Apple Remote Desktop is the best way to manage the Mac computers on your network. Distribute software, provide real-time online help to end-users, create detailed software and hardware reports, and automate routine management tasks -- all from your own Mac.Software Distribution-Easily copy and install software on remote Mac systems.-Encrypt network data when copying packages and files.-Configure a Task Server to assist with package installations on offline computers.Remote Assistance-Observe and control your Mac computers.-Transfer files between Mac computers using Drag and Drop.-Copy and paste information between any two computers.-Prevent end-users from viewing the screen while you control their systems with Curtain Mode.-Control Virtual Network Computing (VNC)-enabled computers including Windows, Linux and UNIX systems.Remote Administration-Perform over a dozen commands securely on remote Mac systems.-Remotely lock screens, sleep, wake, restart and shutdown of Mac systems.-Execute UNIX shell scripts or commands on your client systems.Asset Management and Reporting-Perform lightning-fast searches with Remote Spotlight search.-Gather reports on more than 200 Mac hardware attributes.-See reports on user logins and application use.-Use a Task Server to assemble inventory reports, even from mobile systems not connected to the network.Automation-Automate routine management tasks using Automator in OS X.-Get started immediately with over 40 actions.-Chain actions together to create powerful system administration workflows.-Combine actions with other application actions to create end-to-end solutions.-Save workflows as plug-ins to provide simple, customised interfaces to Apple Remote Desktop features.
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Apple has finally brought ARD up to speed with this update.
Everything is fast. Window behavior has been fixed, windows stay in the background if they reconnect, instead of popping up and stealing focus. The network scanning happens in seconds, not minutes.
I couldn't be happier with this update. It really feels like a whole new application.
Scanner works
afterhours
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This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />We've seen no issues where we have had to admin customers using ARD 2.2 on a network that is properly configured with properly-configured clients. We have seen malconfigured switches, firewalls and all manner on nonsense on poor network installations, but ARD has been rather seamless in operation (scanning included).
ddd
dddkknew12
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This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />The program hangs when scanning and quits.
The scanner is not very efficient and does not scan all macs when a network range is specified.
DHCP clients are hard to locate and since the scanner is not very efficient, you have to phsically goto the client computer to get the ip address.
The client systems should have a user name and password. If the password field is blank on the client system then you cannot authenticate using admin ARD.
There is still no update from apple regarding these problems.
\"Wow\" Factor
Asta the Dog
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This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />ARD has it. No problems encountered so far connecting to OSX server and all networked computers. Success also connecting remotely over the net. One of the few apps that give a real thrill to use -- so, okay, I need to get a life.
ARD is a fine application, thus far
spollak
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This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I've just started using ARD to administer Macs via the Internet. My clients are located around the world. Frankly, I'm delighted with ARD so far, especially with the screen "Control" function. My clients tend to have 256k upload speeds, and I 4MB download. Regardless, I can control the remote machines pretty darn well.
Finally
sir4real
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This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />OK, I agree that drag-and-drop copying would be cool, but let's please admit that this is one of the finest sys admin tools available. Thanks especially, Apple, for going with VNC!
A few missing elements but otherwise excellent...
Talyia
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...product!<br />This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I agree with the previous poster about the need for drag and drop capability to and from remote computer.
Otherwise, this is really an excellent product and has made ALL the difference in the world in the management of all the macs here, both local & remote....truly a great tool in many ways! Thanks!
Scanner crashes fixed!
RichB2u--2008
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This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />2.1 fixed the 29 port limit! Yeah!
Game Over
Bill Cerniuk
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This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />This version started out able to run but after applying some security updates to my laptop, it does nothing but crash. Sometimes it displays a list of machines, other times it crashes right upon launch. The crash is always the result of it trying to access memory outside of its address space. On the other hand, Timbuktu has been a solid performer since 1986 and works across both high speed and lower speed lines. I was not impressed when this product was called Apple Network Assistant on Mac OS 9 and I am less impressed on Mac OS X now.
Full of features
MacJunkie
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This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />A wonderfull upgrade from 1.3 if you manage a medium to large network, you can control mutiple machines and que tasks. Well done.
