The NATural - FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What system versions are supported?
A: Mac OS X Server 10.4-10.4.9, PPC and Intel. I am currently testing on Leopard (10.5 Server) and should have an official compatibility statement soon.
Q: Why can I only run in Demo Mode?
A: The NATural only works on Mac OS X Server. Demo Mode is designed to allow server admins to test the application on a non-server OS in a safe environment. If you are only running in Demo Mode then you do not have Mac OS X Server and this is not the application you want. This is not a feature-inhibited Shareware demo, The NATural will always be free and no registration is required to access the full feature set on Mac OS X Server.
Q: Will there be a version for Mac OS X Clients?
A: Probably not. Mac OS X handles NAT quite differently from the Server, this would essentially be a different application. I did plan to develop this at some point, but the demands of the day job combined with a good selection of alternatives (ie: sunShield, WaterRoof, and Flying Buttress) have made this a lower priority. At the moment, it seems more important to work on continued improvements to the server application.
Q: What features should we expect in the future?
A: Here are some of the features that are in development:
- toolbar icons and unified toolbar look
- management of remote servers
- better logging performance with large log files
- rule printing
- port forwarding by protocol
- preferences for backups and advanced features
Q: Why didn't you respond to my question/email?
A: I'm sorry. My full-time job is very demanding and it has been increasingly difficult to find time to both work on the software and respond to users. I have certainly let a few emails slip by without a response. I make every effort to respond to all questions so if you have tried to contact me with no success, please resend your message, I do my best to get to them all. Here's a tip: include "The NATural" in the subject line to avoid getting caught by my junk mail filter.