my SE (no OT), I use a Mac mini G4. Run 10.4 on it. Some can even use OS 9 if need be.

 

[beachycove]

That would depend on how much storage I needed, but if the goal were just to NetBoot some Apple II machines, and maybe some light duty as a source for basic installers and such, I’d go for something low powered that could run everything from a RAM disk, and otherwise spin down the hard drive to the maximum extent possible with a period utility.

I ran a PowerBook 520 as an AppleShare Server like that, with Apple Internet Router running on it for good measure. That worked well; I say the 520 because a passive matrix screen does not get burn-in, apparently. I also am fond of using an LC475 for these purposes. I had one running 24/7 for a number of years, similarly configured, that never crashed once.

These days I don’t have a “lab” so my AppleSharing days are o’er.

 

[JAG]

Maybe I'll go with an LCII or LCIII. I have a couple here that I need to recap. I think AppleShare 3 can only run on 030's or lower. I've read a couple of the threads about running a Mac Plus or SE headless without the analog board. Couple fit it in a rack mount case if that would work.

 

[Phipli]

I'd recommend not using an original power supply, and avoid machines with a built in CRT.

Like @beachycove said, a 475 would be good and and LC3 like you said. But use a modern PSU - more reliable and more efficient. Less likely to cause a fire.

 

[cheesestraws]

Maybe I'll go with an LCII or LCIII

I use a rackmounted LC II as a router, powered on 24/7, and it works really well. It'd also work as a light-use file server. Seconding @Phipli on the using a modern PSU: I run mine off a 5V power brick with a 12V step-up. 475 is also a good idea: it would feel a bit wasteful for my use - just as a router - but for file server use, the extra whoomph might be useful.

My actual file server runs on modern hardware, so isn't relevant here

 

[banshee]

Before I started using a linux box for all my classic mac filesharing, I had a Performa 6110 doing everything since it's pretty low profile and already was bridging LocalTalk/EtherTalk.

 

[Phipli]

Before I started using a linux box for all my classic mac filesharing, I had a Performa 6110 doing everything since it's pretty low profile and already was bridging LocalTalk/EtherTalk.

I've heard other people say the same. How reliable was it? Did you use an external disk, replace the CD drive with a disk, or just use the one disk with it?

 

[banshee]

I've heard other people say the same. How reliable was it? Did you use an external disk, replace the CD drive with a disk, or just use the one disk with it?

Just the one disk, it was pretty large for that machine. I had to 'wake' it quite frequently but I never had any trouble with connectivity/compatibility.

 

[JAG]

I run mine off a 5V power brick with a 12V step-up

I'd be very interested to hear more about this. What do you use to get the -5V ?

 

[JAG]

Nevermind - I found some old threads that mention the -5V is only needed for serial ports, which I'd actually probably want to keep working.

 

[cheesestraws]

I'd be very interested to hear more about this. What do you use to get the -5V ?

I forgot to mention the -5 V for some reason: wrote the post in a hurry, sorry! I have two converters, one for -5V and one for 12V. I documented this here: https://68kmla.org/bb/index.php?threads/2-component-lc-power-supply-amateur-hour-bodge.37520/ although you can probably get cheaper modules than I used if you trawl eBay a bit.

Nevermind - I found some old threads that mention the -5V is only needed for serial ports, which I'd actually probably want to keep working.

Yes - you will definitely need -5V if you want LocalTalk to work.

 

[Byte Knight]

Save your 68k Mac and use a Raspberry Pi running netatalk! If you set it up using a PiSCSI, you'll also get SCSI device emulation and the ability to print to modern printers over AppleTalk. Highly recommended! I share files from my modern Macs to my vintage Macs, IIgs w/Uthernet II card, and IIe w/network card this way.

 

[JAG]

Save your 68k Mac and use a Raspberry Pi running netatalk! If you set it up using a PiSCSI, you'll also get SCSI device emulation and the ability to print to modern printers over AppleTalk. Highly recommended! I share files from my modern Macs to my vintage Macs, IIgs w/Uthernet II card, and IIe w/network card this way.

I don't disagree with any of this. I just haven't been able to get Apple II net booting working with netatalk. I'm sure I'm just not doing something right because I think it IS possible to do so. Just haven't been able to do it despite several attempts.

 

[NJRoadfan]

Netbooting works fine with netatalk. Just need the boot blocks in the correct place and a ATINIT file in the share. The share also needs to be setup with the 'pdos' flag as well and preferably on a case insensitive file system if netbooting ProDOS 8.

 

[obsolete]

...the ability to print to modern printers over AppleTalk.

Do you have any links you could post with more information about this, or maybe start another thread with a description of your setup? I'd love for my SE/30 to be able to print to my network laser printer. I've read about the SCSI printer feature in PiSCSI but AFAIK there's no Mac OS driver for it.

 

[Byte Knight]

Do you have any links you could post with more information about this, or maybe start another thread with a description of your setup? I'd love for my SE/30 to be able to print to my network laser printer. I've read about the SCSI printer feature in PiSCSI but AFAIK there's no Mac OS driver for it.

It's been a while since I set up my PiSCSI, but I believe that the papd printer server gets installed when you install netatalk through easyinstall.sh. So it has nothing to do with the SCSI printer feature. Then it's just a matter of using the generic LaserWriter 8 driver in Chooser to select your printer. By some black magic, your network printers will show up there. Works great on all my vintage Macs running OS 7.5.5 and above.

 

[obsolete]

Awesome, I'll check it out! Thanks.

 

[slipperygrey]

@obsolete I wrote this guide on getting started with netatalk and papd printing some time ago: https://netatalk.io/docs/Print-Server

We are happy to help you getting started and troubleshooting. If you have a specific technical troubleshooting issue or suspected bug, there's also the GitHub Discussions board: https://github.com/Netatalk/netatalk/discussions

 

[obsolete]

Wonderful, thank you! Looking forward to setting up my PiSCSI.