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Apple Remote Desktop

Apple Remote Desktop

Overview

What is Apple Remote Desktop?

Apple Remote Desktop (ARD), from Apple, is a remote administration tool for managing Apple computers running OS X across a network.

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Recent Reviews

TrustRadius Insights

Apple Remote Desktop has proven to be an invaluable tool for a wide range of users and organizations. IT departments, in particular, rely …
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Nondisruptive Access

10 out of 10
December 08, 2022
Incentivized
We use Apple Remote Desktop to connect to our MacOS end users on a regular basis to troubleshoot desktop support issues. The application …
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Awards

Products that are considered exceptional by their customers based on a variety of criteria win TrustRadius awards. Learn more about the types of TrustRadius awards to make the best purchase decision. More about TrustRadius Awards

Popular Features

View all 14 features
  • Instant message (20)
    9.3
    93%
  • File transfer (24)
    9.0
    90%
  • Screen sharing (25)
    8.9
    89%
  • Remote management of servers & workstations (21)
    8.4
    84%
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Pricing

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What is Apple Remote Desktop?

Apple Remote Desktop (ARD), from Apple, is a remote administration tool for managing Apple computers running OS X across a network.

Entry-level set up fee?

  • No setup fee

Offerings

  • Free Trial
  • Free/Freemium Version
  • Premium Consulting/Integration Services

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GoTo Resolve is an all-in-one IT management and support software built for today's small-to-medium-sized businesses. It helps IT professionals streamline their help desk by bringing together the tools they need to engage, identify problems, and fix issues faster—all in one place. It combines remote…

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Product Demos

Apple Remote Desktop 3 Demo -Copy from remote to local-

YouTube
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Features

Remote Administration

Remote administration software is used to control a computer from a remote location.

8
Avg 8.2
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Product Details

What is Apple Remote Desktop?

Apple Remote Desktop Video

Installation and the basic how-to of  Remote Desktop in macOS 10.5.

Apple Remote Desktop Technical Details

Operating SystemsUnspecified
Mobile ApplicationNo

Frequently Asked Questions

Apple Remote Desktop (ARD), from Apple, is a remote administration tool for managing Apple computers running OS X across a network.

Reviewers rate Instant message highest, with a score of 9.3.

The most common users of Apple Remote Desktop are from Mid-sized Companies (51-1,000 employees).
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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(104)

Community Insights

TrustRadius Insights are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, 3rd-party data sources. Have feedback on this content? Let us know!

Apple Remote Desktop has proven to be an invaluable tool for a wide range of users and organizations. IT departments, in particular, rely on this software for remote access, support, and maintenance tasks. Users appreciate the ability to remotely view and command multiple machines at once, which improves efficiency and saves time. The software is particularly helpful for silently pushing updates or gathering information about computer usage behind the scenes. It also offers encrypted connections and compressed data traffic, ensuring secure and efficient remote support. This makes it a popular choice for organizations that prioritize data security.

Educators have also found value in Apple Remote Desktop, using it to enhance student engagement through screen sharing and remote control. It allows educators to observe multiple devices simultaneously and organize them according to grade levels. In an educational setting, the software supports content and use management, facilitating screen sharing and file sharing among students. Additionally, Apple Remote Desktop streamlines logins for young students by pushing login information for various software programs.

Developers utilize Apple Remote Desktop to remotely work on Mac devices for iOS and macOS application builds. The software enables seamless collaboration by providing remote access to Mac Mini devices, allowing developers to work on their projects without being physically present at the machine. Support teams also find great value in this tool as they can connect to end users' macOS devices for troubleshooting desktop support issues and performing software updates without needing physical access to the machines.

Overall, Apple Remote Desktop offers a wide range of features that cater to diverse user needs. Whether it's IT administrators managing a large number of computers or educators improving student engagement, this software provides the necessary tools to save time, improve efficiency, and enhance productivity in various professional settings.

User-Friendly Interface: Many users have praised the user interface of Apple Remote Desktop, noting that it is simple, intuitive, and easy to navigate. They appreciate the top navigation bar that provides quick access to all necessary tools and elements in the software, making tasks effortless to perform.

Reliable Remote Access: Several reviewers have highlighted the reliability of Apple Remote Desktop's remote access capabilities. They mention that the software can remotely access Apple computers even if they are not logged in or at the login screen. This feature has proven particularly useful for performing updates or managing machines without interrupting the user's workflow.

Comprehensive Feature Set: Users value the wide range of functionality provided by Apple Remote Desktop at a low cost. They mention features such as remote searching on devices, screen capture sharing, file copy transfer, application installation, and automator actions that automate workflow tasks and save time. This comprehensive set of features makes Apple Remote Desktop a valuable tool for various tasks.

Cross-platform limitations: Some users have expressed disappointment that Apple Remote Desktop is only compatible with Mac computers, and they would like to see more support for iOS and mobile devices.

Performance issues: Several users have mentioned that the performance of Apple Remote Desktop can be slow, especially when running operations on multiple machines simultaneously.

Outdated user interface: Many users have found the user interface of Apple Remote Desktop to be outdated and in need of improvement. They feel that the interface can be confusing and requires specific configurations on endpoints.

Attribute Ratings

Reviews

(1-25 of 25)
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Zane Alsareinye | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Apple Remote Desktop helps me connect with my clients with ease. If there are problems or discussions that need to be conducted via Remote Desktop, this program is the most suitable. I have used it, especially during the pandemic, but also during times when traveling may not be as feasible, as well as when there is an urgent meeting that is taking place.
  • Connectivity with ease
  • No lag/time differential
  • Sleek design
  • Sending requests for Remote Desktop
  • Availability across entire Apple ecosystem
  • Availability on other operating systems
Apple Remote Desktop is well suited for connectivity with clients and other staff members, who have been with you for a while. I might use with caution on clients or staff who have not yet developed rapport with the company as it may be confusing. I believe in person meetings might be more suitable
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I use it to control Mac remotely. It allows me much more control over Zoom Remote or Microsoft Remote Desktop in automation. We have over 200 Mac laptops and the other remote software falls short. It would be nice to have an all-in-one solution but I do not believe it exists.
  • One off software install
  • Log in as separate user
  • Network discovery of remote machines
  • It is pretty refined. I can't think off hand what I would want changed.
  • The interface is becoming a little dated.
  • The ability to skip the server setting.
Administering Apple products it is a must. It will work on Windows machines too using VLC protocol but it is not optimum. There is a time and place for a Mac-specific product. There just is not an all-in-one solution. If there was I would definitely try it.
Amul Porwal | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I researched about a lot of software that could help me manage all the workstations in my office, and I came across Apple Remote Desktop. I have always had faith in the services offered by Apple and I definitely had to try this one out. I got a tutorial from an expert and I knew that I have to use it no matter what. The biggest problem it helped me solve is that I can now manage and administer the common issues from my own desk. I can run the periodic task of maintenance from the comfort of my office.
  • Managing devices on Same Netwok.
  • Best Screen Sharing UI
  • Default Maintenance Checks and commands for MACs
  • A little slower performance
  • Running the same operation on multiple machine is a challenge.
Best Suited.
-> Running basic checks on different machines.
-> Sending out display messages for maintenance Breaks.
-> Screen sharing options for tutorial purposes.
Less Appropriate;
-> Installing simultaneous packages on multiple machines.
-> Slower processing time.
-> UI not so friendly
->

Score 6 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use Apple Remote Desktop to remotely work on Mac Mini devices that we use for builds of iOS and MacOS applications we develop.
  • Detection of computers on remote network
  • Authentication
  • File manager integration
  • Connection quality
  • Keyboard mapping
Apple Remote Desktop is well suited for remote access of headless devices for short periods of time, in order to perform configurations or similar tasks. It is not so well suited for continuous work or work over WiFi.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Apple Remote Desktop works for us to manage all of our Apple computers on site. We can control screens, share files, run commands and manage the devices remotely. We use it for this basic functionality as an occasional alternative to other remote management products that we also run. Sometimes Apple Remote Desktop is the only software that can access the computer in a pinch.
  • It is very reliable.
  • It can access Apple computers remotely even if they are not logged in or even at the login screen in the case of an update.
  • It's basic remote management features work well.
  • It's onsite only without setting up a VPN or some other form of remote network access.
  • It can be a little slow sometimes when compared to local access.
  • It seems to be a neglected product by Apple and not continually developed.
If you need local network remote access to Apple computers, Apple Remote Desktop is exceptional and inexpensive since it is a one-time cost. It will accomplish all you need it to. For remote offsite access you would be better to look for a different solution that doesn't require traversing the network firewall.
December 08, 2022

Nondisruptive Access

Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use Apple Remote Desktop to connect to our MacOS end users on a regular basis to troubleshoot desktop support issues. The application is also used for software updates and remote viewing/control of an Apple machine.
  • Ease of connection
  • Security
  • User interface
  • Recent update crashes often after long periods of inactivity
  • New MacOS disallows connection unless File Vault has been unlocked
Connecting to our end user machine but logging in as the admin user to change printer settings without need to disturb work time.
Kyle Bergeron | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We used this software to manage the mac desk desktop's in the entire company. It aided in support when the user was in front of the PC or when they left and needed to have remote work done.
  • Remote Desktop Connection ability
  • Device status
  • Device monitoring via a console.
  • It would be nice for it to see devices across multiple subnets
  • the User Interface could use a facelift.
For the application I used ti for, it performed the job very well. It had its shortcomings (described in previous answer) that made it less fun to use - but overall it got the job done. It made managing Mac's easier remotely than a 3rd party software ever would.
Isidoro "Roy" Jovero | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We used to use ARD when we had Mac-based Zoom Room setups, but after changing our ZR environment, we only use ARD on a couple of dashboard setups in the org. It proved to be very helpful when it came to working on machines that don't have regular human interaction (we would use Zoom to do remote support when a human was on the other end).
  • Remote support of headless systems.
  • IP addresses are easily seen.
  • Latency never seemed to be an issue.
  • UI seems dated.
  • Specific configurations are needed on endpoints.
  • It would be nice to get a notification when an endpoint comes back online after rebooting.
ARD is great when you're working with headless servers and machines that don't have an active user attached. Although there is a little bit of configuration needed on the endpoint side, when set up properly, things are seamless. When in the office and the end user can't come to the IT area, I always check if I can use ARD instead of Zoom for remote assistance
Brian Sossamon | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use ARD for remote desktop for our Macbooks/iMac computers. We also use it for managing profiles and sending files between machines.
  • Remote searching on devices
  • Screen capture/sharing
  • File copy/transfer
  • Application installation
  • I just use what ARD offers and it works fine for my organization.
I use the capabilities as they are built into the software and I have no need for any other functions.
Ravinder Gupta | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We are using Apple Remote Desktop for managing Mac computers on our network. The product is being used to perform administrative tasks such as on-demand remote assistance, remote software installations and perform AutoInstall using Task Server to minimize human intervention on scheduled tasks.

Automator Actions is another cool feature we use often. You can create a workflow of tasks you want to perform and then schedule them to execute automatically on client machines.

One of the coolest features which I haven't used elsewhere is "Curtain Mode" while performing an administrative task on a client machine. You can block the local user's view of his own screen while performing administrative tasks.
  • Automator Actions: This is a very cool feature and cost saving as it reduces human effort by automating the workflow of tasks.
  • Curtain Mode: This lets you block your local user's view of the desktop while performing administrative tasks.
  • Spotlight Search: It can perform lightning fast searches on machines using the spotlight search feature of OS X and thus saves a lot of time.
  • As apple usually does, this is only for Mac computers. This is not a cross-platform utility.
  • There is no mobile device interface to this software, it is only available on Mac App Store.
This product is great for performing administrative tasks on Mac computers on the network remotely. This is a great automation tool for software installs and upgrades on multiple computers over the network.
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use it across the organization for various maintenance tasks. Whether it is accessing servers, installing packages, or simply assisting staff with technical problems, we have done it all it with ARD at some point.

Some users are more advanced than others and have even used it as a reporting tool. With the advent of Jamf in our organization though, I imagine ARD's days are numbered. Especially considering the security risks that are all but necessary in our implementation.
  • Providing a one-stop shop for doing a variety of troubleshooting tasks
  • Presenting its functions and tools in a clear and useful manner
  • Offering reporting capabilities
  • Supporting macOS in small deployments
  • Randomization of local administrator passwords
  • Lack of auditing capability
  • Lack of abilities to manage access to computers
  • Cannot install DMGs
For a small deployment of macOS, I can see where Apple Remote Desktop could suffice. I can see where a company that is strapped for cash could benefit from a knowledgeable employee using it to automate some tasks. I am not comfortable giving an estimate number-wise.

For a large deployment of macOS or iOS, this would be a very inappropriate tool. There are far too many obstacles for an app like Apple Remote Desktop to successfully manage a large fleet of macOS computers or really any number of iOS devices. You simply need an MDM solution in this day and age. This will become increasingly necessary, even in small numbers, but MDM providers have started to provide solutions for customers in these situations.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) to remotely repair computers, push out updates, and troubleshoot issues for our IT department. It allows us to remotely view and command several machines at once saving us time.
  • Remote commands for doing things to a large number of devices
  • Allows us to see what the user is seeing
  • Allows us to repair things without leaving the office.
  • Can be slow at times
  • Network scanners don't always pull up all devices
  • Agent running on client machines has to be restarted occasionally
[It's well suited] When you need the ability to see what your end user sees, or you need to send commands to large groups of computers.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
ARD is being used by technology support staff in our organization to manage Apple desktops and laptops in our organization. It can collect stats from our endpoints and can run UNIX scripts in the background, this is especially helpful if we need to silently push an update or get information about the usage of a computer behind the scenes so to speak. We use this throughout our organization and not a day goes by when I do not use it.
  • Allows us to execute UNIX scripts without alerting a user or interrupting their workflow.
  • Allows us to observe, control, and share control of a user's machine flawlessly.
  • Enables us to collect usage statistics from endpoints to determine machine usage and this, in turn, helps drive business decisions.
  • The software has some bugs. When I have tried to create detailed lists and scanners I have had the program crash entirely, this is extremely frustrating.
  • Software does not scan as fast as I would like, though it does scan rather fast I wish it could scan faster.
If you are in an environment where you are supporting 10+ macOS desktops/laptops you need this product. It is great for Education and Education Management.

If you are not a technical support person, this software is not for you, if you don't do IT work in your org, this is not for you. In my opinion, any org that has less than 10 macOS machines does not need this product.
John Readwin | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I currently use Apple Remote Desktop to access clients' networks to provide support and run reports on devices within the network, I also use it to access my work network from remote places.
  • Very easy to use, and robust. Apple Remote Desktop provides a wide range of functionality at very low cost
  • It does network to network very well ( once setup)
  • Working on your LAN (Local area network) ARD is probably the best tool out there for managing Mac networks, with a full array of features, screen sharing, and reporting
  • The biggest flaw with ARD is its inability to map to multiple machines behind a router. Without the proper VPN router setup, you can only specify one machine on the other side of a router ( again without VPN'ing into the whole network)
It works easily to access a single computer on your work network from home and also provides an easy interface to access machines on your LAN.
Aleese Gulick | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 6 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I use Apple Remote Desktop to login into my work computer remotely. It is two different interfaces that I am dealing with and I have yet to have any issues, if anything it is very fast and easy to use. My whole department uses it if they have a need for it, and it is made available to the whole campus. It addresses the issue of having to conform to using one thing to access your work, makes it easier to get things done.
  • Fast, this is great because usually remote desktops are rather slow.
  • Group demos, helps me when I am needing to show multiple people things.
  • Ease of use, freedom. Since it is so easy to use it makes it easier to not have to be stuck in front of your office computer.
  • Initial login, I had to look up how to do it.
  • Since everything is driven with mouse/touchpad. I have lost the remote desktop before and this has caused it to log out.
  • More shortcuts.
It works great on business trips and when you have to unexpectedly be off from work. I have also used it when I have to present in meetings across campus. Not ideal if internet connection is poor or you flip between your personal computer and the remote screen a lot, this will cause a time out.
November 14, 2017

MR.Power ON ARD

Christopher Power | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Apple Remote Desktop is being used specifically for content and use management, at the school level, for managing students. The most used tools are computer screen sharing, file drops and locking labs of computers down during lesson plans. The entire organization of our school utilizes Apple Remote Desktop, as the entire school has MAC labs and MAC computers. All departments and educators have access to ARD in the entire building.

The problem that ARD addresses is the need to have a tool available for educators to improve the quality and control of the educational experience. Students often need files sent to them for lessons or project based learning. During other times teachers will need to use ARD in order to address the issue of student engagement and use Apple Remote Desktop to improve engagement by either screen sharing or sharing a student's screen to the rest of the class of students.
  • Apple Remote Desktop has a very simple and easy to navigate user interface. The top navigation bar allows for easy and quick access to all necessary tools and elements in ARD.
  • Apple Remote Desktop connects to all the computers on the network allowing for ease of use. This is a strength because it always works on the first attempt.
  • Apple Remote Desktop drops files directly onto the desktop for all students without needing to use google drive.
  • Apple Remote Desktop allows for sharing one screen to the rest of the class to allow to show student work to all students at once.
  • Apple Remote Desktop could improve by allowing you to drop files into specific folders rather than on to a messy desktop where some files may get lost or not seen quickly.
  • Apple Remote Desktop sometimes has a small lag. When I click my mouse I often need to wait another second or check the student machines to make sure that what they are seeing is what I am doing. It seems as if it does not live stream perfectly.
  • Apple Remote Desktop pictures do not show up as clean and clear as they do on the screen I am sharing with. My teacher iMac shows quality images, however, when screen shared the ARD screen share shows a lower quality imagine with less colors shown.
Apple Remote Desktop is perfectly suited for education. In education you need access to to all students at all times to be able to assess student learning and student performance. Students often are busy on their screens in large computer labs doing work that is not always relevant to the classroom. In this scenario it comes in handy as a teacher tool to improve the entire education process and get the focus of teaching back on students. It would be less appropriate working with students one on one.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) is our primary remote desktop sharing tool on our HQ LAN, which consists of mostly Macs. Secondarily, we use it to deploy software packages to our local Mac users.
  • Screen sharing with Macs
  • Remote Control of Macs
  • I would like to see more included Unix scrips that can be pushed to clients.
  • Inclusion of a way to remote control or screen share with Windows machines would be useful, as I manage a handful of Windows machines. While this would be possible using VNC on the Windows machines, including the ability to connect using Windows terminal connections would be awesome, for me.
ARD for me is based on a LAN, but can be used over WAN via VPN, but the latency makes ARD a less ideal tool. There are other cross platform tools that can do what ARD does which to me add value when managing a mixed environment.
Angel Swalve | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Apple Remote Desktop is being used in our school district on each campus. I currently use Apple Remote Desktop to troubleshoot classroom and lab computers as needed. I also use Apple Remote Desktop to update computer software as new updates are released. I also use Apple Remote Desktop to make it easier for teachers, who bring in 20-25 Pre-Kindergarten students, by logging the lab computers in through Apple Remote Desktop. This creates less stress for the teachers and allows the students more time to work on their programs instead of sitting waiting for the teacher to log them in one by one. I also use Apple Remote Desktop to push log in information for different software programs. Apple Remote Desktop allows me to work on numerous computers quickly and more efficiently. I currently have over 250 computers that I manage on a daily basis and without Apple Remote Desktop it would be impossible to touch each and every computer.
  • Provides a way to log the lab and classroom computers on to allow teachers to teach instead of one by one logging on the younger students.
  • Provides a way to update the computers all at once, which is particularly handy for the numerous Adobe Flash updates that come out regularly.
  • Provides a way to push scripts to maintain the computers and set power settings.
  • Allows me to remote into a trouble computer across the building to help when a problem arises.
  • Sometimes Apple Remote Desktop is finicky when it comes to wireless connection. If a lab computer drops the ethernet, Apple Remote Desktop can't always find the computer.
  • Setting of power settings can be messed up when certain scripts are ran and I haven't found a way to "reset" back to default. It has that option but it does not work to reset to default. I have 25 computers that no longer turn them selves on in the morning, even though the setting in the power settings has it scheduled to do so.
  • Depending on the day, Apple Remote Desktop does not search or scan as well as other days.
Apple Remote Desktop is well suited for logging in Pre-Kindergarten students all at the same time to allow the students more time on the computer versus waiting for the teacher to log them in one by one. Apple Remote Desktop is not well suited for use on wireless consistently.
Eric Kelley | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
With a company of over 800 employees and growing everyday, our IT department needs a remote support solution. We have users all over the country, and with Apple Remote Desktop we are able to quickly and efficiently support those users. We use ARD daily for general maintenance and fixes for our users, we push out updates and new software as well. I'd say the most critical use for ARD for myself is being able to VPN into my network and maintain the servers when I am offsite.
  • Pushing software.
  • Easily restart or shutdown of systems.
  • Being able to work on a user's computer with the curtains closed for uninterrupted maintenance.
  • Unable to remote into Windows Machines.
  • Need to connect to VPN to support users out of the local network.
ARD is well suited in any work environment that has multiple offices or where users work from home.
December 15, 2016

Great tool!

Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
It is used to monitor students when they work on MacBooks. I use it to maintain, update, install and distribute certain applications remotely. It's good enough to take a peek at a number of devices at the same time. I can control how I want to have a look at the devices by just "observing" (without knowledge of the client) or having a total control on the device. It also helps in organizing the devices according to their grade levels. At certain times UNIX commands can be used to control the macs. There are many many more features of Apple remote desktop, and it all depends on the users how to make use of all of its features.
  • District softwares remotely/silently.
  • Can be used to observe (specifically for the students).
  • Used to organize (name and tag) devices in the organization.
  • To set up some of the control features on the macs, like the system preferences settings, which can allow me to give controlled access to my students.
It's very well suited for any industry where one has to update and maintain the devices. Especially in education field [it is well suited] to observe the students in the class when they're using the MacBooks to make sure they're working on the stuff that have been asked to.
Gabriel Duff | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Apple remote desktop (ARD) is a key tool in any Macintosh system administrators tool box. Made by Apple itself and currently supporting remote connectivity to any of its operating systems, it's the tool you need. The ability to secure and collect any amount of systems across an organization for remote access or remote installs and commands makes my job easier every day. The price for ARD is also under $100 from Apple's app store, this makes it very easy to recommend for support and keeps you in budget with your company. Being able to use a remote task server also allows ARD to be able to do tasks for you when you aren't around, further lightening your work load. IT also offers encrypted connections to users systems and compressed data traffic.
  • Software deployments via PKG file installs remotely.
  • Multiple observation of more then one computer at a time on screen.
  • Remote terminal command line interface.
  • It is resource intensive, sometimes it becomes locked up or unstable.
  • The UI is dated and could be improved on.
  • Would be nice if it offered abilities to clone or remotely install OS X upgrades.
General day to day use for managing multiple clients in an organization is its strong point.
Tim Twiss | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) is utilized by members of the information technology department to provide support for the Mac OS computers in our network environment. It is utilized primarily to provide instant remote support for end users whether they were in the same office or located in another city. We also rely heavily on ARD to provide detailed software and hardware reports on the clients running the software. It also works well to centrally manage the distribution of new software. Essentially, it allows the IT department to provide a much higher level of support while increasing efficiency and productivity.
  • Remote System Control. Quickly resolve a problem while continuing to work on multiple tasks from your own PC. This allows for less downtime/frustration on the end user and more efficient productivity from the technician.
  • Hardware and Software Reports. This allows the technician to quickly spot a hardware deficiency (perhaps not enough RAM) or software incompatibility (not running the latest version) without having to bother the end user for this diagnostic information.
  • Software Distribution. Used in tandem with the Software Reports, if an issue is found in a report, the Software Distribution will allow the technician to push the necessary software to the users PC.
  • Speed. Apple Remote Desktop still appears to be slower when compared to Windows Remote Desktop
  • Cost. The $79.99 price tag seems rather high. Windows Remote Desktop, although not as feature rich, is included with the operating system.
  • Drag and Drop. While functioning, it can be clunky and difficult to use.
This is mainly a professional tool, I don't see a need for it in a household environment. I would highly recommend it for any information technology professionals that support any Apple OS devices. Although I feel the $79.99 price tag is a bit high for the software, when used heavily, it is definitely worth the investment.
Kim Bathker | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We are an educational organization and use Apple Remote Desktop to monitor students and provide tech support.
  • Great for monitoring users on your network.
  • Easy tech support.
  • Good for sharing screens to a projector.
  • Screen refresh rate can be a bit slow, but this depends largely on your network
Apple Remote Desktop is terrific for education.
Kevin B. Richardson II | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use Apple Remote Desktop across the board in IT to manage, update and provide remote support for our end users on the Mac platform.
  • Push and manage updates.
  • Provide remote management and support.
  • One easy tool to gather information regarding machines in the field.
  • User friendly.
  • More support for iOS and mobile devices.
  • More support with pushing updates to mobile devices
  • Remote lock a device or wipe a device that has been stolen.
Many people ask why we don't use a all in one program to mange Macs and PCs in one place. I explain Apple Remote Desktop is one of a kind software.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use Apple Remote Desktop in the IT department to monitor and update our 150+ computers in our agency. ARD allows us to help employees with small tasks like updating software (Microsoft Ofiice, Flash ect.) to bigger task like troubleshooting issues over the phone. Overall ARD gets a lot of use from our 3 IT guys
  • Apple has done a really good job at limiting the resources ARD uses in recent updates.
  • Unix commands are a very easy to use and very efficient when trying to run group updates.
  • The reports is a great option that makes quick work if you need to get serial numbers or computer specs on 1 or 100 computers
  • When using the control feature. the screen will become black and you will have to move the mouse around to erase the black screen away or disconnect and reconnect to the end user device.
  • When searching for specific IP address more times then not it wont find it.
  • Copy/Paste does not work too well when going back and forth between your local machine and remote user
  • Cant install printers.
When you are running a mostly mac environment (as we are) its perfect. Since it is an apple product it works very well and doesn't use many resources.
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