In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Apple has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. One pivotal moment in their server operating system journey occurred in 2001 with the release of Mac OS X Server 10.1 Puma. This transformative software marked a significant leap forward, surpassing its predecessor, Mac OS X Server 10.0 Cheetah.
Launched on September 25, 2001, Mac OS X Server 10.1 Puma was not just an incremental update but a comprehensive upgrade to Apple’s industrial-strength, UNIX-based server operating system. Priced at $499, or preinstalled on Apple’s server computers, this release showcased Apple’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for IT administrators in various sectors.
Mac OS X Server 10.1 Puma brought system-wide performance enhancements, significantly increasing reliability and offering substantially faster file transfer times. IT administrators in education, print publishing, design, and web publishing organizations found value in the improved launch times of server-side applications, faster printing, enhanced administration response, and reduced file transfer durations.
Apple integrated the most recent and reliable Open Source components, including Apache and Samba, into Mac OS X Server 10.1. This release also introduced software RAID support, allowing for flexible storage configurations, data redundancy, and improved disk read performance. The inclusion of RAID support was particularly beneficial for organizations seeking robust storage solutions.
| Introduced | March 24, 2001 |
| Released | September 25, 2001 |
| Original Price | $499 (10 Client) $999 (Unlimited Client) |
| System Requirements | Macintosh Server G4, Power Mac G4, Power Mac G4 Cube, iMac, Macintosh Server G3, and Power Macintosh G3 computers 128 MB RAM 4 GB of hard disk space |
| Distribution | CD-ROM |
| Order Number | M8583Z/A (10 Client) M8585Z/A (Unlimited Client) |
Mac OS X Server 10.1 catered to the education sector with enhanced NetBoot and Macintosh Manager 2.1. These improvements contributed to increased system reliability and responsiveness, making it an ideal choice for educational institutions. Philip Schiller, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, emphasized the simplicity of installation and administration, setting a new standard in building powerful networks.
The pricing structure for Mac OS X Server 10.1 Puma offered flexibility for different user needs. Ranging from the 10-Client Edition at $499 to the Unlimited-Client Edition at $999, Apple ensured that professional webmasters, small workgroups, classroom labs, creative professionals, and medium-to-large workgroups had suitable options. The Macintosh Server G4, bundled with Mac OS X Server Unlimited-Client Edition, was priced at $2,799.
Mac OS X Server 10.1 Puma introduced several noteworthy improvements, including faster application launch times, resizable windows, and a moveable and customizable Dock interface. The release also incorporated hundreds of new drivers, enhanced CD and DVD burning capabilities in Finder and iTunes, and an improved color management system with ColorSync 4.0. Notably, the 3D graphics performance received a significant boost.
Though 22 years have passed since its release, Mac OS X Server 10.1 Puma remains a significant milestone in Apple’s server operating system history. Its impact is evident in the ongoing commitment to enhancing user experiences across subsequent releases. While newer versions have taken the spotlight, the foundation laid by Puma continues to influence the evolution of Apple’s server solutions.
In retrospect, Mac OS X Server 10.1 Puma stands as a testament to Apple’s dedication to innovation and user-centric design. Its comprehensive enhancements, open standards, and improved performance set a new benchmark for server operating systems. As we continue to witness advancements in technology, it’s essential to recognize and appreciate the pivotal moments that shape the trajectory of industry leaders like Apple.
Versions of the Mac OS X Server Puma
| Versions | Build | Release Date |
| Mac OS X Server 10.1 | 5G64 | September 25, 2001 |
| Mac OS X Server 10.1.1 | 5N13 | November 21, 2001 |
| Mac OS X Server 10.1.2 | 5P68 | January 17, 2002 |
| Mac OS X Server 10.1.3 | 5Q45 | February 20, 2002 |
| Mac OS X Server 10.1.4 | 5S40 | April 17, 2002 |
| Mac OS X Server 10.1.5 (Xserve only) | N/A | May 14, 2002 |
Further Reading and References
- Major Mac OS X Server v10.1 Update Now Available – Apple Newsroom
- Mac OS X Server – Wikipedia
- Mac OS X Server also revved to version 10.1 – MacWorld
- Mac OS X Server 10.1.1 is out – CNET
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
Last updated: January 28, 2024
