How to install and use ARD?

Question

Level 1

4 points

How to install and use ARD?

I'm a long time user of Splashtop for connecting to my main computer with my MBP, iPad and iPhone.

I just updated ARD and have never used it but like the idea of using Apple programs over 3rd party apps. But after updating, I can't find ARD in my Applications unless I'm missing the installed name of the app? I looked on Apple.com to get instructions how to login to my main computer with my MBP, iPhone and iPad but only found info about the app, not how to install client versions for my remote devices and then how to login with them. I'm not IT and only want to use the app, if possible, to login remotely to access files that aren't on my remote devices, if that's possible with ARD which if so, I'd start using ARD instead of Splashtop.

Can anyone point me in the direction based on my need and desired use?

Thanks,

Steven

Mac Pro, macOS Sierra (10.12.6)

Posted on Sep 25, 2017 7:42 AM

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Answer 1

MrHoffman

Level 10

152,195 points

Oct 5, 2017 9:36 AM in response to shmerls1

The "update" you've installed was the portion of the tool that's part of macOS that Apple Remote Desktop and the in-built screen sharing tool connect into; it's the so-called "server" portion of the screen sharing protocol and implementation. That piece is shared with the in-built screen sharing tool. And yes, that particular piece of macOS is very confusingly named.

To get to the in-built Screen Sharing tool within macOS, open Finder and select another Mac on your local network from the left column in Finder (use Preferences to enable that, if it's not already available) and then select the Screen Sharing button from what's associated with that host and is shown off to the right, and then pin Screen Sharing into the Dock (control-click on the icon in the Dock and select Options > Keep In Dock). Or use Spotlight Search to search for and to launch it; Command-Space to launch Spotlight, and enter Screen Sharing in the search box, and launch the app from there. Then pin it into the Dock once it's launched, if you'd prefer to have that access.

You can use the in-built screen sharing among macOS systems without purchasing Apple Remote Desktop package from the Mac App Store, or you can acquire the Apple Remote Desktop product for what it adds to the in-build screen sharing client.

Unless you want or need the added features of Apple Remote Desktop beyond what the in-built Screen Sharing app offers, that is... It's got quite a few of those.... And yes, it's set up for automating connections to a larger number of macOS client systems, pushing out command-line commands to perform specific operations for the operator using Apple Remote Desktop, and related.

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Answer 2

Angus Fox

Level 2

153 points

Oct 5, 2017 9:27 AM in response to shmerls1

You have to purchase the app from the App Store. The update is probably just the driver to enable your app to be controlled. Once you have purchased it it will be installed on your mac

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Answer 3

macjack

Level 10

111,242 points

Sep 25, 2017 7:57 AM in response to shmerls1

You need to download the ARD Admin version from the AppStore.

About Apple Remote Desktop Client and Admin - Apple Support

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Answer 4

shmerls1 Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 25, 2017 9:05 AM in response to macjack

Thanks machack. Can you advise me?

It sounds like ARD is more of an admin IT tool.

I use the remote access that Splashtop gives me so I can login to my main MacPro when away from the office. It's strictly for personal access to get files that are not on my remote devices. Splashtop is for remote access to your main computer. Splashtop does which I use from time to time.

Also, do I need to install an ARD client to my remote devices and does ARD work on iPads and iPhones? Or is it web browser based for remote devices?

Do you think ARD would be a good substitute for Splashtop the way I use it?

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Answer 5

macjack

Level 10

111,242 points

Sep 25, 2017 10:18 AM in response to shmerls1

I answered your question to the extent of my knowledge. I've never tried using ARD. All I know is the ARD Admin version is necessary to do what you want. I don't know if it will work on iOS devices.

Maybe someone with more experience with ARD will come along, or you could try asking at an Apple Genius Bar.

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Answer 6

shmerls1 Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 25, 2017 10:19 AM in response to macjack

Thank you mj.

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