1.1 Partitioning the server's hard disk
If you follow the default installation of Mac OSX server version10, you end up with ONE partition containing both server software and user data.
It's probably sensible to partition your drive.
I suggest a partition for Mac OSX server - an optional partition containing Mac OS 9 (if appropriate) - and a partition for the user directories.
Why is partitioning a good idea?
- It's never a good idea to let your server system volume fill up completely (UNIX generally doesn't like it) - so moving user directories to another volume is probably a good idea
- There is no swap partition on OSX - I guess there's a very big swap file somewhere on the server system volume. If this volume gets fragmented, then accessing the swap file will theoretically be slower.
- If you ever need to reinstall OSX server - you know that user data is safe on a separate volume.
If you intend install Mac OS 9 on your server - or if you intend to serve applications, then set the partition scheme to "3 partitions".
Otherwise, set the partition scheme to "2 partitions"
Select the first partition...
Set the Name to "Server HD", the type to "Mac OS Extended" , and set the size to be at least 4 GB.
If you have decided upon 3 partitions, select the middle partition...
Set the name to "Client HD", the type to "Mac OS Extended".
If this partition is to hold a copy of Mac OS 9, then set its' size to be at least 1 GB . If you intend to install applications on this partition, then set the size appropriately (4 GB+).
It's convenient to give storage volumes logical names. For example STORE1, STORE2, etc...
Select the last partition...
Set the name to "STORE1", set the type to "Mac OS Extended" and re-size if necessary, making sure that the whole disk is in use.
This partition will be used to store user directories.
A warning will appear.
MAKE SURE that you are partitioning the correct drive. Partitioning WILL erase everything from the hard disk.
Click "Partition" when you are sure.
Quit the Installer.
A dialogue will appear, asking if you are sure...
Click on "Restart" and remove the "Mac OS X server Install" CD from the drive.
