Screen Sharing on Macintosh

A. Summary:

In order to assist remote users with their Macs, you can log into their Mac and share their screen. They’ll be able to see everything you do and learn from that. Screen sharing is enabled through the Sharing application in System Preferences and you connect to their Mac using the Go menu in Finder.

B. Key Points:

· In order to assist remote users with their Macs, you can log into their Mac and share their screen in a process analogous to responding to a Help invitation in the Windows world

· The end user must first enable screen sharing through the Sharing application in System Preferences, then you must connect to their Mac using the Go menu in Finder

· Screen sharing should be turned off at the end of the help session

· For corrections, updates, or clarifications on this Star Point, please email Rob Moore

C. Details:

To assist a Mac user in solving a problem, it is often useful to connect to their computer and share their screen. This is similar to replying to a Help invitation in the Windows world: both you and the end-user will see what you are doing on the end-user’s computer.

To do screen sharing, you must first enable it on the remote computer, then you must connect to the remote computer.

Enabling Screen Sharing

These steps are performed on the remote end-user’s computer.

1. Open System Preferences.

2. In the Internet & Network pane, click the Sharing icon.

3. Check the box next to Screen Sharing:

4. Note that under the Screen Sharing: On indicator it says “Other users can access your computer at vnc://172.17.201.15/. You will need to ask the end-user for this address.

5. Now click the Computer Settings… button.

6. Check the box labeled Anyone may request permission to control screen then click the OK button.

Now you’re ready to share the end-user’s screen and give them whatever help is needed.

Sharing the Remote Computer’s Screen

These steps are followed on your computer.

1. While in Finder, open the Go menu and select Connect to Server.

2. In the Server Address box, enter the address of the remote computer, as in Step 4 above:

Note that vnc must be entered in lower case.

3. Then click the Connect button.

Your computer will connect to the remote computer. Depending on the speed of the connection, this may take several seconds. The remote end-user will eventually be prompted to allow you to take control of their screen. She/he should allow it. Her/his screen will then appear in a window on your computer. All your actions will be observable be the remote user (as will her/his actions be observable to you).

Note that when you are done helping the end-user, he/she should disable screen sharing.