To prevent the spread of COVID-19, our University is stopping face-to-face instruction for a couple weeks. I’ve been asked if there is a secure way to allow students to remote into lab machines to complete coursework (since those Macs have specialized software only available in the labs.) Any suggestions?
Question
Remote Access to Lab Macs?
+11
+26Thats ugly...This might work: https://derflounder.wordpress.com/2018/08/22/using-directory-membership-to-manage-apple-remote-desktop-permissions/
Given the changes in ARD with 10.14 though...test carefully or consider using a TeamViewer approach.
Also may I inquire what the software titles are? Even the coronavirus scare, and your situation at a university...It may be that the software developer might be willing to issue a it may be that the software developer might be willing to issue temporary, expiring licenses to allow the students to install this on their home stuff until the term ends. Doubtful but it’s worth a try. If It’s Adobe software, we would probably be prepared to Temporarily add some named user licenses To get us through the rest of the year and hand them out as requested after verifying academic need.
+7We could possibly get to the point where we have a similar situation here at our college. Don't think there is a feasible way to do this with Mac labs that I have seen. Now trying to enable Always On VPN for our Mac employee users that need it.
+11@blackholemac Thanks, I'll take a look at Rich's article and see if that might work. The software titles are specific to the Graphic Communications program here at the University - things like Kodak's Preps and Prinergy, FontXplorer X Pro, XMPie, and a suite of Esko software (just to mention a few!) :)
+26@jkarpenske I would be calling those vendors...obviously this is on the news. They might help you. As a graphic design person before I switched to IT, your program and situations are close to my heart even though I work in K-12 edu now. Your challenge is in the raw fonts...I know you can't contact every font bureau and try to do that. I'm so glad we aren't in the days of booby trapped fonts anymore...I shudder at some of the Mac OS 9 fonts I had to fight with back in the day needing the original disks to install them and everything! I see myself in your boat within the month but on a much smaller scale...if they close down the school district for e-learning days, I'm going to have to try my own suggestions to get Adobe to play ball for our art and business kids because they won't be able to do much, even if they have a computer at home. Our district is 70% free and reduced lunch or more.
+4I have been in contact with Adobe regarding our ETLA and student access on personal devices. Adobe has stated they will be announcing a program tomorrow.
+7That’s interesting news @koszyczj that is interesting news! I will be on the lookout for specifics, as this pertains to us for sure.
+4@dtmille2 They did announce the program this morning... https://helpx.adobe.com/enterprise/kb/covid-19-education-labs.html
+13I too am looking for a solution to this. Ultimately I am looking for a way that is easily supportable too, as I have limited resources.
/randy
+1The issue that we've run into with software like NoMachine and even just a straight vnc:// connection from VPN is the computer won't authenticate a remote user unless that user's profile already exists on the system (whether it be a mobile account or otherwise).
Has anybody been able to remedy this?
+13@martyuiop I just tried it. Our labs are behind the school firewall and even if I could use it, the DHCP lease could/would be an issue.
Teamviewer seems to transverse our firewall, but the issue becomes the sharing of credentials and security. I do not want our security team to jump on me for that! :-)
+8@warren_h for vpn non existing users had to use domain/username for AD bound devices where they don’t have a user in place. I’m going to test this with nomachine
Enter your E-mail address. We'll send you an e-mail with instructions to reset your password.