jackb1717
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Screen Share or Remote Access

Hello all.  I am needing some directions on how to access another Mac computer that is not on my wifi network.  My mom is a little lost when it comes to computers and is calling all the time asking about this that or the other.  I would like to be able to help her more, but I can't always make it over to her place.  I assumed she could do a screen share with me, but I haven't figured that out yet.  What is the best way to be able to see her screen and help her?  I have a airport time machine, a Airrus SB6183 as my modem and an iMac or MBP to use.  She owns a iMac.  Our ISP's are different, my comcast, hers ATT.  If you could provide any info that would be great.  Thanks in advance.

 

Jack

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X El Capitan (10.11.3), Mid 2015

Posted on Mar 18, 2016 7:35 AM

by MrHoffman,Solvedanswer
MrHoffman MrHoffman
Level 6 (15,612 points)
Mac OS X
A:

Figure out Messages and screen sharing and test that, or use some screen sharing service; maybe TeamViewer or an alternative, either commercial or potentially for free if the associated licenses permit your intended usage.  That'll be far and away the easiest approach, here.   Add the Messages app to the login, and work through the sequence to accept or to request the required screen sharing.   Or to get the

 

You're probably not going to be using Apple Remote Desktop (this forum), as that's a commercial product and one that's overkill for this use.   Either Messages and screen sharing will be enough, or the integrated Screen Sharing client can be used to share the desktop.

 

Otherwise, doing remote access means figuring out a VPN and a VPN server, and likely setting up dynamic DNS to allow you to get the IP address of the remote site, and likely all operating in a firewall gateway box that you've acquired for the remote site.   Modems will likely have to be switched over into their bridged mode, as that gets them out of the way and allows your gateway box to control the network link without NAT getting in the way.  ISPs are only material if they block the particular network access involved, or don't allow the modem to be switched into a bridged mode.

Posted on Mar 19, 2016 8:27 AM

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jackb1717

Q: Screen Share or Remote Access

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  • Helpful answers

  • by MrHoffman,Solvedanswer

    MrHoffman MrHoffman Mar 19, 2016 8:27 AM in response to jackb1717
    Level 6 (15,612 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 19, 2016 8:27 AM in response to jackb1717

    Figure out Messages and screen sharing and test that, or use some screen sharing service; maybe TeamViewer or an alternative, either commercial or potentially for free if the associated licenses permit your intended usage.  That'll be far and away the easiest approach, here.   Add the Messages app to the login, and work through the sequence to accept or to request the required screen sharing.   Or to get the

     

    You're probably not going to be using Apple Remote Desktop (this forum), as that's a commercial product and one that's overkill for this use.   Either Messages and screen sharing will be enough, or the integrated Screen Sharing client can be used to share the desktop.

     

    Otherwise, doing remote access means figuring out a VPN and a VPN server, and likely setting up dynamic DNS to allow you to get the IP address of the remote site, and likely all operating in a firewall gateway box that you've acquired for the remote site.   Modems will likely have to be switched over into their bridged mode, as that gets them out of the way and allows your gateway box to control the network link without NAT getting in the way.  ISPs are only material if they block the particular network access involved, or don't allow the modem to be switched into a bridged mode.

  • by jackb1717,

    jackb1717 jackb1717 Mar 19, 2016 5:52 PM in response to MrHoffman
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 19, 2016 5:52 PM in response to MrHoffman

    Awesome, thanks Mr. Hoffman.  Foursome reason I didnt think of using a regular screen sharing software/ product that has already been tried and tested.  I had to help her last night with an issue, but its hard to figure out over the phone.  You got one person that has no clue about Mac's and then this idiot (me) that knows a bit, but for me to explain how I do things is like when your buddy says I'll be right back as he leaves for the gas station.  Then two hours later he comes back and your like dang dude thought you were gonna be right back.  LOL.  Anyway, thanks for the answer and I think I can  make that work.  Have a good one.