Basic setup of SNMP on OS X server:
[client is not the same; Server only in 10.2]
- Log in as Root. This is easier so you can edit the hidden files you need to. If you know how to use the sudo command and a unix text editor, feel free.
- Use the Go -> Go to Folder command and enter /etc.
- In the list of files, find hostconfig and open it.
- Under the header # Services, add SNMPSERVER=-YES- below the list of other services, and save the file.
- Now open Terminal window and type or paste snmpconf -g basic_setup (you must be root user or use sudo command). Enter man snmpconf first to read about this command if you wish.
- Follow the instructions onscreen to set up the basics. This can get very detailed and you can run it again after you read more on SNMP and understand what to enter better.
- When you finish, I would restart ... but if you know how to use the CLI to start the process or restart the SNMP process, you can do that instead.
For the Newbie, SNMP is Simple Network Management Protocol, which is used in some cases to manage a PC and more so on the Mac-end to monitor machines. You can get a verity of information like running processes, CPU usage, temperatures and lots more. The information you get depends on two things. Your hardware can supply the information to the system and the MIB (Management Information Base) files installed in your system. All Mac OS X installs include some form of SNMP; you just have to turn it on and use it. For more information, go to www.net-snmp.com and www.dartware.com/net-snmp.
[robg adds: I haven't tested this one, and I'm not sure if it's even possible on Client as opposed to Server -- anyone know for sure?]

