Mac OS X pre-10.5 Remote Desktop - free options?

[Sam Weir]

Hello -

(I note that there's a previous discussion here that touches upon Remote Desktop for OS X, but for a different goal.)

Can anyone recommend a free method of allowing me to see and control my parents' Mac OS X 10.4 machine remotely (i.e., I'm in MA, they're in CT)? Ideally, the solution would (1) not require us to buy 10.5 for its built-in Remote Desktop capability, and (2) be easy enough to use for them, the new computer users.

I presume the answer lies in a form of Remote Desktop, but I phrased the request the way I did above in the spirit of "ask a question with a goal that doesn't presuppose a method."

I guess my and their IP addresses are dynamic, since we both use cable modem.

I have searched a variety of web forums and asked several Mac-smart friends, but I am seeking more help.

Thank you for your help!

-sw

[b.i.o]

*edit*

You can use this: https://secure.logmein.com/products/free/mac/

I have a friend who uses the PC version.

[odayjuarez]

I guess my and their IP addresses are dynamic, since we both use cable modem.

This part shouldn't be a problem. I use DynDns for SSH access to my linux box. It's pretty simple to set up and my router keeps DynDns up to date autmatically. There's plenty of (free) software DynDns clients out there though. They're probably of more use to you with cable modems.

Sorry, I can't help with the remote desktop issue though. I'm in the same situation with my parents machine. I can do a lot with SSH and a terminal, but a full GUI would be nice sometimes!

[Sam Weir]

@b.i.o.: That is absolutely amazing! Thank you so much for recommending LogMeIn Free. Our former IT group used to use that, so I had assumed it would be very expensive. Within 15 minutes I talked my father over the phone how to install it, and it worked - my WinXP box to his iMac and we did remote desktop without a hitch.

Thanks!

-sw

[b.i.o]

No problem--glad it worked!