vnc

VNC stands for Virtual Network Computing. Based on a simple, robust protocol, VNC connections let you remotely view and control one computer from another using the Internet or a private network. UltraVNC lets anyone create VNC connections between two or more PCs running its software. Freeware, actually: UltraVNC is free but powerful enough to provide customer support and remote administration. It's easy to use, as VNC packages go, but it's not really for beginners. For example, you must install the client (Viewer) on one system and the Server on another, and both PCs must allow remote access. The … Read more

Windows users who want to access and control their Macs can set up a connection using the free Splashtop Remote app.

Accessing a Mac from a PC has always been doable by setting up VNC (virtual network computing) sharing on the Mac and installing a VNC client on the PC. But many people may find it quicker and simpler using Splashtop to create the connection.

Setting up access requires installing the Splashtop Remote app on your Windows PC and the Splashtop Streamer app on your Mac. Both are free and easy to install.

First, download and install the Splashtop Remote app … Read more

When managing problems in OS X we sometimes limit ourselves to using the input methods we see in front of us: the monitor, the keyboard, and the mouse. If a problem happens on the system such as a hanging program, we will try to force-quit the program using the Option-Command-Esc hotkey, or even use Activity Monitor or the Terminal to do the same thing.

This approach to fixing problems assumes that your keyboard, mouse, and monitor inputs are working properly; what do you do if they aren't? A common solution is to force the system to restart by holding … Read more

While Apple includes a screen-sharing service in OS X to provide a remote desktop option, there are several other options available for implementing this in OS X, including TeamViewer, Timbuktu Pro, and chat programs like iChat and Skype. While these tools should allow you to control a Mac remotely, some may interfere with various system settings and prevent you from customizing aspects of your Mac.

Recently MacFixIt reader "Ed" wrote in asking us about a problem with using Timbuktu Pro to access a remote Mac, in which the system would revert any changed screensaver timing settings:

Cellcontrol has entered into an agreement with RealVNC that makes it easier for automotive manufacturers to adopt its technology. For carmakers planning to use Nokia Terminal Mode for next-generation infotainment solutions, the partnership offers an out-of-the-box middleware solution that blocks distracting applications while a vehicle is in motion.

Terminal Mode is a standard being developed by Consumer Electronics for Automotive (CE4A), of which Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche, and Volkswagen are members, which replicates mobile devices on a vehicle's in-dash screen. The phone is tethered to the entertainment system, and occupants interact with the phone using the head unit interface. … Read more

One big complaint about the iPad is its lack of support for Adobe Flash. This means many Web sites, especially video and gaming pages, aren't accessible in the Web browser.One way around that is using a VNC app. VNC stands for virtual network computing. It lets you show and control one computer from another.With this app, you can use a computer that does support Flash to view the content in a VNC app on the iPad.For my example I'm using Desktop Connect. It currently costs $12 in the iTunes App Store. Though there are cheaper … Read more

Years ago, the collaboration and remote desktop solution "Timbuktu" was one of a few remote desktop solutions out there for the Mac, and it had an interesting name. Even the "VNC" label as a generic technology worked for various names (ie, RealVNC, FastVNC), but also spurred people to create amusing and interesting names such as "Chicken of the VNC". These days, companies including Apple are breaking from creativity in names and are resorting to rather mundane labels for remote access services. Apple has "Back to My Mac," and recently Citrix systems recently announced their "GotomyPC" software for Mac. While it is great to see new products and services out for the Mac, it seems the need to come up with a unique name for remote desktop products has diminished.… Read more

TeamViewer is an excellent screen-sharing and file-transfer app that can be used to facilitate business collaborations as well as helping distraught relatives diagnose and cure computer problems. Along with being free for noncorporate use, it gives users precisely the tools they need to share screens securely, send files with a minimum of hassle, control access rights, and even flip which user has control.

The options available while you're in control work smoothly. You can maximize the pane that the other computer's screen is visible in, as well as utilize several smart options from a drop-down toolbar in the … Read more