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Consumers have been curious about the benefits of using multi-monitor displays for years now, and according to some studies, using dual or multiple monitors can increase a user’s productivity by up to 30% or more.
The ability to see multiple applications at once, or to more easily drag and drop files between finder windows, may seem like a minor increase in the accessibility, but over time, the ease of access not only improves productivity, but can also improve a user’s satisfaction, morale, and mood. Of course, since using two or more monitors has become common—if not expected—the ability to provide multi-monitor support has become likewise essential.
For help desk techs looking for multi-monitor support in their remote troubleshooting tools, I suggest starting with Dameware® Remote Everywhere from SolarWinds, and I explain why below.
Remote Access and Multi-Monitor Compatibility
Support technicians need full access to an end user’s visual display. Of course, remote access software can be a useful tool for IT departments because it allows technicians to access or control users’ computers from a remote location. In many cases, using remote access software to troubleshoot and resolve a user’s issue is as effective as working on the problem in person—only a much more efficient use of time and resources. If a user’s workstation features two or more monitors, attempting to maneuver between view screens or dragging and dropping files could be difficult during high traffic periods.
However, user reliance on multi-monitor displays doesn’t have to be a technical support challenge. Remote support tools should be designed to be easy to use and to provide multi-monitor support for Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems—meaning when accessing a user’s workstation, you can switch between viewing each of their monitors with the click of a button.
Not all remote software tools are built to view or access multiple endpoint monitors, so you should make sure to choose a remote solution designed with this capability in mind.
Choosing the Right Multi-Monitor Support Solution
Multi-monitor compatibility is important for both remote access and remote support. As screen sharing becomes more and more common at organizations, collaborators need to be able to view each other’s desktops, including multiple monitors. Remote access solutions, then, should take this capability into account.
Best Cloud Solution: Dameware Remote Everywhere (DRE)
The broad range of tools in DRE, including diagnostic and troubleshooting functions, make it easy to quickly find and resolve issues users may be experiencing. Not only is Dameware Remote Everywhere accessible from desktops and laptops, but a mobile app allows support technicians to access the same functions and tools from a phone or tablet, granting you greater mobility. The app also includes multi-monitor support for Windows, Linux, and Mac systems.
In addition to featuring strong encryption to protect data transmitted via your connection, Dameware Remote Everywhere is built to address some of the concerns over network bandwidth causing laggy remote sessions by automatically matching your network’s connection speed.
Best On-Prem Solution: Dameware Remote Support (DRS)
This secure, on-premises remote access and support application is built to allow access to user computers and devices both within and without network firewalls, regardless of where the workstations are located around the globe. The application offers a comprehensive range of solutions in one organized and easy-to-use console, enabling systems administrators and IT professionals to do most of their daily tasks and troubleshooting routines using one tool.
DRS includes a built-in VNC client, providing multi-monitor support for Windows machines as well as for computers running Mac or Linux operating systems. Regardless of the operating system or number of monitors your users may be using, you’ll be able to see everything on their monitors and easily switch between their displays.
In addition to multi-monitor support tools, Dameware Remote Support includes chat and screenshot functionalities, along with integrated Intel Active Management Technology, so you can provide support to inactive or compromised computers. The all-in-one console provides additional useful tools, including capabilities for managing Active Directory sites and for monitoring systems performance and event logs.
To note: SolarWinds® DRS and DRE share many of the same features, so the specific capabilities noted above for DRS are potentially also available in the DRE platform. A primary difference between the two is the deployment model—as an on-premises solution, Dameware Remote Support requires support technicians to use the remote access tools from the host where the program is installed. As a SaaS solution, Dameware Remote Everywhere provides the same tools—including the ability to access device details and to edit registries or session details—with the added convenience that you can deliver the same technical support from almost anywhere there’s an internet connection.
Remote Access Software For Mac To Windows 7
Best Basic Solution: LogMeIn
If you’re still looking for your remote support software, you may want to consider LogMeIn. With three tiers—Pro, Central, and Rescue—you get a bit of choice regarding pricing and capabilities. All three tiers allow for multi-monitor compatibility. If you’re looking for basic remote productivity tools, Pro and Central can be good options, as they enable easy and secure file sharing. Rescue is the option built to provide remote support, with features like video support and custom branding.
Overall, LogMeIn provides some useful benefits, like 1TB of files storage between users, and complimentary LastPass access for password management. And as with most business-ready remote tools these days, you get mobile compatibility.
Multi-Monitor Support Tool That Works for You
Whether you prefer the on-premises tools of Dameware Remote Support or the added accessibility of Dameware Remote Everywhere cloud-based support, your technicians need a clear view into user’s workstations, no matter how many monitors are in their setup. I suggest checking out a free trial of Dameware Remote Everywhere first—it’s in the cloud, so you get all the advantages that offered!
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Imagine this: an employee at the satellite office across the country is having computer trouble, but they use a Mac device. Or maybe you have dozens of Mac end-user devices to reach, update, troubleshoot, or otherwise manage, but you don’t have time to find each device and manually address the issues. Since many IT professionals work from a Windows workstation, it can be a concern how they will effectively reach Mac devices.
Thanks to remote control software Mac users can use as easily as Windows users, there’s no need to be physically in front of a computer when it needs your service. It’s true that gaining remote control to Mac devices requires special consideration—IT professionals must be able to control end-user devices for purposes of troubleshooting and maintenance. Numerous solutions exist, but they don’t all work for Macs, so you may need to be prepared with a method for reaching Mac devices, even if you’re not working from a Mac yourself. Typically, that means investing in a software solution with all the functions you need.
Why Do IT Admins Need Mac Remote Access?
Remote access is the ability to operate a computer or components of a network from a different computer or part of the network. Mac remote access is unique in that most built-in functions on Macs require a Mac on both ends, but there are solutions that allow cross-compatible access for troubleshooting. This is crucial for IT professionals, who may be called on to troubleshoot remotely, regardless of operating system.
File Sharing and Access
Remote access was once widely used to access files and software when away from the main computer. Cloud computing has made this easier in many situations, as files can be easily kept in Dropbox or similar cloud drive option. If a worker wants to access all their files from home, they can simply log in to those accounts from a different device, and this is typically possible across various operating systems. However, using a program with a file transfer protocol (FTP) is crucial for businesses—an internal solution can make it faster and more secure when sharing larger files, staying behind the firewall, and generally ensuring functionality without relying on cloud storage.
IT Troubleshooting
Mac remote access is vital for IT troubleshooting and support. The ability to share screens and take over an end user’s device can save hours when trying to resolve performance issues. This is especially true for IT departments managing users all over the country and world. Instead of going back and forth trying to diagnose and fix a problem by phone or video chat, you can see and control exactly what the end user is seeing and doing. For businesses, it’s crucial to have a Mac remote access solution that will keep all users up and running.
Maintenance and Updates
Remote access can also be used for network updates and maintenance. The best methods and software enable access even when a device is powered down or off. Also, your remote access interface should ideally allow you to manage multiple devices at the same time. This makes after-hours updates easy, limiting downtime and intrusions into the workday.
How Does Mac Remote Access Work?
Some built-in options for Mac remote access may work if you’re simply connecting between two Macs. For a more robust solution, you’ll need to consider business-grade software.
Apple Screen Sharing
Screen sharing is the fastest and easiest of the two built-in options from Apple in terms of setup but has drawbacks that make it less than ideal for IT professionals in the long-term.
To enable screen sharing on the Mac you want to share, choose Apple menu > System Preferences > Sharing > Screen Sharing. Write down the name and address of the Mac. The name is alphanumeric, while the address contains the IP address.
Then, on the other Mac, you can connect using either the name or the address:
- Connect using the name: Open Finder. In the Locations section of the sidebar, click Network, double-click the Mac you want to share, then click Share Screen.
- Connect using the address: In the Finder, choose Go > Connect to Server, enter the address of the Mac you want to share, then click Connect.
If both computers are logged in using the same Apple ID, the screen sharing session starts. If they’re not, you’re prompted to enter the username and password of a user who is allowed screen sharing access on that computer, or you can request permission to share the screen if the computer allows it.
Screen sharing is convenient because it is built into Macs and can be done without much forethought or setup. But you’ll likely notice a lag as you work remotely in this way. Screen sharing can be helpful for short tasks and quick fixes, but it’s not ideal for long-term remote needs.
Apple Remote Desktop
This is a more thorough option than screen sharing as you won’t get the lag present with the latter. But it requires permissions or admin privileges on the computer allowing remote access.
There are two ways to enable Remote Desktop: using System Preferences or using the command line prompt. To enable using System Preferences, click on the Apple menu and choose System Preferences. Click Sharing. If prompted, log in as an administrator on that computer, and select the Remote Management box.
Enabling remote desktop with the command line also requires admin privileges. If you have these already, enter this command in the prompt:
sudo /System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Resources/kickstart -activate -configure -access -on -restart -agent -privs -all
Remote Desktop seems to have been made with IT professionals in mind, offering a “Curtain Mode” to hide work in progress, remote administration, and automation. Remote Access works from Mac to Windows and Linux.
Choosing Software for Remote Support
For businesses, it’s important to choose a remote access option that keeps data and users secure while allowing high levels of functionality. You’ll want to choose a software solution that allows compatibility between various operating systems, no matter if you or the end users have the Mac device.
Besides compatibility, the most important features are the encryption and authentication methods the software uses to protect your connection. You should also consider built-in troubleshooting and screen-sharing features, along with in-platform communication tools (like chat) that can streamline the process. In some cases, remote support software allows IT professionals to connect to a device even if it’s powered down, so you don’t necessarily have to interrupt end users.
Windows To Mac Remote Access
For quick fixes and sudden issues, having a built-in remote access Mac solution can be helpful. But IT professionals in need of ongoing remote access for troubleshooting and maintenance should invest in a secure, high-functionality solution that will allow for quick access, file transfer, tuning capabilities, and communication between any two devices, regardless of who is using a Windows device and who is using a Mac. Dameware® is a good tool to try out since they have either a cloud-based remote access solution or on-premises remote support software that can help you remotely troubleshoot a Mac (and even from a Mac if you choose the cloud version).