pc anywhere type software for a mac?

Question

Level 1

0 points

pc anywhere type software for a mac?

Hello. I have a powerbook g4, and my father recently purchased a mac book pro. The dilemma is that, once in a while, he will install some crazy 3rd party software and "mess up" something on his desktop, etc. I will try to diagnose, but without seeing what is actually on his screen it is very difficult, at best. In fact, he just shipped me his whole laptop just so I could diagnose an issue for him - not very cost effective, nor usually necessary for a mac. I have used norton's "pc anywhere" for years to "dial-in" and work "live" on pc's with issues, what type, brand, etc of software may I purchase to acheive the same functionality as "pc anywhere" for my dad's mac??? Thank you! -CD Barth

power book g4, Mac OS X (10.4.9), mac book pro

Posted on Apr 11, 2007 9:10 PM

Reply

Answer 1

HPM2

Level 2

155 points

Apr 11, 2007 9:15 PM in response to cd barth

One option is Timbuktu from Netopia

http://www.netopia.com/software/products/tb2/

Reply

Answer 2

Apr 11, 2007 9:25 PM in response to cd barth

This doesn't help immediately but iChat with Leopard will provide this.

http://www.apple.com/macosx/leopard/ichat.html

Reply

Answer 3

Apr 11, 2007 9:43 PM in response to cd barth

The other programs are great. I used Timbuktu back in the classic Mac OS days. Apple also has their Apple Remote Desktop setup. I've heard the latest version (which supports Tiger) is really good - again I used their old Network Admin program and ARD 1 and 2. Don't want to bit the bullet for the latest version as I don't need it yet.

But alas these are all relatively expensive unless you need their power. Taking care of multiple labs etc is really easy with these program. For your needs I would suggest looking at setting up Vine Server (formerly OSXvnc) for screen control and AFP for file sharing. In fact if you tunnel both of these through ssh you can take control in a secure manner. Your computer runs a VNC client like Chicken of the VNC.

The combo of Vine Server / AFP / Chicken of the VNC is what I use for a few people accross the country. Works like a charm. Best part it is free! The other programs I still use for multi-computer setups but for one or two person setups you cannot beat this.

Vine Server
http://www.redstonesoftware.com/products/vine/server/vineosx/index.html

CotVNC
http://sourceforge.net/projects/cotvnc/

Hope this is helpful.

Reply

Answer 4

Apr 11, 2007 9:43 PM in response to cd barth

I use VNC -- OSXvnc on the server end (the Mac you want to see) and just about any vnc client on your mac, Chicken of the VNC is my current favorite. I use this to access a mini that doesn't always have a monitor attached, and when I'm traveling I've used it to access my Quad G5.

Reply

Answer 5

Apr 11, 2007 9:50 PM in response to Markarian421

BlueThunder and I posted at the same time, so just let me add that we're suggesting the same thing. vineosx = OSCvnc, and cotVNC is Chicken Of The VNC. So you have two votes for those now.

Reply

Answer 6

kshusker

Level 1

35 points

Apr 12, 2007 12:17 PM in response to cd barth

TImbuktu is the way to go for this kind of thing.

http://www.netopia.com/software/products/tb2/mac/

It is pretty easy to set up and has a great feature where it works with Skype so that you don't even need to set up the routers and firewalls for your Dad -- if he can launch Skype, you will be in business!

Don't waste time with Apple Remote Desktop -- it is expensive and it is designed for controlling computers in an office or lab...no good for helping family members out across the internet.

VNC is another choice which is free - always nice - but you need a Computer Science degree to set it up.

Reply