To use Screen Sharing to access systems not on your local network, in the Finder choose Go –> Connect To Server… and enter a URL of the form: vnc://12.34.56.78 or vnc:// Apple’s Screen Sharing app will work for this on Macs running Leopard or Snow Leopard.

Accessing VNC across the internet requires forwarding TCP port 5900 through any firewalls to the machine to be controlled, similar to ARD.Ī VNC viewer is required to access your remote Mac. VNC provides screen sharing capability only. I use Vine on many of the business systems I support. This package has many configuration options and in my experience is more stable than Apple’s built-in server.

On pre-Tiger Macs – or as an alternative for all Macs- you can use the free Vine VNC Server. Starting with Mac OS X 10.4 VNC has been included in the built-in Remote Desktop software go to System Preferences –> Sharing –> Screen Sharing, click the Computer Settings… button and select VNC viewers may control screen with password: Be sure to use a strong password. However, somebody needs to be present at the remote computer to help with the session this isn’t an option for unattended operation. Implementation is excellent and you don’t need to know any IP addresses or perform complex firewall configurations. iChat AVĪpple’s iChat AV includes both screen sharing and file transfer capabilities. The real need is when you’re away from home or work. Quick and easy – you’re on a Mac! But without some additional configuration this kind of screen sharing only works on your local network.

You will be asked to enter your password for this Mac when you connect from another system. To enable Screen Sharing for a Mac, go to System Preferences –> Sharing and enable the Screen Sharing option. Access is usually fast and elegant on a local network. Click on them, and you’ll see a Share Screen… button. On your local network (wired or WiFi) shared systems will appear via Bonjour in the Finder sidebar. Beginning with Leopard Apple started including a built-in screen sharing service and viewer application called Screen Sharing (very original name).

Remote control for mac alternatives