Desktop Sharing with VNC - hiding local desktop

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Level 1

8 points

Desktop Sharing with VNC - hiding local desktop

Is there a way that I can lock the local screen when I remote connect to my mac via VNC? This would be key for me so that passersby aren't able to see my desktop when I'm physically away from my machine.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Nov 2, 2009 9:55 AM

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Answer 1

V.K.

Level 9

56,192 points

Nov 2, 2009 10:04 AM in response to eckstein

yes, you can do that. of course, you'll be staring at the same locked screen via your vnc connection as the passerby. start keychain access and go to Preferences->general. check the box to show status in the menu bar. this will pt a lock icon in the menu bar which will let you lock the screen.

or do you want the screen to be locked from passerby but not from you when you connect via vnc?

Message was edited by: V.K.

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Answer 2

eckstein Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 2, 2009 10:40 AM in response to V.K.

Let me clarify. I want to be able to use my mac remotely, but I don't want others to be able to see what I'm doing if they happen to walk by my desk. This may sound odd, but I work from several locations around campus, depending on what I need to accomplish. Leaving my laptop in a single location allows it to remain up, logging output from several applications while I'm between locations. I use a cable lock at the desk, I'm just looking for a way to keep my work private.

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Answer 3

V.K.

Level 9

56,192 points

Nov 2, 2009 10:49 AM in response to eckstein

ok, got you. this is possible using a 3rd party program. install Vine server
http://sourceforge.net/projects/osxvnc/
enable fast user switching in system preferences->accounts->ligin options.
start it on your account (use a different port than a standard one, say 5901). then fast user switch to the login window without logging out. now from the remote computer vnc to the port 5901 on your computer.
the command is


vnc://ip.addresss:5901

you'll connect to your desktop and will be able to do what yo want while passerby will see the login window.

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Answer 4

eckstein Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 2, 2009 10:56 AM in response to V.K.

Excellent. Thanks for the pointers.

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Answer 5

BobHarris

Level 9

56,897 points

Nov 2, 2009 11:27 AM in response to eckstein

Not really.

Assuming you wish for something similar to Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection where when you remotely login, the desktop monitor gets login screen and anyone hanging around your desk can not see what you are doing remotely. Co-workers, your boss, the maintenance staff. No one.

I would strongly encourage giving Apple feedback, requesting this feature
<http://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html>

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Answer 6

V.K.

Level 9

56,192 points

Nov 2, 2009 2:36 PM in response to BobHarris

BobHarris wrote:
Not really.

what about using a Vine server? that works. I think I may have picked up that method in one of your posts.

of course, that is not a built in solution.

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Answer 7

BobHarris

Level 9

56,897 points

Nov 2, 2009 5:40 PM in response to V.K.

what about using a Vine server? that works.

The Vine Server trick will work. But it is still a trick. This is really a security issue which Apple should address. They are being compared against Microsoft's RDC, and the reality is that Microsoft as done the right thing in this case (and I hate saying that).

I think I may have picked up that method in one of your posts.

Very good chance 🙂

of course, that is not a built in solution.

That is really why I'm suggesting the OP give feedback to Apple. The more request for this as a built-in Screen Sharing feature.

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