HELIOS Tech Info #214

HELIOS G8 Server compatibility with macOS Sequoia and Tahoe

HELIOS G8 is compatible with macOS Sequoia and Tahoe.

The following text describes how to use macOS Sequoia or Tahoe as a HELIOS G8 server. As macOS does not allow non-notarized software to run, a special mobile config settings file is required to support it.

In general, HELIOS client tools, e.g. HELIOS Admin and others, are signed, which means copying and running HELIOS G8 client tools works fine by just copying them from the “HELIOS Applications” volume on any macOS version.

The HELIOS server software for macOS is not notarized, nor signed. This is by purpose because the HELIOS server software and its updates should be installed and deployed without requiring Apples notarization procedure for every single file, library or update. HELIOS and its customers should have full control over the installation.

Follow these instructions to install the HELIOS G8 software on macOS Sequoia or newer.

1. Download a disabled Gatekeeper config

• Open the Terminal app:
  $ cd Desktop
$ curl -O http://www.helios.de/heliosapp/disable_gatekeeper.mobileconfig
  
  This will save an Apple “plist” file which allows disabling Gatekeeper for the HELIOS installation using this special setting.

2. Import the new config in the System Settings

• Open “System Settings” -> “General” -> “Device Management”
• Click on the “+” icon to select the downloaded “disable_gatekeeper.mobileconfig” file
• Click on “Continue” and then “Install”
  
  A new “Disable Gatekeeper” profile will appear.

3. Verify the new Gatekeeper config

• Open the “Terminal” app:
  $ sudo sh
# profiles show
  
  This should show the “name: Disable Gatekeeper” settings.

• Optional for later: Remove the gatekeeper custom profile via the following command:
  $ sudo sh
# profiles remove -identifier=com.example.disablegatekeeper
  
  Removing can be considered once the HELIOS software and all updates are installed and running.

4. Download the HELIOS Installer CD (cd027.iso) from the Symphony “Media Library”

The downloaded file is located in the “Downloads” folder. The installation media “cd027.iso” has a quarantine attribute that must be removed.

• Open the “Terminal” app:
  $ sudo sh
# cd  /Users/admin/Downloads/download
# xattr cd027.iso # will show it
# xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine cd027.iso
  
  Now the HELIOS Installer image “cd027.iso” can be opened in the Finder.

5. Install the HELIOS products

In the Finder, open the HELIOS Installer from the mounted “HELIOS Network Installer” volume and install it according to the installation procedure. The Terminal and GUI installers will work.

6. Install all available HELIOS updates via “hupd”

It is very important to install all updates because they contain new signed client applications and other runtime files:

• Open “Terminal” app:
  $ sudo sh
# cd /usr/local/helios
# bin/hupd
• Set the serial number or demo key in the “Setup -> HELIOS Update Server” menu
• Set the updates folder and updates download folder path.
• Download all updates, select all updates, install all updates
• After the updates are installed:
  # cd /usr/local/helios
# bin/stop-helios now
# bin/start-helios -i
  
  
  Note: The -i option will unpack and install additional files required.

The Firewall should be turned off to allow all HELIOS services to be accessible.

Now the HELIOS G8 server software works on latest macOS versions.

We will update this Tech Info in case we have additional notes.