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Are there any applications to remote-control Macs?
October 23, 2007
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Question: Are there any applications to control Macs remotely?
Answered by contributing editor Ron Roszkiewicz: Remote access to computers is nothing new to the UNIX guy in IT managing your servers and network. For the past 40 years or so, gaining access to a remote computer or server required running a command line process with a modem and an IP address at either end. Even with expert users at each end, the connection was not without glitches. The modem not in receive mode, computer shut down and dodgy connections could turn a routine support call into a hair-pulling trial. Of course UNIX was preferred; PCs could play; Macs were not allowed.
Enter VPNs
Today all that has changed, and there are alternate approaches to creating a virtual private network (VPN) that connects a remote user to an individual machine or an entire workgroup. They break down into two approaches: 1) remote access to take over a machine and 2) screen/file/application sharing. In each case, a client application must be running on both ends. For continuous access to remote computers, special software must be running to ensure auto-reboot and reconnection to the web.
What About PCs?
Graphic arts shops with a few Macs can use Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) to install software, provide real-time support and create reports of the status of their machines. ARD is Mac-only, however. Price is $299 to $499. For Windows-only situations, users can try Remote Desktop for XP Professional. This little-known functionality is provided free with XP Professional. The machine publishing itself to the world must be running Remote Desktop for XP and any remote machine accessing it must be running Windows 95 or later.
More Versatility
Both the previously mentioned applications are restricted to the operating systems for which they were developed. More versatile software is optionally available with web-conferencing applications. GoToMyPc 6 from Citrix is available—no Mac support, however. WebEx MeetingNow supports Mac and Windows and is available, as is the Citrix solution, by subscription. More information on pricing is available from these vendors.
Desktop Meetings, Too
One new upstart company, RHUB Communications, has combined the “buy once” shrink-wrap approach of Apple and Microsoft with the comprehensive suite of web conferencing and remote control of Citrix and WebEx with its TurboMeeting line of appliances. They provide remote control for Mac and PCs and allow users to host meetings from their desktop. Depending on your needs, the starting price of $1,000 can quickly eclipse monthly web-conferencing subscription fees.
Nothing New, Nothing Glamorous
Of course, there is always telnet for those who enjoy playing under the hood.Telnet is the command line approach that has been in use for 40 or so years and can be used to communicate with IP addresses on any platform. These command line processes provide control over processes running on the target machine and provide no interactive screen and application sharing as the applications mentioned above.
Posted by Mark Vruno on October 23, 2007 | Comments (2)
