Suggestions for setting an iMac music server

JohnRice · 08-17-2007, 08:25 PM

I plan on getting a used iMac to use as both a second computer as well as a music server. Believe it or not, after using Macs for 20 years, I have never had two functioning ones at the same time. I was hoping to get some suggestions on the fine details of doing what I want.

I have my desktop Mac downstairs in my office, and plan to have the iMac in the dining room, which is between the living room and family room. Both those rooms have audio systems in them which I want to feed music in iTunes, which will be shared (Ethernet) from the main Mac. The first thing I'm looking for is suggestions on good ways to get the audio from the iMac to the two systems. Each system is within about 20 ft of the iMac, but in different rooms. I'd like a somewhat elegant way to get the audio to both systems, without spending much money or creating a mess of course.

I was also wondering if there is any kind of "remote desktop" system with networked macs. What I would specifically like to do is be able to send and check emails from the iMac as though I were working on the desktop in my office. Meaning, I'd like to be able to see Mail on the iMac exactly as it is (received emails, accounts and so on) on the Desktop Mac. I don't know if this is possible. Basically, I want it to work as a remote terminal of my main Mac.

Craig S · 08-18-2007, 10:02 AM

For your music distribution needs, you should look into the Airport Express, which allows you share music over your network (wireless or wired Ethernet) to your audio equipment.

For your remote desktop needs, there's the appropriately-named Apple Remote Desktop - however, it's aimed at IT installations as the starting price is $300 for 10 computers. That's way too much for home installations. Luckily, there's the free Chicken-of-the-VNC client available which will allow you do what you want, albeit in a more bare-bones manner than the Apple product.

To set up a Mac to be controlled by either Apple Remote Desktop or Chicken-of-the-VNC (they both use the VNC protocol), just go to the System Preferences->Sharing panel. Find "Apple Remote Desktop" under the Services tab and enable it. You'll get a panel that lets you enable the level of control various users on the machine will have over the machine when logged in remotely. There's also a checkbox called "VNC viewers may control screen with password". You should enable this and set a password.

Then launch Chicken-of-the-VNC on your controlling machine. You'll see a Connect dialog with a list of "servers" (machines to be controlled). The machine you just enabled should be on it. Select it, enter the password you just set, and click the Connect button. That's it! You're controlling your Mac remotely.

Hope this helps.

JohnRice · 08-18-2007, 12:52 PM

Thanks Craig.

I kind of figured that little airport was the best solution, if not exactly the cheapest. I don't even know if that iMac has an airport card installed. Probably not. I can find out quick enough. I suppose that's another $100 or so. I think I would connect it to the main Mac with Ethernet, so I could get gigabit speeds between them. I may want to work with some of my Photoshop files, which get pretty large. Then go airport from the iMac to the audio systems.

Craig S · 08-18-2007, 04:52 PM

John, which model is the used iMac you are getting? I think wireless has been standard for 2-3 years.

JohnRice · 08-18-2007, 05:39 PM

Craig, This is the iMac. No, it is not blistering fast, but I don;t need it to be and it's only $200, plus I know it has been well cared for. I plan to put a larger HD and DVD burner in it, which leads me to another question. Do you know any sites with instructions on how to open it? I just want to make sure I don't run into any surprises.

BTW, this is compatible with the original airport card, but I see some alternative solutions available. Do you have any experience with any of them?

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JohnRice · 08-18-2007, 05:58 PM

I found instructions on opening it Here.

Craig S · 08-18-2007, 07:11 PM

Sorry, I don't have any experience with that model (only got into Mac in 2005). Looks like you've already found some good sites, though.

JohnRice · 11-05-2007, 10:36 PM

Finally got my hands on the iMac, replaced the HD and installed a DVD burner and got the network set up. I have to say, the Chicken of the VNC is pretty slick. It is a bit clumsy, but it does let me remotely operate my desktop Mac. I've also found I don't need it as much as I thought I would, but at times it will be necessary. So, thanks Craig.