Advertisement
Forum List The Mac Show Requests
Masroor Rasheed
User
Karma: 0  
Mac Caching/Blocking Proxy - 2008/08/03 05:22 I would like to use my old Mac to run some proxy software like Apache 2.2.9 and provide all 3 computers in home being served from this machine. There are few other features I would like to add

1 - Restrict sites and contents based on rules. (Pull ads websites list and constantly updates based on schedule)
2 - Run my file server so, I can access data when I out of home using secure connection (Home VPN Connectivity)
3 - Caching of internet content. e.g. the sites I visit regularly. Have the Mac OSX updates only downloaded once and applied from this cache on all system from cached
4 - Cache podcasts like yours so I can use any Mac in my home to watch it without having to re-download it on which I am using.

I will really appericate if a details steps on setting up and configuring can be demonstrated. Thanks and keep up the lively, honest and good work.
  | | The administrator has disabled public write access.
Michael Oglesby
User
Karma: 0  
Re:Mac Caching/Blocking Proxy - 2008/08/03 14:45 Dear Masroor,

I think that most or if not all what you ask can be done with MacOS X Server.

No.1: Yes, MacOS X Server can do this.

No.2: Yes, MacOS X Server can do this: http://www.apple.com/server/macosx/features/networking.html

No.3: Yes, MacOS X Server can do this: http://www.apple.com/server/macosx/features/client.html

No.4: Unknown. I think that it can be done using the File Sharing service: http://www.apple.com/server/macosx/features/filesharing.html

As you have under 10 Mac units, you can purchase the 10 user licence for £319.

MacOS X Server manuals are here for detail: http://www.apple.com/server/macosx/resources/

Hope this helps... Michael Oglesby - Apple Mac Expert
www.michaeloglesby.com
  | | The administrator has disabled public write access.
Vaughan White
User
Karma: 4  
Re:Mac Caching/Blocking Proxy - 2008/08/04 15:41 Michael,

You could do number 4 by simply running itunes on any of the machines (even the server) and then selecting the option to share the library on the local network.

As well as the podcasts you could share the whole caboodle - music, movies, playlists etc with both macs and PCs. The shared library automatically appears in itunes if you select the option to look for shared libraries.

We have 5 dedicated itunes 'servers' at work all dishing up different type of music and podcasts, that anyone can access (old G4s that were retired a few years ago but still useful as itunes servers).

Hope this helps,

Vaughan
  | | The administrator has disabled public write access.
Masroor Rasheed
User
Karma: 0  
Re:Mac Caching/Blocking Proxy - 2008/08/04 17:03 Thanks Michael, I was not aware of Mac Server did all that. However, I was looking for a free solution but I will keep your advise as a back-up plan.

For 4 requirement, it worked beautifully and I am now able to delete my Music, Podcast and Video from all computer to regain space. Thanks it solved one thing.

I have been searching the web for these solution and for requirement 1 & 3, I found a freeware solution using SQUID. http://www.stocksy.co.uk/articles/Mac/squid_on_mac_os_x_with_ad_blocking/

For requirement 2, I am still surfing to find a free solution.

Thanks Michael & Vaughan for your help and assistance.
  | | The administrator has disabled public write access.
Vaughan White
User
Karma: 4  
Re:Mac Caching/Blocking Proxy - 2008/08/05 16:57 Masroor,

Depending on how you want to access your data, OSX has a built in VNC server if you can make do with remote control. To enable it you just go to System Preferences, Sharing. Tick the box next to Remote Management and then click Computer Settings. Tick the box that says VNC viewers may..... and type in a password.

Any VNC client software (there are loads free to download on the internet) will then be able to remotely control/view the screen of your machine using the right password.

Ideally you will need a static ip address on your router (or use dyndns or similar), and open port 5900 on your router with a nat rule to send requests to port 5900 to your server (which will also need a static internal ip address).

It is that simple.

Have fun,

Vaughan
  | | The administrator has disabled public write access.
Forum List The Mac Show Requests
Joomlaboard Forum Component
Two Shoes M-Factory
Joomla Templates by Joomlashack
Joomla Templates and Joomla Tutorial