There are many ways to connect to a remote Mac Mini or Mac Pro. When Mac Mini Vault deploys a Mac running macOS, Screen Sharing (Apple’s version of VNC) and SSH are running by default. How you initially connect will depend on what OS you’re running on your computer.
Connecting from macOS
When connecting from another computer running macOS, the quickest way to connect is using the Connect to Server function. To access it in Finder, click Go -> Connect to Server…
In the Server Address bar, you can connect to a hostname or an IP address in this format: vnc://hostname.macminivault.com
A login prompt will be displayed – enter the username and password to connect. Once connected, the credentials may need to be entered one more time at a login screen, at which point the macOS desktop will be displayed.
Connecting from Windows
When connecting from a computer running Windows, we recommend using RealVNC Viewer (free) or Remotix for Windows (paid, now renamed to “Acronis Cyber Protect Client”).
Both of these options support the native macOS Screen Sharing protocol that is running by default on newly deployed Macs.
Other Options
Once you are connected to the remote Mac, there are other options that can be installed and used to connect in future remote sessions. These options require an agent to be running on the remote Mac, so you will need to use one of the options listed above to connect to the system initially.
TeamViewer is a popular remote desktop app that offers a free version. An agent application is installed on the remote Mac and the local computer
NuoRDS is a Remote Desktop (RDP) server that can be installed on the remote Mac. It allows users to connect using the remote desktop application built into Windows.
NoMachine offers a free remote desktop application that can be installed on a remote Mac.