Headless MacMini

I set mine to automatically shut down at 12:00AM and boot up at 3:00PM everyday. If I want to shut it down earlier, I use a VNC client from my iPad or iPhone to remote control it.

The auto shut down and boot up time can be set in:

System Preferences->Energy Saver->Schedule.

What I do is use some sort of VNC remote viewer software on another computer or an iPad (I use the free Mocha VNC Lite). Or, if you have another Mac use the built-in remote desktop. These solutions require remote access to be enabled on your Mac Mini. Then, just use the Shutdown menu item underneath the Apple menu. A keyboard or mouse isn't necessary for this.

What I do is use some sort of VNC remote viewer software on another computer or an iPad (I use the free Mocha VNC Lite). Or, if you have another Mac use the built-in remote desktop. These solutions require remote access to be enabled on your Mac Mini. Then, just use the Shutdown menu item underneath the Apple menu. A keyboard or mouse isn't necessary for this.

Good info. Will give it a try. Do I need to download an app to my iphone to control the mac mini with the phone?

Do I need to download an app to my iphone to control the mac mini with the phone?

Yes. I recommend PocketCloud which is free. It's easy to set up and is very secure.