BACKGROUND

Remote Access to computers has been around almost as long as there has been more than one computer. The technology has been cumbersome, and often too expensive for home or small business use. This has changed radically over the past couple of years.


OPTIONS

When considering remote access, give thought to what you want to accomplish. In some cases, all that is necessary is to view the remote computer screen. Expanding on this is the ability to control the remote computer. Some utilities go further with file sharing, bandwidth control, intercom, cross-platform compatibility, and more.

What follows is a review of the available options.

REMOBO

Remobo is currently in beta, but appears to be very stable. Remobo creates an Instant Private Network (IPN) between two or more computers. With an IPN established (requiring not much more than launching the application on all computers to be connected), you have the ability to send instant messaging, share files and control the screen of the other computer. Works well with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. The developer has a blog and wiki available to quickly make new information available, and to assist the user community in sharing their tips and tricks.



Once you have configured Remobo (5 mouse-clicks), all that is necessary is to launch the application. This creates the IPN with the associated computers. At this point, your computer will function as though the other computer is on your local network. This will allow you to mount drives and even view and control the other computer screen (based on permissions set on the other computer).



Advantages:

• Free
• Fast and easy installation
• Cross platform compatible
• Works through most firewalls
• Good performance
• Data and password encryption

Disadvantages:

• Beta (as of 20091214)
• Creates a Private Network between computers, but not between networks (true VPN)

TIMBUKTU

TB2 is the grandaddy of all remote access software for the Macintosh. As such, it has more features (and higher cost) than any of the others. It can be purchased and downloaded online, and is available from most software retailers. Installation and setup of the software takes about 30 minutes. Once installed, there is little to configure other than user accounts and their level of access.



In most environments, you do need to have access to your router/firewall so that port forwarding may be configured. This may mandate a new router (some older or inexpensive ones don’t allow for port forwarding). This also means you have to be on good terms with the network administrator. They tend to get weak in the knees when you mention port forwarding.

Advantages:

• Cross-platform
• Bandwidth control
• Full access control on a user-account basis
• SSH encryption
• Skype integration
• Other TB2 users are able to locate you on the Internet based on your “IP Locator Name” (typically your email address)

Disadvantages

• Cost $100 per computer
• Port forwarding must be configured on your router to point to your computer
• If using TB2 on multiple computers in your home or office, each must have a different router port configured to point to them

APPLE REMOTE DESKTOP

ARA has been with us for as long as I can remember. But it is still Mac-only, no cross-platform. It is primarily an administration tool, with a few unique twists. ARA was designed to be used within the same Local Area Network as the remote machine. If you need to access the remote while outside of the LAN, your best option is to install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) device. Depending on your environment, cost for parts and labor will run $1,000-$2,000 for VPN.



Advantages:

• Full access control on a user-account basis
• SSH encryption
• Block the remote user from using their computer
• Send UNIX CL commands to multiple Macs
• Send UNIX CL commands on a timed basis
• Install applications on multiple Macs
• Install applications on a timed basis
• Gather System Profile reports
• Send messages to remote users
• Start IM chats with remote users
• Very fast

Disadvantages

• Cost. $499 for unlimited clients, $299 for 10 clients.
• Mac-only, no cross-platform
• Requires VPN to access across LANs for multiple Macs
• Requires a static IP address to access from the Internet to a single Mac

BACK TO MY MAC

If you have Mac OS X 10.5 and MobileMe from Apple, you may already have your remote access solution! MobileMe includes Back to My Mac. With BTMM you can access your Mac from any of your other Macs registered with your MobileMe subscription.


With your BTMM configured on both Macs, each Mac will appear in the Finder sidebar of the other, allowing you to select it just as if you were on the same local network. Reliability is the biggest drawback. There are specific supported routers and network configurations required, and there have been more than a few outages of MobileMe which block the ability of BTMM to work properly.

Advantages:

• Encrypted communication
• Filesharing
• Virtually zero configuration (assuming the use of a supported router in a correct network configuration)

Disadvantages:

• $99 per year for MobileMe
• Spotty reliability
• Works only for your own computers, not to connect to other systems

MAC HELPMATE

MHM was developed by one of the Apple Consultants, Dean Shavit. There is also a Win HelpMate for cross-platform support. It is intended primarily as a help desk tool, allowing access to a client computer to help walk the user through problems. What makes MHM unique is it’s zero configuration. The end user can download it to their computer, open it, click 1 menu and 1 button, and the administrator has full observation and control over the computer. Works through virtually any firewall without having to touch it! MHM also includes a rather full suite of diagnostic and repair tools, most of which can be scheduled for automatic and unattended operation.



Advantages:

• SSH encryption
• Cross-platform
• Moderate degree of bandwidth control
• Zero configuration
• Includes diagnostic and repair utilities
• System and directory diagnostics and repair can be scheduled and unattended

Disadvantages:

• Cost $600
• Screen redraw is not as fluid as the other remote access utilities

VIRTUAL NETWORK CONTROL

VNC was originally developed by Olivetti & Oracle Corporation, but was purchased by AT&T in 1999. Most give AT&T credit for the current product. It was designed as an open source remote access option, which as been ported to almost all modern operating systems, including; Windows, UNIX, Linux, and Mac OS X. All versions of true VNC are free, and many will communicate with each other.

Mac OS X has VNC server built into it, in the form of Screen Sharing. Apple Remote Desktop is VNC on steroids. Since Mac OS X has the VNC server built in, all that is really necessary to remote access to a Mac is a VNC client. There are several to choose from for Mac OS X, including; JollyFastVNC, Vine (commercial), and Chicken of the VNC.

Configuring your Mac OS X machine to access remote access from a VNC client is a two mouse-click operation:
1. Open System Preferences > Sharing.
2. Select Screen Sharing.


3. Select the Computer Settings... button.
4. Enable VNC viewers may control screen with password.



5. Click OK, then quit System Preferences.

Unfortunately, configuring the open source VNC is usually beyond the ability of most users. Though you can easily bring in a technician to do this for you, it is often less costly - and certainly less of a headache in the long run - to go with a commercial offering.

As there is no discovery service available with VNC, the client must know your DNS name, Bonjour name, or IP address to connect. If not on the same network, a static IP address is required, and if connecting over the internet, port forwarding on your router is also required. Nothing overwhelming, but certainly takes the glow of “free” and scuffs it up a bit.

Advantages:

• SSH or SSL encryption (by some applications)
• Cross-platform
• Usually free!

Disadvantages:

• Difficult to configure
• Static IP is required
• Port forwarding on the router is required
• Slow screen redraw

WEB-BASED SOLUTIONS

With so many professionals and businesses now requiring remote access, it has become a profitable service offering. Several websites have sprung up offering reliable remote access for both observation and control.

The primary benefit of going with a web-based solution is ease of setup. If all you need is observation or screen control for one or two computers (ok, depending on your budget, up to thousands of computers), a web-based solution may be your ticket.

LogMeIn is a leader in the field. If I have a complaint, it is that one can go dizzy trying to decipher which of their six flavors is the right one to use! However, LogMeIn Pro is the service matching most users needs. With LMIP there is little to do aside from:

1. Register for a subscription
2. Download the software to the computer to be accessed
3. Spend a few minutes configuring the software, then
4. On the remote computer, log in to logmein.com to access your computer!

Advantages:

• SSL encryption
• Cross-platform
• Print remote documents to your local printer
• File transfer between computers
• Close to zero configuration
• Cost: 69.95/year for 1 computer. Currently free for Macintosh

Disadvantages:

• Screen redraw can occasionally not work correctly

VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK

VPN is the ultimate remote access solution, and the option that the majority of businesses choose. VPN creates a “virtual network” between the office and the Internet - functionally turning the Internet into a very long Ethernet cable to your remote computer (or another office). When using VPN, your computer literally becomes part of the office network. Almost anything you are able to do when physically present on the office network, you are able to do remotely. About the only limitation most users will see is that the Mac OS X built-in discovery service Bonjour does not work, so you will not be able to see the available computers in a Finder window sidebar.

VPN also requires a VPN device at the network. This may be in the form of a Mac OS X Server, Windows Server, or VPN appliance. Depending on the device, the client may need to purchase additional software to connect with the device. Mac OS X includes the software to connect with a Mac OS X Server VPN.

Note that I include no links for product information for VPN. This is due to the extensive array of vendors and options available. If you are interested in a VPN solution, please contact me directly.

Advantages:

• SSH, SSL, IPsec encryption
• Cross-platform
• Perform any function remotely that you can perform in the local network
• File transfer
• Print to local or remote printer
• May be faster than all other options

Disadvantages:

• Cost. Requires a static IP address, VPN device ($500-$2,000), and may require VPN software on the client end
• Requires a knowledgeable consultant to setup and configure

WHICH SOLUTION IS RIGHT FOR YOU

In order to determine the best solution for your needs, start with a list of your real remote access needs, then a list of your wants from the following options:

• Access network
• Access one computer
• Bandwidth control
• Cost
• Control
• Cross-platform
• Ease of configuration
• File transfer
• Observation
• Security

Next, match up your needs with the available solutions. If there is more than one solution meeting all of your needs, see how your wants best match up with the A-list contenders. There is a great solution listed above for every environment.

Tags: remote access support, Timbuktu, mac helpmate, LogMeIn, VNC, Remobo, Back to My Mac, Apple Remote Desktop