Rebuilding a flaky Apple Workgroup Server 9150, the odd duck of the Workgroup Server line, it all started so innocently at the Floodgap lab. I just had to pimp it out for Mk Linux. Before the IBM AIX-based Apple Network Server, there were the WGSes, Apple's well-intentioned but conflictingly received line of Macintosh rebadges.

Although Mk Linux emerged after the 9150's discontinuation, it's still just an overgrown Nu Bus Power Mac. By adding more RAM, a beefier CPU upgrade, and various video cards, we aim for a configuration that gives us the best of two worlds — classic Mac OS and Mk Linux — in one server.

Apple's early server strategy can be traced back to the failed Macintosh Office concept. In January 1985, the Macintosh XL and Laser Writer were introduced. While the Laser Writer started at $6,995, the refreshed Macintosh XL started at a surprisingly competitive $3,995. Ultimately, the Macintosh Office initiative was officially shut down, but the legacy persisted through the Macintosh II and the introduction of A/UX.