Getting Started

This book is based on the same criteria used for Apple’s official training course, Lion 201: OS X Server Essentials 10.7, which provides an in-depth exploration of Lion Server. This book serves as a self-paced tour of the breadth of functionality of Lion Server and the best methods for effectively supporting users of Lion Server systems.

The primary goal of this book is to prepare technical coordinators and entry-level system administrators for the tasks demanded of them by Lion Server; you will learn how to install and configure Lion Server to provide network-based services, such as configuration profile distribution and management, file sharing, authentication, and collaboration services. To become truly proficient, you’ll need to learn the theory behind the tools you will use. For example, not only will you learn how to use the Server app—the tool for managing services and accounts—but you will also learn about the ideas behind profile management, how to think about access to and control of resources, and how to set up and distribute profiles to support your environment.