Open source apple remote desktop for mac os#
Open source apple remote desktop mac os x#

This approach or the use of VPN should always be used when controlling computers using the Internet to manage a remote computer. You can secure VNC communications using the SSH port forwarding feature, which creates an encrypted tunnel between the two computers for transmitting data. Adding to that is the fact that VNC servers support only a single password for all remote control sessions. The unencrypted nature of this connection is what makes VNC a nonsecure solution. The data exchanged between the two is transmitted in unencrypted form using an IP connection that can be over a local network or clear across the world using the Internet. VNC functions by using two separate software components: a VNC server component that is installed on the remote computer to be controlled and a VNC viewer that is installed on the computer that will observe and control it.

VNC is also inherently much less secure than Apple Remote Desktop. Its multiplatform nature actually makes VNC a more versatile tool than Remote Desktop in some ways, although this is at the expense of many of Remote Desktop’s other features. And there are Java applet solutions that can be run from a website and clients designed to run on mobile devices.

Open source apple remote desktop for mac os#

It doesn’t offer any of the advanced management or interaction features that make Apple Remote Desktop a stellar product, but it does give you the basic remote control and observation features.īecause it is an open source platform, VNC comes in many flavors and is available for Mac OS X, classic Mac OS versions, Windows, and Unix/Linux. VNC enables you to remotely observe and control a computer in much the same way that Apple Remote Desktop does. Virtual network computing (VNC) is an open source and multiplatform protocol that has been around for quite some time. Although I am a great fan of Apple Remote Desktop and advocate its use in a number of settings (see my previous series covering Remote Desktop), I also acknowledge that for many smaller organizations and consumers, using it can be cost-prohibitive.įor those situations in which you need or want to observe, control, and have basic Mac management remotely, there is a low-cost alternative. It also has a price tag that could give many small businesses and organizations a bit of sticker shock. It is a premium remote management tool with a robust feature set.

Open source apple remote desktop mac os x#

Apple Training Series: Mac OS X Server EssentialsĪpple Remote Desktop is a great tool for systems administrators and help desk technicians.