Part of the beauty of buying a Mac is that it will mostly live up to Apple ’s Graeco-Roman mantra : “ It just work . ” ( At least when compared to systems running Windows , that is . Or when you ’re attempt to set up the novel MacBook . ) But what happens when it no longer does ?
That ’s generally when the tech support emails or earphone calls from family and friends get down pouring in . After all , as loyal Apple users , we much importune our loved ones also buy Macs , effectively turn us into unpaid Geniuses at the first sign of trouble .
This may not be a problem if the afflict Mac was in the next room , down the street , or even across town , but what happens when it ’s locate too far away to drive over and propose assistance in person ? That ’s where screen share-out follow to the rescue , extend a outback helping mitt from hundreds or even thousands of Swedish mile away .
Screens to the rescue
One of our hands - down favorite methods for access a remote Mac isScreens , a virtual meshwork computation ( VNC ) solution usable for OS X and iOS . With livelihood for clipboards , multiple displays , and a customizable toolbar , Screens is the next best affair to actually sit in front of a aloof information processing system .
Screens 3 is the close matter you may get to sit in front of a outside Mac , but you ’ll pay handsomely for the privilege .
Best of all , developer Edovia volunteer a free Screens Express utility designed to allow impermanent access to any Mac running OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion or after through a shareable connection , throw it perfect for extemporary technical school support call from get it on ones .
To get started , repoint the possessor of the ailing Mac to the Edovia website andhave them download the latest version . Once installed , Screens Express will affirm that the router is specify up properly , and if not , it will go through the process of opening a public port open of serving up the necessary incoming remote connection .
Screens 3 celebrate a library of useable Macs , which can include those in your local internet as well as remote systems .
The outside drug user will demand their administrator username and parole to allow such configuration to take position , so be prepared for at least one sound call prior to being able to access . ( Edovia also has an blanket Troubleshooting section on its website for tough cases where UPnP or NAT port mapping is disabled or unavailable , admit a Google hunt variant tune to specific router brands and models . )
Making the connection
Once Screens Express is really hightail it , the remote exploiter will see a gullible dot and the words “ Configuration successful , ” along with a release to portion out a link to the Mac in question . chatter this clit opens the built - in Share options , which include Mail , Messages , Twitter , Facebook , and any other services configured on that system .
Connecting to a distant Mac is a snap with the free Screens Express utility .
electronic mail and text edition messages are the most verbatim of the available options , so have the distant user send one to you , and then tick or tap that link to open Screens at your oddment and start the connection . The outside user will need to authenticate the connection by clicking the Share Screen button that pop up , and within a moment , their screen should appear on your Mac or iOS twist .
The distant user must confirm the filmdom share-out request before a connection is made .
The beauty of Screens Express is that the distant user stay in full control of the experience : They can end the connection at their oddment , or choose to make a newfangled tie whenever the public utility company is launched for supererogatory surety .
Although Screens is one of the fastest and easiest way to get colligate , there are a couplet of possible downside . For one , the Mac and iOS apps are not cheap ( $ 30 and $ 20 , severally ) , although we turn over them indispensable even for infrequent utilisation . Also , the remote Mac will need to be of fairly late time of origin — this tip wo n’t do much good for anyone still rocking an one-time Mac running o hug drug 10.7 Lion or in the first place .
The free option
If you could get by with a less elegant ( and therefore less expensive ) screen sharing option , there ’s another cock for the job and it wo n’t be a dime bag — at least for noncommercial use , which definitely applies in the case of homegrown technical school reinforcement for family and friend .
TeamVieweris actually equivalent to a Swiss Army knife for remote support , offer CRT screen share-out as well as the power to video chat , portion presentations , and transfer files between organization . good of all , the software requires no login — TeamViewer tie using nothing more than a nine - digit ID computer code and every which way generated countersign .
It ’s not as pretty , but TeamViewer gets you connected to a remote Mac with a lower limit of effort .
To commence , download and install thefullversion of TeamVieweron your own Mac first , then apprize your family member to do the same for the TeamViewer QuickSupport reading , a stripped - down edition optimise for exigent support and minimum squabble . Have them make bank note of the unique ID and password , then embark those credentials under the “ Control Remote Computer ” section of your own installation , making sure the Remote Control pick is selected .
One gravid reward with TeamViewer is the ability to install senior versions when work with older Macs .
TeamViewer may not be a glamorous option , but it definitely gets the job done in a pinch , and wreak great with older Macs . The company evenmaintains download links for late versions , which provide us to join to an other 2005 Power Mac G5 stick on Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.8 — just the kind of trustworthy relic a longtime Mac user might pass down to a family appendage .
When all else fails
As swell as Screens or TeamViewer may be , software - base options wo n’t do a affair to assist in cases where the Mac in question refuse to originate or is having other ironware - related topic . Those are in the main cases where the system will require a slip to the local Genius Bar anyway , but it would be nice to remotely name such problems beforehand first .
If your remote relative has the same good preference in Apple products you do , chances are they have also have an iPhone , iPad , or even iPod touch lying around — and if they do , FaceTime seduce a somewhat great down - and - dirty tech support system . ( In a tinge , Skype , Google Hangouts , or interchangeable VoIP services will turn , even from Android smartphones or tablet . )
In a pinch , FaceTime calls between Io devices can be used to make outside support possible for technically dispute syndicate member .
Make a FaceTime connection the usual manner , have your menage fellow member switch to the rearward camera and then guide them through pointing the iOS machine in the oecumenical direction of the disruptive Mac . This also works heavy for technically challenged family and friends unable to establish the necessary client software for our previous solution , assuming they can give the twist firm and closelipped enough to make the screen clear at your destruction .
One last word of advice : If you ’re helping a loved one purchase and place up a new computer , establish the necessary client package for remote access at the same time ! You ’ll thank yourself when the inevitable first late - night backup call comes through .
