Provide remote support via a web-based service

Jul 10, '07 07:30:00AM

Contributed by: BobHarris

LogMeIn.com has a free beta Mac OS X server and a Safari plug-in that allows you to control a remote Mac's keyboard, monitor and mouse. While similar to VNC (i.e. ), LogMeIn's main advantages are that it transparently crosses home NAT routers, it is not bothered by DHCP assigned IP addresses, and the session is encrypted. This is really great for helping friends and relatives, as well as accessing your own Macs remotely.

You do need to sign up for a free LogMeIn.com account. The client and server use the LogMeIn account to exchange IP addresses and port numbers -- this is how LogMeIn deals with DHCP assigned IP addresses and home NAT routers. While most browsers can be used as the client, LogMeIn does have a Plug-In for the Safari browser. The Plug-In will be downloaded when you first attempt to connect to one of your LogMeIn enabled systems. You can even connect to your Mac from Windows, Linux, or any other operating system with Java enabled within the browser.

I use VNC a lot, but it can be difficult to set up a VNC session over a secure SSH tunnel across the internet through a home NAT router that has a DHCP assigned IP address. And trying to explain this to someone else can be frustrating. LogMeIn simplifies this. Mac OS X Leopard's iChat is suppose to have some kind of screen sharing, but I don't know if that will also include remotely controlling the keyboard and mouse; I guess we'll know in a few months. Until then, LogMeIn can aid your support of distant friends and relatives. For reference, here's a list of other similar services:

[robg adds: I haven't tested this one yet, but I'll give it a shot the next time the relatives call for help!]

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