Hi, I’m thinking of ponying up the cash and getting a macmini to use as a ‘family computer/server’.
Then syncing the macmini to iCloud, but have external drives hooked up to the MM - for running Time Machine backups AND CarbonCopyClone (CCC) copies of files.
?? What am I missing/ not thinking about - flaws in this setup? Is this a bad idea??
Steps:
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we already use a ‘family apple ID’ (set up about a decade ago, before family sharing existed) - so we already work off shared folders/ files in the cloud.
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I would migrate ALL of our family docs out of icloud onto this MMfamilycomputer,
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I would migrate ALL of our photos (downloading full resolution/ not optimising for space) onto this MMfamilycomputer.
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we’re both data hoarders I suspect - so our folder structure is already set up to allow us to save things for ourselves OR for the family to access.
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I would then turn on icloud syncing - so all docs/ files/ photos etc are syncing (and accessible) via icloud for everyone.
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I would run backups off the MM using Time Machine & make fulls Copies to external SDD’s (already using) using CCC (and auto-run a second copy of that copy to a second external drive (aready using).
?? Am I missing out??
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As this wouldn’t technically be a ”proper server” would I be missing out on the ability to use Plex or other more ‘server’ like products? (I’m a server newbie obvs).
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I know CCC suggests partitioning a disk for bundled mac apps: eg PHOTOS.. would I be successfully getting around this issue, if I had a computer setup that could handle the size/ volume of photos in their original form?
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Any alternative suggestions would be appreciated. I go cross-eyed at the research required to set up NAS servers or server raids etc.. so something beginner level and icloud for syncing oriented would be ideal.
Thanks all!