Apple Remote Desktop icon

Apple Remote Desktop

Apple Remote Desktop is remote access software developed by Apple that allows IT administrators to remotely view and control other computers on a network. It provides features like screen sharing, file transfers, and remote shell access.

What is Apple Remote Desktop?

Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) is a remote management and access software application created by Apple Inc. It allows IT administrators, support staff, and other authorized users to securely access and manage remote Mac computers over a local network or the internet.

Some of the key features of Apple Remote Desktop include:

  • Remote Screen Sharing and Control - View and control the screen and mouse/keyboard of a remote Mac just like you're sitting in front of it.
  • Application and Process Management - Launch, quit, and manage applications and processes on remote Macs.
  • User Session Management - Log in to user accounts, send messages, and more.
  • File Transfers - Copy files between computers or drag and drop files remotely.
  • Remote Shell - Run shell scripts and commands on remote computers.
  • Remote Reboot and Power Management - Remotely restart or shutdown remote Macs.
  • Detailed Hardware/Software Reporting - Get system profiles containing hardware stats, installed software, network information etc.
  • Task Scheduling - Schedule scripts, jobs and tasks to run at specific times.
  • Restrictions and Permissions - Control which users can access which computers.

Apple Remote Desktop allows IT teams to provide remote support and troubleshooting, deploy software updates, automate management tasks, and monitor Mac systems across an organization. It is fully optimized for macOS environments.

The Best Apple Remote Desktop Alternatives

Top Apps like Apple Remote Desktop

Remmina

Remmina is an open-source application for connecting to remote desktops and applications. It supports multiple protocols including RDP, VNC, NX, XDMCP, and SSH. Some key features of Remmina include:Intuitive graphical user interface with a tabbed interface allowing multiple remote connections.Supports resolution scaling, clipboard synchronization, file transfers, and SSH...

RealVNC Connect

RealVNC Connect is a popular remote desktop software that enables users to remotely access and control computers over the internet or local network. It uses the VNC (Virtual Network Computing) protocol to establish remote connections.Some key features of RealVNC Connect include:Secure remote access using encryption over SSH and...

MRemoteNG

mRemoteNG is an open-source, tabbed, multi-protocol, remote connections manager for Windows. It allows you to view all your remote connections in one place with an easy to use interface.Some key features of mRemoteNG include:Supports many protocols like RDP, VNC, SSH, Telnet, rlogin, and RAW SocketOrganize connections into folders...

TeamViewer

TeamViewer is a comprehensive remote desktop software used for remote access, remote support, online meetings, web conferencing, and file transfer between computers and mobile devices. It uses a very fast and secure connection across the internet to connect to multiple devices simultaneously.Some key features of TeamViewer include:Easy remote...

AnyDesk

AnyDesk is a proprietary remote desktop software developed by the German software company AnyDesk Software GmbH. It enables users to access one computer from another computer or mobile device remotely. AnyDesk is lightweight, easy to use and works across multiple operating systems.Some key features of AnyDesk include:Remote control...

RustDesk

RustDesk is an open-source, cross-platform remote desktop application that allows users to securely access other computers over the internet. Developed in Rust programming language, it places a strong emphasis on security and performance.Some key features of RustDesk include:End-to-end encryption of all communication channelsPeer-to-peer connectivity without any central servers...

UltraVNC

UltraVNC is an open-source, cross-platform remote desktop software that allows users to remotely control computers over a network. It uses the RFB (Remote Framebuffer) protocol to transmit graphics and input between the remote and local computers.Some key features of UltraVNC include:Compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systemsSecure...

TightVNC

TightVNC is a popular free and open source remote desktop software application used to access and control remote computers. It uses the RFB (Remote Framebuffer) protocol, which is an open protocol standard for remote access to graphical user interfaces, to allow users to view and interact with remote desktop environments...

Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop is a cross-platform remote access tool developed by Google. It allows users to securely access another computer or virtual machine remotely through the Chrome browser or a Chromebook.Some key features of Chrome Remote Desktop include:Easy remote access - Users can remotely connect to another PC...

DWService

DWService is an open-source data warehouse application designed to handle large volumes of data for analytics and business intelligence. It allows organizations to consolidate data from multiple sources, organize it into a unified structure, and perform complex queries and reporting.Key features of DWService include:Flexible extract, transform and load...

NoMachine

NoMachine is a fast and high-performance remote desktop software solution that allows users to access one computer from another computer or mobile device. It works by installing a host module on the computer you want to access, and a client module on the device you want to access it from...

GoTo Resolve

GoTo Resolve is a cloud-based help desk software solution designed for IT support teams and customer service organizations. It provides a variety of features to help manage customer inquiries, IT tickets, tasks, assets, and knowledge in one central platform.Key features of GoTo Resolve include:Ticketing system to track customer...

Wayk Now

Wayk Now is a cloud-based remote desktop software designed for IT teams to provide hassle-free remote support and access devices securely from anywhere. It allows remote control of computers, servers, and mobile devices without the need to setup VPN or open ports.Key features of Wayk Now include:Secure remote...

Remote Support System

A remote support system is a type of software tool that enables IT service desks, help desks, and support technicians to gain remote access to client devices in order to provide technical assistance and support. Key capabilities offered by remote support systems include:Remote viewing and control - Allows support...

Ssvnc

Ssvnc is an open source VNC server for Windows operating systems. It allows users to remotely access and control a Windows computer over a network or the internet using a VNC client.Some key features of Ssvnc include:Lightweight and fast - uses little system resourcesEasy to install and configureWorks...

Livestorm

Livestorm is a feature-rich webinar and meeting software used by businesses, marketers, educators, and more to host interactive webinars, meetings, training sessions, and events. Some key features include:Intuitive interface and easy setup - Create and customize registration forms, emails, landing pages, and more in just a few clicks without...

Screego

Screego is a powerful yet easy-to-use screenshot and annotation tool for Windows. With Screego, you can quickly capture any area of your screen, edit images with annotation tools, and share screenshots with others.Some key features of Screego:Intuitive capture tools to screenshot full screens, active windows, rectangular regions, freehand...

CoScreen

CoScreen is a feature-rich screen sharing and video conferencing platform built for distributed teams. It provides an easy way for team members in different locations to collaborate in real-time.Some key features of CoScreen include:Screen sharing - Share your entire screen or just individual apps with team members in...

QuickRDP

quickRDP is an open-source, fast, and lightweight remote desktop client application for Windows. It allows users to securely access and control remote Windows computers using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Some key features of quickRDP include:Minimal interface for fast, no-frills RDP connectionsLow memory and CPU footprint for good performanceSecure...

CrossLoop

CrossLoop is a remote access and remote desktop software that allows users to access, control, and share screens/files on a computer from anywhere using an internet connection. Some key features of CrossLoop include:Remote Desktop Access - Securely connect to a remote PC or Mac and gain full control...

GeekStein

GeekStein is an open-source media server software application designed to help users manage and access their personal media libraries. It provides a centralized platform to organize, catalog, and stream video, music, and photo collections to a variety of devices.Some key features of GeekStein include:Automatic media identification and metadata...

SpeakServe

SpeakServe is a feature-rich cloud-based call center software designed for small, medium, and large businesses. It provides a complete suite of tools to efficiently route calls, engage customers, empower agents, and gain insights.Key features of SpeakServe include:Automatic Call Distribution - Intelligently route incoming calls to available agents based...