ARD is a great tool for managing a lab and group of OS X
computers. You can make adjustments to local accounts, files on
the computer, install packages and observer, share or lock
screens. It will also allow you to remotely control a computer
both PC and Mac.
Allowing access to a client mac is set by the local System Preferences
found under the "Sharing" pane. Different access rights can be
configured for different users for security of the client. To
control a PC client, you need to know the IP address and have the end
user set the password on VNC for your access.
Installing packages can be a useful way of updating software,
installing programs or security updates. You can install more
than one package at a time.
The Copy Items function is often used to send out folders or files to
client computer that each user will need local access to. Some
programs can be installed this way, too.
Sharing screens is great in a lab where the teacher wants to have a
student show their work or demonstrate a process for the other stations
to see. What is on their screen will show up on all the other
clients.
There are many more advanced Unix scripts or commands that can be sent
to the clients to update them and enhance what you can do with the
GUI. Below is an attached Text file with some great scripts to
use on your client computers.
