MAC Mini as a media server: How it works

You can use your MAC Mini as a handy media server, freeing up space on your computer or smartphone. To do this, simply copy music and movies to the MAC Mini and access it over a network. The connection succeeds in a few simple steps.

How to use your MAC Mini as a media server

An old MAC Mini is not yet ready for the garbage can. The small devices are perfect to be converted as a media server. Even the old G4 model is still suitable. The devices consume little power and run stably. To connect the MAC, it's best to use Ethernet cables. Cables ensure a stable connection, even when large amounts of data are transferred. Cables are definitely recommended when streaming movies, but WLAN can also suffice for music. To use media, you have to share them via iTunes. The best way to do this is to use private sharing. So files are accessible to all connected devices in the network, even if different Apple IDs are used.

Prepare the MAC Mini

1. Connect the MAC Mini via cable to your computer and copy all desired content to the hard drive.
2. Connect the Mini with an Ethernet cable to your router.
3. Connect the Mini via Ethernet cable to a player, so the TV or stereo.

MAC Mini per Privatfreigabe freigeben

1. Öffnen Sie iTunes.
2. Wählen Sie „Ablage“ und dann „Privatfreigabe“.
3. Entscheiden Sie, welche Inhalte freigegeben werden sollen und vergeben Sie eventuell ein Passwort
4. Die ausgewählten Dateien werden nun an allen verbundenen Geräten unter „Meine Musik“ angezeigt.