ServerPower is FREE. Distribute it on CDROMs or whatever but please make sure the entire package is intact. Nothing quite so frustrating as getting the docs but no actual software.
What Does It Do?
Turns on a special File Server mode in the power controller of some Mac models. As a result, the machine should automatically start up when power is restored after a power failure. This is handy for file servers, BBS systems and other machines that generally run unattended and should always be operational.
File Server mode is disabled by Apple's system software if you turn off the machine with the Finder's Shutdown command. It will only auto-start if power is removed without a normal shutdown. The next time the machine is powered up, the extension will turn File Server mode back on.
The extension does nothing else other than turn on the special mode. It does not install anything into the system code. To get rid of its effects just trash the extension and Shutdown the Mac. It will power up in normal Mac mode ever after.
Which Models Support It?
I have no idea which specific models have this feature. I know that my PowerMac 7500 and a Mac IIvx both do and that my (t)rusty old IIfx does not. The sample code provided by Apple should detect when the machine can handle it.
How can I tell if it works on my Mac?
Put it in the Extensions folder and restart. During the startup icon march you should see one of three icons:
(1) A hand with a serving tray with a small circle above it:
Congratulations, you're a lucky winner! Your Mac supports server power mode. This is the same icon you see when you look at the extension in a Finder window.
(2) A hand with a serving tray with a big X through it:
Sorry, this particular model does not support server power mode.
(3) A hand with a serving tray with a small X above it:
Hmmm, strange. Your Mac supports server mode but for some reason the request to turn it on failed. I have no idea how/if this can happen but at least it is reported.
(4) Colonel DOS with the power cord in the closet:
Wait, that doesn't belong here. Haven't a clue how that happened.
Please don't feel it is necessary to tell me about your particular results. Rather than attempt to maintain a database of which machines support this, folks can just try it and see. I wanted this for our group's BBS and that's why I wrote it.
Tell me more!
I'll just refer you to Apple's Tech Note 1079 - Power Management & Servers: Auto Restart from Power Failure. That contains all the dirt on File Server mode, Egret, etc.
How about adding support for ...
ServerPower is a quick little hack I wrote specifically for one simple job, which it does, so I am done. The source code is included in Metrowerks CodeWarrior project form for folks who want to see what it does or extend its features.
If I get really ambitious, I might add code to read the "last power fail" Egret register and maintain a log of dates/times when the power was lost. Probably not, but I just might get ambitious some day. The current version will be available in the software section of my home page at <http://www.waterw.com/~davew>.
What's with that goofy circle with a line in it?
That is obviously the international symbol for "power switch". I bet you can find it on your Mac too if you look around a bit.
I wanted to use a tiny picture of a certain energetic bunny rabbit but I don't have anything like the artistic talent needed to produce something recognizable ("What's that pink blotch on top of the tray?")
Thanks
...to the folks at Apple for passing along this extremely useful little tidbit just when I needed it.
