Usually we use ARD on Mac to Remote-control other Macs. Unfortunally a full ARD-Server-license is quite expensive….but Apple has included a nice feature into the free ARD-client-service of each Mac.

Basicly you can configure the local ARD-Service to be connectable by random VNC-clients.

Short description howto enable this feature

• Open System-Preferences
• Goto Sharing
• Select the Service-tab
• Enable Apple Remote Desktop
• Select Access Privileges
• Configure the service itself and enable the VNC options

Well…thats it. I am not 100% sure if all VNC clients work, but i.e. TightVNC should work. Mouse-buttons can be handled a bit confusing…but thats the only real issue i had.

As the ARD-service seems to run before you login to the Mac itself it should be able to access the Mac at pre-login stage.

Advantages:

• ARD-Service is installed by default
• Easy to deploy

Disadvantages:

• Mouse-buttons 2 and 3 are changed if i remember correctly
• doenst offers all options ARD itself offers

Tags: 10.4, apple remote desktop, ard, enable vnc-access, howto, remote-control, service, vnc-client, vnc-server