Processor

• The CPU (Central Processing Unit) acts as the brain of the computer, coordinating all the data in the machine. Leopard Server requires you to have a Macintosh desktop computer or server with an Intel processor or PowerPC G5 or G4 (867 MHz or faster) processor.
  
  

Random Access Memory (RAM)

• The RAM processes the data for all active programs, information and the operating system. Unlike a hard drive, RAM memory can only store data while the computer is on. Information in RAM is released when the power is off or the program is closed. Leopard needs at least 1 gigabyte (GB) of RAM.
  
  

Network

• The network provides the medium over which the host (the server) communicates with the individual computers (clients). For Leopard to truly be a server, you will need to connect the machine to a secure Ethernet network. The network must be secure because the screen sharing service that allows remote installation of Leopard begins automatically.
  
  

Hard disk

• You must have at least 20 gigabytes (GB) of disk space available on the hard drive of the machine. The hard drive serves as the long-term memory of the computer. This is where files are stored until they are brought into RAM.
  
  

Installation method

• You must have a way to get the operating system onto the machine. Typically, you will use a DVD drive by simply inserting the installation disk in the drive. The Server Assistant starts automatically. Leopard offers alternate methods of installation by allowing you to use an external FireWire DVD drive or by using the target disk mode on another Mac computer.