this post was submitted on 12 Aug 2025
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I've been asked to set up a server for a research team at my university. I've already had the practice of setting a server at home, so I have a rough idea of how things should be done. Still, I wish to follow best practices when setting up a server for this use case. Plus I would prefer to avoid too much tinkering for the setup since I'm planning to keep the installation as simple as possible.

Following are some rough constraints and considerations for the setup:

  • Server computer is a Mac Mini (latest model I think?). I've been told they would replace macOS with Linux, still I believe I should ready if they don't (I don't have experience with macOS at all)
  • Server will be situated in university and provided a static IP address
  • Team needs remote access to the server, presumably comfortable with using CLI
  • I am unlikely to be permitted access to server myself after setup, so it should be ready to be managed by the team
  • Extra hardware and/or paid software could be arranged but to a limited extent and within reason

I don't think they have really any requirement other than having remote access to the server. I think SSH should suffice, however I was wondering if I could also arrange for backups, GUI server panel etc.

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[–] bergetfew@sopuli.xyz -2 points 2 days ago (3 children)

Mostly it boils down to laziness. They for sure have the ability to set up the server themselves but they can't be bothered to unless it's for a larger number of machines. They have essentially given a thumbs up to proceed with the setup but haven't offered assistance themselves. I think the team might already have reached out to them, but were let down which is why they tried to contact me.

The server will be stored in the personal office of one of the members of the team. It should be physically secure.

I don't think I would completely lose access to it, rather it's just that I won't be allowed to personally SSH to the server with my own devices. I may still be able to connect to it through one of the members' devices or onsite. The team member earlier mentioned will take care of the system after the setup.

I don't know what'll happen to the server after the project is over, nor am I in a position to assume something.

[–] possiblylinux127@lemmy.zip 4 points 2 days ago

Why do you want to help lazy people? You are most certainly going to regret getting yourself into this.

[–] YesButActuallyMaybe@lemmy.ca 4 points 2 days ago

What you describe is a workstation under someone’s desk. Usually when you connect to your campus vpn you should be on the network and be able to reach most things.

The problem is who is gonna manage it when you are gone? I’ve had teams come and ask to get their trash can Mac’s rescued because whoever managed them left the team. How are you going to do backups? Are you gonna put a NAS next to it? Or actually use the tape drives that ITS can provide?

Ask your local research computing group what this team needs to do to host or contribute an actual server. A Mac mini is a consumer product, research grants can I include hardware, your computing group has actual racks and people who know how to manage it.

[–] tko@tkohhh.social 2 points 2 days ago

Have you personally asked the IT department about this? I would be concerned that they were told "no" by IT, so they are asking you to do it behind their back.