It was created by The Olivetti & Oracle Research Lab back in the late 90s. VNC stands for virtual networking computing. Accessing a Mac remotely allows you to run desktop applications, have access to a full web browser from iOS, and access files and programs that are only on that one machine. I use remote access to manage a Mac mini at Mac mini colo and my Plex server at home. Accessing a PDF file using PDF Expert that is stored in Dropbox is certainly better than remotely controlling a Mac and opening the document. There are countless ways to sync documents and access them from anywhere.
With the rise of services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud, remote access services aren’t necessary for simply accessing files remotely. The iOS and Mac apps are free, but the service is prohibitively expensive for most users.įree Productivity Guide: Download our simple guide to productivity to help you improve your workflows and be more focused with your time and attention.
If your machine is behind a corporate network that prohibits Screens from working remotely, we recommend LogMeIn. This removes the requirement to use a static IP address or configure your router manually. It uses industry-standard technology for remote access (VNC), but the free Screens Connect service makes it easy to setup.
Screens for Mac and iOS is the best remote access solution for accessing our Macs when away from home.