Verify DNS

Simplest way to verify that DNS, Domain Name Server, functionality is ssh into server and use changeip - checkhostname which must return "success".

A simple, easily explainable to most users method, to verify DNS, is for the user on a client machine to ping the ip address and the FQDN of the server, from their machine.

From a client..

ping 192.168.1.5

ping mini2.brethower.net

The results returned by the two pings should be strikingly similar..because they should be pinging the same place.

Then, open a browser window into http://mini2.brethower.net substituting the actual server FQDN after the http:// The wiki default pages should appear.

This verifies that the infrastructure for My page, Wikis, blogs, intranet email, shared calendars and other collaboration tools is in place. Next..

Add Users

First create a group for the users, this group will be named "house".

Server Preferences is the simple way to set up groups. From the client machine, launch Server Preferences. Continuing from the setup example, the Server Preference connection should be available from either the ip address, or the FQDN.

Click the "Groups" icon..

Fill in the details..

Group is created, 0 members.

Adding users is same basics as adding groups. Click Users..

Fill in details, drag and drop autofills the picture box..

Repeat until the list of group members is complete, then go back to the groups listing.

Notice that a "Workgroup" group was automatically created and contains the 4 new user entries.

Highlight the "house" group in the left pane, Click Members to open the members panel, click to checkmark each box and assign each user to the "house" group.

Be sure the "house" group remains highlighted in the left pane, click Group to open the group panel, click the wiki creation button..

Safari - the OS X default web browser, then loads http://fqdn-group=house-function=create mode.

Login as any user in the "house" group when prompted..

Step 1, fill in wiki name and description..

Step 2, select from predefined themes for general layout of wiki contents..

Step 3, delineate group wiki access and click "Create" when prompted.

Click the "Go to Wiki" button when it appears and go to the wiki..

The wiki and collaboration services for the group are complete and ready to be used by any member of the group by loading the wiki address in safari and logging in. Use the "Help" link in the upper right hand corner of the wiki page for more information.

Final Step

This is a little more work right now, but saves a lot of time and help desk calls down the road.

Have each user add a link to this intranet wiki in their record in Address Book and a password hint in the notes area of their record.

More info, or want expert heavy lifting? In Southwest, MO, doug.brethower@lakedata.net

Elsewhere, look for a member of the Apple Consultants Network. ACTC - Apple Certified Technical Coordinators. Experts who are educated and trained, who care about giving clients the personalized service and attention to detail that maximizes the value of Apple Server Systems.