Few people are aware that OS X comes complete with a built in ‘vnc’ client. VNC is used to connect to remote machines running VNC servers. VNC servers can include things like RealVNC or TightVNC
Connecting to VNC servers really is as simple as ensuring the desktop or finder has focus, then clicking Go > Connect to server, or Apple Key + K. Once the connect to server box pops up type VNC:// and the IP Address or Device name you’d like to connect to in the server address field and click connect.
Upon clicking connect, you will be prompted for the servers password. Once connected you’ll be presented with the remote machines desktop. This is something I use almost daily in my role, and find it extremely useful.
If you prefer a third party client, one you’ll always find in my applications folder is Chicken of the VNC
Let me know if you know of alternative methods for remote connections in the comments below 
Early in December I blogged about Evan Schoenberg’s Rowmote the ultimate iPhone/Mac remote control. Well Evan’s been busy developing Rowmote, and has come up with this new fantastic feature. Rowmote’s latest update (2.4) includes this on phone dock. Which mirrors the applications on your Mac’s Dock, highlighting the dock application on your iPhone either activates the app or launches it if it’s not already running.
But why not just use a hardware remote I hear you say! Rowmote is so much more then just a normal remote control. Rowmote has the ability to take full control of your mouse curser, keyboard and trackpad. Meaning (with good eye sight, or a big enough monitor) you can use your mac from miles away!
Not only does it support remote controlling Mac OS X – but also the fantastic Apple TV. (which is next on my planned investments list)
As for support for this app, I had issues trying to get it to work with my Mac at first. It turned out my VPN Connection Software’s (Checkpoint SecureClient) firewall was blocking Rowmote’s traffic. A quick email to Rowmote’s support email address and Evan was straight on the case!
I really can’t promote this app enough! I have both hardware remote and magic mouse, but still find myself using Rowmote to control my Mac!
There are two versions available in the App Store:
Rowmote Standard:($0.99/£0.59)
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Rewmote Pro:($4.99/£2.99) |
The experts behind remote computer connections have recently released access to their beta release of LogMeIn Pro². The beta aires some very useful features for remote Mac users.
- Transfer and share files between computers
- Print from your remote mac to local printers
- Share your Mac desktop with another remote user
LogMeIn is a web based remote access system which connects to machines with the LogMeIn remote client installed on them. The remote access client has a tiny over head and runs in the background on your Mac with a small icon sitting on your toolbar.
Once installed you can access your Mac from the secure LogMeIn website, which gives you a simple easy to use interface:
The interface makes the LogMeIn system so easy you don’t have to be ‘tech savvy’ to be able to work with it.
Not only can you remotely access your Mac as if you are sat in front of it, but you can also access it’s file system. Making your files accessible from anywhere with an internet connection without taking chances with third-party hosted services.
Not only is LogMeIn ideal for remote workers and accessing that forgotten file whilst away from your desk, but also works well for providing remote support to customers and family members. Due to the unique way LogMeIn works 99% of the time no work is required to hardware firewalls, enabling an almost instant set up and configuration which is possible by anyone.
LogMeIn have released plugin’s which support the majority of browsers available for download. Including Safari!
To get your free trial of LogMeIn click here to download the Mac client now!
LogMeIn offer a large collection of solutions, including:
- LogMeIn Rescue - Web-based remote support without pre-installed software for PCs, Macs and Smartphones
- LogMeIn Central – Web-based management that helps deliver and administer LogMeIn’s remote access, computer management and VPN connectivity services.
- LogMeIn Pro² - Web-based anytime, anywhere access to your computer’s files and applications.
- LogMeIn Backup – Remote backup to your own storage devices, without relying on third-party or external storage services.
- LogMeIn Hamachi - a hosted VPN service that securely connects devices and networks.
- LogMeIn Free - gives you remote control of your PC or Mac from any other computer with an Internet connection.
- LogMeIn Ignition - gives you direct, one-click access to all your LogMeIn computers; no need to use a browser or remember multiple passwords.
- LogMeIn Ignition** - for iPhone and iPod touch provides fast, one-click access to your LogMeIn computers, directly from your Apple device.
If you are don’t know which product would suit you best you can use the LogMeIn product assistant, alternatively contact the LogMeIn Sales department.
Also – check out my previous blog entry for LogMeIn Ignition
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LogMeIn have been making remote control solutions since 2003, over 70 million devices worldwide have connected to their servers at one point or another.
LogMeIn’s latest string to it’s bow is the fantastic LogMeIn Ignition, Ignition is an iPhone and iPod touch application which gives you ‘one click’ access to your LogMeIn devices.
As mobile technology becomes more advanced, people from varying business fields find them self traveling from site to site more and more. With the power of an Apple iPhone and LogMeIn Ignition theres now no longer a need to carry multiple laptops, computer or storage media with you.
Using LogMeIn Ignition you can connect back to your device, using nothing but an iPhone and a 3G or Wireless internet connection and perform tasks as if you where sat in front of it! You can attach files from your homework p.c. to an email message on your iPhone, Share vacation pictures etc from your PC, work on documents whilst on the roadtrain, finish off that important presentation or work on the important department reports all from the comfort of your train seat! (or plane, or car passenger seat even the McDonalds down the road!) Imagine the power of your VPN connection without having to undo the velcro on your bag!
With LogMeIn Ignition the possibilities are endless. All you need is an account over at LogMeIn, you can chose either a free account or a Pro account, and iPhone and the Ignition app to get started.
For a limited time only, the friendly people over at LogMeIn are offering the iPhone Ignition app for only £11.99!! Plus
On Saturday morning I picked up my new mobile phone. Despite my previous ravings about Windows Mobile devices this time I chose to go for the iPhone. Which if you have been following my blog possibly wont come as a surprise to you. As I have recently migrated from a Windows based world (with a little Linux) to a pure Apple Mac world. So it seemed to make sense to get one which worked in harmony with my new MacBook.
As with all new devices I spent countless hours customising it and downloading applications from the millions available. One of the main things I was looking for was remote control applications. My MacBook also acts as my digital streaming solution and dvd player so is often tucked away under my TV. Although I have a hardware remote I wanted something ‘built’ into my iPhone.
Of course there is Apple’s own Remote which is all well and good for controlling iTunes. However I was looking for something with a wider range of application support.
Which is where Rowmote came in.
Rowmote is perhaps the perfect replacement for a hardware remote. (if you have an iPhone obviously) Rowmote works via your wireless network and connect to a ‘listener’ client (Rowmote Helper) running on your Mac. Once connected you have all the controls over your mac that you would expect from a remote. But wait – if doesn’t stop there! Rowmote is also capable of emulating the touch pad, enabling you to control the mouse curser and scrolling around documentswebpages etc.The touchpad supports all the things you would hope for, such as landscape mode, two finger scrolling and right clicking, dragging, accented / extended character support, and more.
Rowmote supports a massive collection of applications, with more been developed constantly. You can swap between applications without touching the mac’s keyboard of touchpag, using the simple menu system:
As you can see it’s a straight forward interface, which is easy enough for anyone to use!
It is available for download in two flavours, a ‘light‘ version which comes in at $0.99/£0.59 or a professional version $4.99/£2.99. I wen’t straight for the pro version, and can’t fault it at all.
To add to the applications fantastic ability and styles the developer of the app was quick to answer a support email and provide guidance on working around an issue I had.
Rowmote received 4.5 out of 5 mouses from Macworld
So what are you waiting for? Grab your copy now!
