Freman

Freman is a 2024 Mac Mini in the server rack. I prefer to use it headless via VNC, specifically using Remmina on cast.

Configuration

Set the hostname via Apple > System Preferences > Sharing (two places)
Get MAC address from Apple > System Preferences > Networking and update dnsmasq to give out a static IP; renew lease on mac
Allow VNC: System Preferences > General > Sharing > click Remote Management (i) > VNC users may control ON
Turn off Lock Screen: Apple > SysPrefs > Privacy&Sec > Lock Screen > Turn display off NEVER, Require after off NEVER
Allow SSH: Apple > System Preferences > General > Sharing > check Remote Login; then you can do the usual ssh config
Update /etc/ssh/sshd_config to disallow passwords, and restart sshd:

sudo launchctl stop com.openssh.sshd
sudo launchctl start com.openssh.sshd

WHY did they ship me a 2024 in 2025? I need to call them... FIRST

Plug it in
WAIT
Use connectors to get a mouse and kb connected to its USB-C ports; some mice/kb don't work but the Logitech/i-rocks ones do; WAIT for it to recognize them
Upgrade to Tahoe

VM noVNC kinda works ok; press the Windows key if you need to switch between windows of the same application by then hitting the backslash ` key.

Install Karabiner-Elements key mapping tool, oh yeah
Click predefined rules by community, search for 'PC-Style Shortcuts' pack, wowza

(ok that didn't handle Ctrl-Insert (copy) so I tried this one instead

Go through all the macOS permissions loosening to allow it access - you will NOT REGRET IT
I could NOT find Ctrl-Ins that worked, even tho karabiner-windows-mode has TWO (they say you can't enable more than one but i tried them each separately).
So, edit the file at ~/.config/karabiner/karabiner.json (Windows-Shift-. to show hidden files)
You can find the karabiner-windows-mode overrides by searching for

"key_code":"insert",

rclick in whitespace > Show View Options >
[x] Always open in list view, sorted by name, hit Use as Defaults