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macminicolo: Mac Mini colocation | Mac mini hosting FAQ

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What is Macminicolo.net?
We are the original Mac mini colocation service. In other words, we place your Mac mini in a high-end data center where you can use it as a server. We offer you redundant very high speed internet connections, remote control electrical power, a highly secure location to house your Mac mini.

in 2016, we joined with MacStadium and now we offer a number of diverse locations.


Does the Mac mini really work well as a server?
Yes, it works very well. Apple agrees and calls it their " most popular server system." Over the past 14 years, we've had thousands of Mac minis running in our facility with an overwhelming rate of complete satisfaction.

We also offer the very powerful Mac Pro as a server
which is fantastic for continuous integration and iOS testing.

How do I get started?
Head over to the pricing and signup page to see all the options. Once you've decided, finish the signup process and you'll get your network information and you can get your machine ready to ship.


What if I want to ....?
Have multiple machines behind a router of your own? Host a very high bandwidth site? Incorporate DNS load balancing on multiple machines? Whatever it is, feel free to contact us and we'll get creative with you on a solution.

How do I control the Mac mini?
There are a variety of remote control tools available such as Timbuktu, Apple Remote Desktop or VNC. OS X provides Screen Sharing free of charge. With these tools, it is just like sitting in front of your Mac no matter where you are in the world.
How do I control my account with Macminicolo and MacStadium?
We offer a support site where you can watch bandwidth, change personal information, and update your credit card. You can access it here.


What if I need to reboot?
If your machine locks up, you can use the remote power control. This will allow you to turn on and off the electricity to the mini. It is accessible from the web, password protected and assigned one per mini.


What applications or other software can I run on my Mac mini?
You may run whatever software you like as long as it does not violate our acceptable use policy. (In short; no SPAM, open relays, illegal activity or adult/obscene material.) For all kinds of software suggestions, take a look at our company blog or FarAwayMac.com. Here is 50 ways to use your Mac server.


How much does it cost?
It starts at $34/mo. See our pricing page.


Do I get my own IP address?
Yes. Each Mac mini hosted at macminicolo.net has a unique, routable static IP address. You can also request more if you need them.

We can also setup a reverse DNS record for your machine at no cost.


Can I run a different operating system on my mini?
Yes, you can run OpenBSD, Windows, Linux or any other OS on your Mac mini. However, we are primarily a Mac minded place.


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Can you help me set my machine up?
When you use our mini, we'll setup the machine with Screen Sharing (or ARD) and SSH then hand it over to you. However, if you need further help with setting up websites, FTP service, etc then we can likely help with that as well. Upon signup, let us know what you're looking for and we'll let you know the options.


How fast is the network?
The network is very fast. We offer everything from 100mb to 10gb/s connections. The machines also come with unlimited bandwidth.


What if my mini needs to be serviced?
We will service it for you. Just open a ticket and let us know.

New Mac OS X releases? Move from client to server? No problem. If you need to upgrade or re-install an OS, this would fall under Remote Hands as well.


What do you need me to send in with my Mac mini?
Please send in the Mac mini only. We have all software on hand and will get any licenses from you if necessary. If you’d like to keep the retail box, please keep it there with you.

How can I backup the data on my mini?
You can add one BUS powered hard drive at no additional cost. We also have them available for just $10/mo. Over the years, we've seen the least complex backup be the most stable. Personally, we use the internal drive as the daily drive. Then, a 2TB BUS-powered external drive partitioned. One partition is the same size as the internal drive and clones each night with SuperDuper. (This is useful in case we need to boot from it right away.) The rest of the drive is used with Time Machine and just runs on its own. Read more on how to backup your Mac mini server on our blog.


Can I share my Mac mini?
Yes, you control access to your Mac mini. If you wish to share the access that is your decision. It is not prohibited. Many consultants will use their mini to provide services to their own clients.


What happens when I'm done hosting with Macminicolo?
Whether you buy a machine from us, or send in one of your own, it's your machine and we'll get it back to you. If you have no use for the machine, we'll likely be able to resell it to another customers. We'll work that out when it's time.

If you’ve subscribed to the machine, we’ll close the account and wipe all data before staging for a new customer.

Where can I find a copy of the terms and conditions?
You can find all the legal info here.


Is Macminicolo as great as they say it is?
If we’re being humble, we’ll say it’s better to ask our customers and see what they say. If we’re being honest, then yes. Macminicolo is pretty great.