I'm trying to figure out my options for setting up a small digital media lab for a new non-profit, but I have no idea how to set a minimum level of server specs! How much CPU and RAM do I really need? What determines this? The server will be used to administer local user accounts, and store files (including large media files). We may also end up using it to host our website and mail, if it makes sense (unlikely). All the main client computers will be macs, so I assume I should make life easier and just get an XServe. But I'm open to other suggestions. See below for some prices and models for various XServe's I'm trying to choose between. How low can I go? How much CPU/RAM do I need? Let me know if you need more information... [more inside]
posted by yuletide on Aug 20, 2009 - 5 answers

I'm consolidating and trying to save some money in the coming years. To that end I've acquired an older Mac Mini and pulled out an old monitor. I've set it as a working media center, but I think I could do more and do it more efficiently. [more inside]
posted by Gideon on Mar 16, 2009 - 7 answers

What is the best way to sync folders on a Mac to folders on a PC media server across a network? [more inside]
posted by raddevon on Nov 26, 2008 - 11 answers

Tossing an idea around here ... I'd like to use my old Powerbook as a media server for my Windows network. [more inside]
posted by chairish on Jul 12, 2008 - 5 answers

Naming Filter: Hive mind, please help us name our open source OS X media center application! [more inside]
posted by ill3 on Jun 3, 2008 - 15 answers

Offline Drive Indexing for Macs? [more inside]
posted by ransom on Feb 27, 2008 - 5 answers

Xbox 360 + Connect 360 (OS X) + 720p + 802.11n = jerky video? [more inside]
posted by bryanjbusch on Feb 15, 2008 - 4 answers

Ideas for seeking corporate donations of tech equipment and air travel? I'm one of the co-founders of a free arts/tech workshop happening for the first time this August in Serbia. We've already had some modest success getting funding for this through traditional channels, but I also want to approach hardware companies and airlines to see if they can help us. [more inside]
posted by allterrainbrain on Mar 6, 2007 - 5 answers

I need a good media center application for OS X. [more inside]
posted by triolus on Jun 22, 2006 - 7 answers

Got a sparkly new MacBook today, and I want to listen to my Gameday Audio subscription on mlb.com. but Windows Media is blocking my way. [more inside]
posted by DandyRandy on May 16, 2006 - 7 answers

Mac Mini (Dual Core Intel version) & Media Art Installation: I'm working with a friend to develop a system that will allow not only for playback of audio/visual content, but also for recording it. I think a Mini is a good way to go, but would like some advice. [more inside]
posted by aladfar on Mar 29, 2006 - 4 answers

Windows Media Center + iTunes Library + OCD = suck. [more inside]
posted by robbie01 on Mar 19, 2006 - 2 answers

Is there any way in OS X Tiger to create a Smart Folder of movies (mostly .avi) with the condition "Play Count Is...", as in iTunes? I'd like to make an "unseen movies" folder. This is very easy to do in iTunes, but I don't seem to see such an option in the Finder. [more inside]
posted by rossination on Jan 3, 2006 - 5 answers

My parents have a Windows machine in their office, but since I already have a firewire video camera and a Powerbook G4 running Tiger, I'd like to get them a Mac Mini so that they can see their 8-month old grandson in all his full screen, 30fps glory via iChat. Question: What are the best peripherals for them to use the Mini as a second computer in the **living room**? (which wireless keyboard, adapters for hooking the Mini to the TV, etc?) [more inside]
posted by ericbop on Aug 2, 2005 - 2 answers

Is there a free VST- or AudioUnit-compatibile plugin designed to remove or reduce compression artifacts from low-quality audio being re-recorded at a higher bitrate? Or special settings for a specific filter that will do this? I need one for AudioHijack on OS X.
posted by Mo Nickels on Jan 20, 2005 - 6 answers