OSX Software update server

[mjk]

I've just enabled Software Update server on our OSX Server, how do I actually verify this is working on the clients? Is it possible to see if an update has been downloaded successfully from a local server and not from the net?

 

Server and clients are Mavericks 10.9.2

OSX Server 3.1.1

[pete]

The short version is, if you trigger an update check manually it'll be much faster to download the patches. It also (IIRC) flags the updates slightly differently if they're from the local update server.

 

Have you told the clients it exists?

 

On an unmanaged client, open a terminal and use:

 

sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate CatalogURL http://servername.yourdomain.etc:8088/index.sucatalog

 

To point it to your update server. To return it to the default, use

sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate CatalogURL

[Norphy]

The short version is, if you trigger an update check manually it'll be much faster to download the patches. It also (IIRC) flags the updates slightly differently if they're from the local update server.

 

Have you told the clients it exists?

 

On an unmanaged client, open a terminal and use:

 

sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate CatalogURL http://servername.yourdomain.etc:8088/index.sucatalog

 

To point it to your update server. To return it to the default, use

sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate CatalogURL

 

That's only if you're using the old style update services. If you're using the new update caching server, it's automatically discovered by the clients (assuming you're running Mountain Lion or higher anyway). No further configuration is necessary.

[mjk]

I configured the clients by using profile manager but caching sounds like it will be easier so will give that a go. Thanks

[Brimstone]

I configured the clients by using profile manager but caching sounds like it will be easier so will give that a go. Thanks

 

 

Make sure you have a static public I.P. if you LA/ISP don't provide these, this will not work

[mjk]

Thanks we do have a static public IP. Having all sorts of problems getting this working through Smoothwall though, it seems that the App Store, iTunes, Software Update etc do not work with Kerberos authentication:doh:

[jamesfed]

I'd take a look at Munki to add some extra tie in for your software updates - munki - Managed software installation for OS X - Google Project Hosting

 

Its just a service that sits on the Macs and when they are idle it dials out to your OSX Server and forces the updates - very very very efficient and does pkg and dmg deployments as well (saved our bacon when Apple did that crazy Adobe Flash player forced update

[Arthur]

I'd take a look at Munki

+1. Here's a good setup guide for Munki (and MunkiAdmin)...

 

www.amsys.co.uk/munki-whitepaper.pdf

[jamesfed]

Set my install up based upon the Amsys one - very good guide

[mjk]

I've just installed this, works very well so far!