Best Way to Control Parent's Computer from Afar

[Sam*]

Just got my parents an iMac so I could video chat with them across the country.

What is the best way to get access/control their computer from a distance so I can help tweak settings/troubleshoot for them.

The iMac is awesome.

Sam*

[C(-)ris]

Lots of options, VNC is built into OS 10.4 so it is probably the easiest to setup. Timbuktu and Apple Remote Desktop are good as well, but cost money. There is some other program, boscos screenshare or something like that seems to be popular as well.

[Racer X]

"Best Way to Control Parent's Computer from Afar"

is your mom surfing pRON again? because if she is.....You Go Girl!

[pokari]

SpyMe is a pretty good program that is inexpensive.

http://www.readpixel.com/spyme/index.html

pokari

[elmo3]

[quote C(-)ris]Lots of options, VNC is built into OS 10.4
??????????

[walscobry]

How to use the built in VNC server in ARD with a free client...


http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?s...3050458686

[shadow]

On your side:

Get a DDNS hostname.
Use the "Listen for Server" function of "Chicken of the VNC".
Open up port 5500 to your machine on your router.

On their side:

Have them install OSXVNC (now called "Vine Server").
When you need to work on their machine, you fire up "Chicken of the VNC" and have them use the Vine Server's "Reverse Connection" function to your DDNS hostname on port 5500.

I wouldn't want to use it to do everyday work, but it is good to help diagnose any problems. Usually, I have a parent actually move and click the mouse and I just observe the display.

[elmo3]

[quote walscobry]How to use the built in VNC server in ARD with a free client...


http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?s...3050458686
OK, so it's not built into OS 10.4.

[Mactel]

When Leopard comes out, won't iChat let you see the person's desktop? This will be great for talking them through stuff.

[jdc]

[quote Mactel]When Leopard comes out, won't iChat let you see the person's desktop? This will be great for talking them through stuff.
it will be, provided they upgrade to it

STF for Boscos Screen share -- no matter what anyone else says its by far and away the easiest way to connect to macs or peecees

and its free