Best home server solution to link OS9, X and modern devices

[Hopfenholz]

Hi everyone,

First post on the forum, really glad to be here. Been using macs since my first one, an SE in 1992. My M1 MacBook Air arrives next week and I’m typing this on my iPad Pro (great bit of kit). Current daily is 2018 MBP 15.

My OS9 daily driver is a Lombard G3 which is creaking a bit, so I’m about to try and build my “ultimate” OS9 rig, I’m thinking PowerBook G4 12” 1GHz. I am searching for one in decent condition on eBay, and then I will upgrade with SSD, RAM and a 1440x1050 replacement LCD screen. And mod the case of course.

Anyway, to make sure that this new rig doesn’t end up going weeks without being used, I’d like to set up a home server that can talk to OS9 via AppleShare and also all my new computers. Plus run an FTP server, stuff like that.

I’m guessing some sort of Mac mini running an early version of Mac OS X, back when they needed to retain OS9 compatibility. Can anyone advise which would be best?

I’m kind of hoping the solution involves buying an Xserve :-)

Cheers,

Joel

[teroyk]

I’m kind of hoping the solution involves buying an Xserve :-)

Buy second hand Xserve G5 with ATI RV100 and you can also answer our big questions:
http://macos9lives.com/smforum/index.php/topic,5531.msg41182.html#msg41182
 

[MacTron]

A linux distribution on a cheap PC hardware, running Netatalk (Appletalk server for Linux) is a great option.

Take a look here:
http://macos9lives.com/smforum/index.php/topic,4448.msg33193.html#msg33193

[teroyk]

A linux distribution on a cheap PC hardware, running Netatalk (Appletalk server for Linux) is a great option.

Or Linux distribution for PPC Mac...but hey there is easiest solution Mac OS X Server Tiger or Leopard.
or Mac OS 9 Server:
https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_server_g4/specs/macserver_g4_500_dp.html
or install Mac OS 9 with server software in Xserve G4:
http://macos9lives.com/smforum/index.php/topic,1964.75.html

[Mat]

I am using a RPI with Netatalk to connect Mac Os 9, Linux and the G5 with 10.4. Works fine, except the fact that some Linux-Guru had to compile a newer Netatalk-Version to avoid the AFP problems occuring after version 2.1.x.

[Greystash]

I've used a Netgear ReadyNAS NV+ and currently an Asustor AS1004T, and they have worked really well over AFP. All I have to to is connect via Network Browser and mount the drive on my desktop. There's some applications available that automount network drives on login too.
They're both relatively cheap and work as a good backup/file server option + an easy bridge between OS9 and OSX. Especially for machines without USB.