Using Apple Remote Desktop
From ctowiki
Apple Remote Desktop is an implementation of VNC which allows remote users to connect to and use any properly configured OS X computer. Apple Remote Desktop is standard with OS 10.4.
This tutorial will serve as a quick-start guide to configuring and using Apple Remote Desktop on an OS 10.4 or later computer.
Contents |
Configuration
System Preferences
From the Apple menu, select "System Preferences"
Select "Sharing"
Sharing
Check the checkbox labeled "Apple Remote Desktop." When this box is checked, the service will be enabled, and you will be prompted to configure the user access privileges. Note: OS X will enable Apple Remote Desktop traffic to pass through the firewall automatically when activated. This can be verified by clicking on the "Firewall" tab in the "Sharing" menu.
User Privileges
In the menu on the left, select the users for which you woud like Apple Remote Desktop to be enabled. From the checkboxes on the right, select the actions you would like to permit your VNC user (likely your remote self) to have permission to use. "Open and quit applications" and "Copy items" are a good starting point.
Just below the center of the window, you will need to check the "VNC viewers may control screen with password" checkbox, and you will be required to set a password. Note: Apple Remote Desktop (VNC) is not secure by default. While your password is not sent in plaintext, it is not thoroughly secured. It is recommended you choose a good password that differs from your WSU NID password.
Click the "OK" button to save your settings.
Your Macintosh is now configured to use Apple Remote Desktop!
Connecting remotely
Connecting to your Macintosh (host) from a remote computer (client) can be done from any computer with an Internet connection and VNC client software. While any VNC client on any platform may be used, this tutorial features Chicken of the VNC running on OS 10.4. TightVNC is a similar client for the Windows OS.
Download and install a suitable VNC client on the host computer, then connect to display "0" (zero) on the host. Use the password you chose earlier. You will need to know the IP address or the fully qualified domain name of the host computer. Most WSU IP addresses will start with "134.121", and most WSU fully qualified domain names will end with "wsu.edu". Your system administrator can provide this information for you.
You should now be able to use the remote computer.
Security considerations
Password
Apple Remote Desktop (VNC) is not secure by default. While your password is not sent in plain text, it is not thoroughly secured. It is recommended you choose a good password that differs from your WSU NID password.
VPN
In addition to a good password, it is recommended you use the WSU VPN to connect to your host computer from an off-campus location. This additional measure of security will ensure private data is transmitted using a reasonable level of protection.
Usage
It is recommended that Apple Remote Desktop is only enabled as neccessary. While there are no known problems or exploits in Apple Remote Desktop, there remains the possibility that unknown security threats exist. Enabling Apple Remote Desktop only as neccessary will reduce potential threats.
Related Tutorials
Information on strong passwords