Remote Desktop for MacOS

Instructions for establishing a remote desktop connection between two MacOS computers.

Mac VNC (Virtual Network Computing) uses macOS's built-in Screen Sharing, enabled in System Settings/Preferences > Sharing, to allow remote control of a Mac over a network by setting a VNC password, acting as a VNC server, while clients like the built-in Finder's Connect to Server, use the Mac's IP address and password to connect and view/control the screen. 

To Set Up Your Mac (the Computer to be Controlled):

• Set VNC Password: Click "Computer Settings" (or Options for Remote Management) and check "VNC viewers may control screen with password," then set a strong password.

• Note Your IP Address: You'll need the Mac's local IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100) or hostname, found in Network Settings or by running ifconfig in Terminal,. 

1. Open Sharing: Go to Apple Menu > System Settings (or Preferences) > Sharing.
2. Enable Screen Sharing:

    Turn on the toggle for Screen Sharing (or Remote Management, depending on your macOS version)

To Connect to Your Mac (from Another Computer):

• Connect to the SFA VPN. Instructions for this can be found here. 
• Using macOS Built-in Client:
  1. Open Finder, then Go > Connect to Server (Command-K).
  2. Enter vnc://[Your Mac's IP Address] (e.g., vnc://192.168.1.100) and click Connect.
  3. Enter the VNC password you set up.
• Using Third-Party Clients (Windows, Mobile, etc.):
  1. Download and install a VNC Viewer (like RealVNC Viewer).
  2. Enter your Mac's IP address and the VNC password to connect.