Maximizing Your iMac and Mac Mini Setup for Seamless Integration

After upgrading to a new iMac, you may wonder what to do with your old 2012 Mac Mini. Do not send it for recycling just yet! This older model can still be a valuable asset if set up correctly. Here’s how to upgrade your Mac Mini to complement your new iMac for a seamless and efficient digital experience.

Utilizing the Mac Mini as an Always-On Server

The 2012 Mac Mini makes a great little server, especially if it is in a convenient location like the basement. Here are some of the useful things you can do with it:

Plex Server

If your Mac Mini has an Ethernet connection to your router, it can serve as a Plex server. This means you can store and stream movies and TV shows from anywhere, not just in your house. Additionally, if you attach a large external drive like a Drobo, this functionality becomes even more powerful. You can keep a vast library of content that will play seamlessly on devices connected via your network.

iTunes Server

You can also use your Mac Mini as an iTunes server for sharing music. This allows you to keep a centralized library of your music collection, making it easier to access music when streaming in your home or elsewhere.

Subversion Server

If you are a software developer, your Mac Mini can also serve as a Subversion server for version control. This ensures that your development environments are consistent and any changes can be tracked.

Family Website

For those interested, you could even host a family website on your Mac Mini, providing a platform to share photos, news, and other information with your family and friends.

Enhancing the User Experience

For additional convenience, connect your Mac Mini to your television set. You can control it from the living room using either a Bluetooth keyboard or a remote access app from your iPhone or iPad. Install a large, inexpensive, but reliable external hard drive to store movies and other media. This external drive can also be used for Time Machine backups of your iMac. Instead of continuous backups, you can configure TimeMachineEditor to create a backup once per day or week.

Additional Features

Photos and iTunes: If you prefer, you can have your Mac Mini run on Photos and iTunes. You can also use it for continuous backups. Additionally, if you have an Apple TV, you will notice that you can browse movies and other stored content from the mini.

For those who use Plex, you can install this software and have your Mac Mini be a Plex server, allowing you easy access to all your media content on Apple devices across your home network.

Conclusion

With the capabilities provided by your Mac Mini, you can enjoy a seamless digital experience with your iMac. However, if you find that you no longer need your Mac Mini or do not want to keep it, consider giving it to a less fortunate friend or donating it to a school. Not only will you be repurposing an old device, but you will also be making a positive impact on someone else’s digital life.