According to a recent study, the number of computers in Russia is over 50 million. At the same time, 2% of citizens have at their disposal two or more PCs. If we add users of iPhone, iPad and other devices on iOS to them, the numbers will be even more impressive.

Adding these indicators together, we can understand that many Internet users need to get remote access from one PC to another, regardless of whether it is in the next room or in another part of the city.

Users need not only remote access, but also the ability to control the computer, run applications, etc. Someone may need to dig up an old mail archive, run backup or use a database from another machine. Home may need Mac Mini based home theater control. There are many options.

Fortunately, there are several ways to make these connections. They can be strictly divided into five categories:

1. Tools built into OS X, including Screen Sharing and Back to my Mac;
2. Instant messaging services such as iChat or Skype;
3. Special services such as;

For the sake of simplicity, we will only consider visual connections and omit remote control using a "secure shell" (SSH).

Unfortunately, it is not always easy to decide which option is right for you. And even if you choose a method, it may not always work.

Why is it so difficult?

Remote control of Mac from another computer in one local network It's not a big deal: Bonjour and other networking solutions do it with a bang. Remote control over the Internet is an art. Many components of the hardware and software Big Network complicate the connection of computers.

Typically, home networks are built using two technologies - network address translation (NAT) and dynamic configuration protocol (DHCP), which provide Internet access to different computers from the same IP address and provide a kind of buffer to protect against access from outside. This complicates the connection to computers.

DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses to computers on the LAN. NAT translates these network addresses with a router for the Internet so that all traffic from these computers comes from a single public address. In business networks, firewalls and other filters exercise control and further complicate external access to local computers.

Some remedies remote connection(in particular, special services Back to my Mac, GoToMyPC, or LogMeIn) solve this problem by connecting directly to NAT software and then laying out direct routes on the Web.

Other solutions (including OS X's built-in Screen Sharing and VNC) require port configuration ( port mapping). Port mapping can be compared to a sunbeam: if you direct a beam of light into a mirror, it “automatically” reflects and illuminates an object. If the beam is reflected from the mirror hit a person, then he will think that the light comes from the place where the mirror is. In other words, with the help of redirection, all data is transmitted without any distortion to another computer, which can be located anywhere.

If you are using base station AirPort with NAT-PMP (Network Address Translation Port Forwarding Protocol) or IP router third party manufacturer with UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) technology, you will not have any difficulties. Additional software Port Map or Lighthouse will also come to your aid. (ShareTool can create persistent LAN connections to use Bonjour).

Manual configuration of port mapping is possible, but this system is not flexible and requires technical training. You need to know which port each service uses, how to assign permanent addresses / computer names on the network, and your external IP address.

The right way

To understand which remote connection method is right for you, you need to know all the sides of this technology:

Security: All options listed above, except VNC, securely encrypt the remote connection. If you choose VNC, then when using public networks (such as Wi-Fi), you need to take additional security measures.

Price: The most reliable options cost money. LogMeIn, GoToMyPC or Timbuktu Pro charges a fee for each computer. Access to my computer (Back to my Mac) is less expensive (the cost of a MobileMe subscription), but it doesn't always work.

Multiple monitors: Different remote control software packages provide different support for multiple monitors, both on the remote and on your machine. For example with VNC you can only see main screen in system; Screen Sharing via iChat compresses the image from the monitors of the remote machine onto a single screen.

Channel width: Some solutions will automatically adjust the picture quality of the remote screen to match your internet connection. Other programs support manual setting(for example, you can reduce the number of colors and the image quality) for easier control of the computer.

File sharing A: Perhaps you only need remote control, but remote file access is also important. Some of the services listed above offer convenient access to files on a remote machine.

IOS support: With LogMeIn and VNC, you can connect to Mac directly from iPhone or iPad.

In the following articles, I will describe each method of remote connection in more detail. In some cases, depending on your needs, you can use several methods at once. But above all, of course, these are the native OS X remote control tools.

According to a recent study, the number of computers in Russia is over 50 million. At the same time, 2% of citizens have at their disposal two or more PCs. If we add users of iPhone, iPad and other devices on iOS to them, the numbers will be even more impressive.

Adding these indicators together, we can understand that many Internet users need to get remote access from one PC to another, regardless of whether it is in the next room or in another part of the city.

Users need not only remote access, but also the ability to control the computer, run applications, etc. Someone may need to dig up an old mail archive, run a backup, or use a database from another machine. For the home, management may be needed. There are many options.

Fortunately, there are several ways to make these connections. They can be strictly divided into five categories:

1. Tools built into OS X, including Screen Sharing and Back to my Mac;
2. Instant messaging services such as iChat or Skype;
3. Special services such as;

For the sake of simplicity, we will only consider visual connections and omit the “secure shell” () remote control.

Unfortunately, it is not always easy to decide which option is right for you. And even if you choose a method, it may not always work.

Why is it so difficult?

Remote control of a Mac from another computer on the same local network is not difficult: Bonjour and other network solutions cope with it with a bang. Remote control over the Internet is an art. Many hardware and software components of the Big Web make it difficult to connect computers.

Typically, home networks are built using two technologies - network address translation (NAT) and dynamic configuration protocol (DHCP), which provide Internet access to different computers from the same IP address and provide a kind of buffer to protect against access from outside. This complicates the connection to computers.

DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses to computers on the LAN. NAT translates these network addresses with a router for the Internet so that all traffic from these computers comes from a single public address. In business networks, firewalls and other filters exercise control and further complicate external access to local computers.

Some remote connectivity tools (notably Back to my Mac, GoToMyPC, or LogMeIn special services) accomplish this by connecting directly to NAT software and then laying out direct routes over the Net.

Other solutions (including OS X's built-in Screen Sharing and VNC) require port mapping. Port mapping can be compared to a sunbeam: if you direct a beam of light into a mirror, it “automatically” reflects and illuminates an object. If the beam is reflected from the mirror hit a person, then he will think that the light comes from the place where the mirror is. In other words, with the help of redirection, all data is transmitted without any distortion to another computer, which can be located anywhere.

If you're using an AirPort base station with NAT-PMP (Network Address Translation Protocol) or a third-party Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) IP router, you won't have any problems. Additional software or will also come to your aid. (can create a persistent connection between LANs to use Bonjour).

Manual configuration of port mapping is possible, but this system is not flexible and requires technical training. You need to know which port each service uses, how to assign permanent addresses / computer names on the network, and your external IP address.

The right way

To understand which remote connection method is right for you, you need to know all the sides of this technology:

Security: All options listed above, except VNC, securely encrypt the remote connection. If you choose VNC, then when using public networks (such as Wi-Fi), you need to take additional security measures.

Price: The most reliable options cost money. LogMeIn, GoToMyPC or Timbuktu Pro charges a fee for each computer. Access to my computer (Back to my Mac) is less expensive (the cost of a MobileMe subscription), but it doesn't always work.

Multiple monitors: Different remote control software packages provide different support for multiple monitors, both on the remote and on your machine. For example, with VNC, you can only see the main screen on the system; Screen Sharing via iChat compresses the image from the monitors of the remote machine onto a single screen.

Channel width: Some solutions will automatically adjust the picture quality of the remote screen to match your internet connection. Other programs support manual adjustment (for example, you can reduce the number of colors and the image quality) for easy control of the computer.

File sharing A: Perhaps you only need remote control, but remote file access is also important. Some of the services listed above offer convenient access to files on a remote machine.

IOS support: With LogMeIn and VNC, you can connect to Mac directly from iPhone or iPad.

In the following articles, I will describe each method of remote connection in more detail. In some cases, depending on your needs, you can use several methods at once. But above all, of course, these are the native OS X remote control tools.

X2Go

X2Go is a program for remote control of a computer, or rather its graphical desktop. Despite the fact that there are versions for popular operating systems, the remote access server can be installed exclusively on the Linux platform. The utility features sound support and the ability to connect to printers. Connection with remote computer carried out through a securely secured SSH channel. Besides, this development allows you to run separate application on server. On this moment, X2Go is not very popular in the CIS, which is quite in vain, since the program provides a wide range of functionality to the user, which cannot be found in analogues.

Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop- extension for browsers based on chromium. Allows you to access your or another computer using a browser. With it, you can help your colleagues set up software, do joint work and fix some computer malfunctions. Its advantage is light weight and ease of setup and operation. Also if you are an active user Google browser Chrome, then immediately after installation, the program will automatically configure itself for your account and will be synchronized, which in the future will facilitate work with multiple devices.

TightVNC

Windows, Linux, Mac OS X official site 06 February 2016 GNU General Public License - license for personal and commercial use Remote control 11

TightVNC is a cross-platform application for remote control of a computer via a desktop from the developer TightVNC Group with the ability to transfer files. The program itself is divided into two parts: the client (Viewer) and the server. This utility allows you to restrict access to your computer by IP addresses, and also has a password protection function. In total, there are two launch modes - Service (work in background waiting for a connection) and User Define (manual launch by the user). For maximum security, the remote data entry lock can be activated. TightVNC covers English language and has a standard interface for this kind of programs.

Remote monitoring and control for a caring family man.

Situation. Your home has a “family” Mac computer that everyone in the household has access to: you, your spouse, your children. And as a caring husband and father, you want to be in control of everything that your favorite users do. At the same time, without leaving the cozy atmosphere of the "couch mood" and remaining "in the shade".

Another variant - remote assistance without leaving the workplace. To the question "how to crop a photo or send a letter" you just need to press a couple of keys.

What you need to observe. In order to watch what is happening on the screen in real time, it is enough to have:

• any iOS device or Android device, computer or laptop running any OS;
• mobile VNC client (for iOS, Android);
• know username and password from account user;
• connecting all devices to one Wi-Fi network.

As illustrative example we will consider the option of setting up remote control in a bundle: iPhone - Mac and Mac - Mac.

Setting up remote control

On Mac "victims"

The OS X operating system provides the ability to access the screen without the need to install additional software. On the computer you plan to monitor, open the following menu: Settings - Sharing.

In the proposed list of services, turn on the checkbox next to the item Remote control... Opposite point Allow access select option All users... Then go to Options.

In the menu that opens, check the boxes next to those items that you think are appropriate. The settings with a real "spy kit" look as shown in the screenshot.

By enabling surveillance and control, you can remotely control your computer, but at the same time hiding from the user that you are connected to the Mac. Further actions on the part of the remote control device are minimized with the sole purpose of remaining unnoticed.

The final step of settings on a Mac is to go to the menu Computer settings.

Here you need to set only one checkbox opposite the item Anyone can request permission to control the screen.

On your iPhone

To organize remote control from an iPhone, you only need one free app VNC client.

For reference: Abbreviation VNC stands for Virtual Networking Computing and is a system of remote access to a computer desktop using an additional device.

The connection is organized according to the server-client principle. V operating system OS X VNC backend is organized by default (we included it in the first part of the tutorial), and any appropriate application is selected as the client (monitoring software).

One of the simplest and most effective VNC clients in circulation is deservedly considered the product of the RealVNC company - free client VNC Viewer.

You can use any other application if you want. The settings of such software are minimized and are unlikely to cause difficulties.

Immediately after installation, launch VNC Viewer and, being on the tab Adress Book, add a new connection by tapping on the "+" in the upper right corner of the screen.

To find the IP address of your Mac, in OS X, reopen Settings - Sharing and highlight (single click) the enabled service Remote control... The required IP address will be listed on the corresponding line.

In the VNC Viewer client on the iPhone, specify the IP address and give the connection any name. Click on Save... A new connection will be created immediately and before starting monitoring, pay attention to the item View Only.

It is recommended to enable this slider, because this is how you can avoid displaying the cursor on the computer screen being monitored and act "undercover", watching the screen, but not participating in the control. Depending on the bandwidth your router, select the quality of displaying the picture (data exchange takes place in the local network without access to the Internet).

Click on Connect... The application will warn you that the connection is not encrypted and data transmission may be insecure (the slider Warn me every time can be disabled). Pay no attention and press Continue.

Now you need to specify the exact username and password for the account of a particular user. Be sure to respect the case of letters! In order not to enter the password every time you connect, turn on the slider opposite the item Remember Password and press Done

In a few seconds, the iOS device will connect to the computer and you will be able to see everything that happens on the screen in real time. To call the toolbar, it is enough to execute the piles from the bottom up.

note that the keyboard and mouse toolbar only works in Control mode... It can be enabled by disabling the View Only slider in the connection dialog box.

Controlling a Mac from another Mac

To organize remote control from another Mac, no additional software is required. By including Remote control on the computer that will be monitored, on the Mac that will monitor what is happening, open Finder.

Find the category in the side menu General access... Make sure this category is active by opening the menu Finder - Preferences and setting the checkboxes opposite the item Connected servers and Accessing my Mac.

Double-click the specified computer and then select Shared screen in the top left corner.

Then enter the login and password for the Mac account that will be monitored.

When connecting for the first time (without witnesses), for this connection switch the mode to position Observe.

note that any click from the watcher computer will be mapped to Mac screen which is monitored as follows:

That is why, when working in the Mac - Mac link, we recommend that you abandon the control functions. You need to disable it on the server computer by opening Settings - Sharing - Remote Control - Options and uncheck the box next to the item Control.

Rate it.

OS X has one great system solution, Screen Sharing. It allows you to remotely connect to another Mac and, for example, identify and fix problems on it. This feature is supported by any version of OS X. Installing Screen Sharing is very simple.

For simplicity, let's call the Mac we are going to fumble from the server, and the Mac from which we will remotely control the client.

First, you need to set up the settings for remote access on the Mac server:

• Open " System settings”And select“ Sharing ”.
• Select the "Share Screen" checkbox.
• Set access rights to the shared Mac to specific people by selecting "Allow access: only to these users."
• Remember the IP address you will be connecting to.

To connect to a Mac server from another Mac, you need to perform a few simple manipulations:

• Press Command + K in Finder.

• Enter vnc: // in the Server Address field, and then enter the Mac address of the computer you are connecting to remotely. For example, vnc: //dhcp113-office.corp/
• Pass the authentication procedure and get remote access to the Mac server.

The Mac client is now connected to the server and you will quickly see a window with the Mac server screen. You will have full access to a remote Mac. Perhaps there will be a slight time lag, but if you have a fast enough Internet connection or you control a computer from the same local network, then you will hardly notice it.

In Mountain Lion, you can give multiple "clients" access to one computer. Of course, if you want to screencast in live, it is better to use Google Hangouts for these purposes.

Finally, we note that starting from version OS X 10.8 it is possible to share files between Macs with general access drag'n'drop method.