Many Mac users probably don’t realize that their Mac OS X has built-in capability to be remotely controlled from another Mac anywhere in the world. With Apple’s Remote Desktop, controlling anyones Mac is as easy as few clicks of approval on the host Mac. But…it’ll cost ya. $300 (minimum.)

Now, for those who do have a desire to control other Macs in their household of family members Macs in another city to assist in some technical support but wish to avert the high price, there is an alternative. A free product called Chicken of the VNC gives you the power of Apple’s product at the great rate of free. Add in HamachiX and now you’ve got free secure remote desktop control!

If you’re looking to control Macs in your local network, say work or home, then you can get the even easier Teleport. With a double click of Teleport and a firewall rule addition, you’ll be in remote control business.

Now, if you’re looking for in depth instructions and a bit more detail on these apps, then take a look at the great write up over at 5thirtyone. Derek does a fine job explaining this all and it’ll surely help you better understand these fine free applications.

3 Responses to “Securely Remote Control Any Mac for Free”

1. Clif Davies Says:
   May 25th, 2007 at 7:57

   I tested VNC last year and found the performance inadequate/unusable over a normal DSL internet connection. I wound up purchasing Timbuktu and have been very happy with the performance and features, especially the IP registry website which makes us insensitive to re-boots and re-allocated DSl IP’s. Any solution for tech support of relatives needs to include some way of automatically updating/registering the target IP address(es).

2. Steven Says:
   May 25th, 2007 at 10:33

   There is http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/19422/almostvpn which can create a backwards ssh tunnel and then do VNC/ARD through the tunnel…

3. Steven Says:
   May 25th, 2007 at 10:34

   see also http://guides.macrumors.com/Remotely_Controlling_another_Mac

Leave a Reply