Got this working today, will be very handy for a couple of projects I'm working on. For example, accessing Mac only software and docs from my PC laptop, whether I'm at home, out and about or in a different country.
Thought I'd share it here, as it was so easy to do, once I'd figured out what I had to do. Found most of the info needed via a Google search, forums at itidiots.com and forums at macosxhints.com. At first, was put off when found loads of techy advice talking about ports etc but ignored these and it all seems to work ok.
Simple Instructions on Setting It Up
on your PC
1) download the TightVNC software from tightvnc.com
2) install the software
3) run TightVNC Viewer application
on your MAC (OS X)
4) go to System Preferences, select Sharing
5) Under Services, click Apple Remote Desktop, put a tick in the On column next to it. Also, click Show status in menu bar option.
6) Make a note of the IP address thats shown underneath, something like "Others can access your computer using the address 123.123.123.123"
7) Make sure you click "Access privileges" in the same screen, to setup password access etc. To do this, find the option titled "VNC viewers may control screen with password" and then enter a password to use for access to the Remote Desktop. When the viewer is used on the PC or whatever remote system, this password will have to be entered for access.
8) Other options on this screen include "Open and Quit Applications", "Change Settings", "Observe"
Now you're ready to test....
on PC
9) in TightVNC Viewer application, type in the address you found in step 6. This should be entered in the field "VNC Server". Check the Options button, in case there's anything specific you need to setup as an option.
10) Press Connect button, enter the password entered in step 7. Thats it...
You should now be able to access your Mac's applications, files etc, as if you were sitting at your Mac.
Worked first time for me, but some people may have complicated firewall settings, router settings etc. so do a Google if that happens.
Tips
To end the connection, press the disconnect button in the Connection toolbar at the top of the screen.
Note: If you entered in full screen mode, use Ctrl-Alt-Shift-F to exit full screen mode, then you can disconnect.
Graphics suggestion - if your Mac and PC run at different resolutions (e.g. laptop screen PC connecting to a large screen Mac) then set the Display option "Scale by" to auto, on the "Connection" options screen in the TightVNC Viewer application.
Switching Remote Desktop Control off - Within System Preferences, Sharing, Services, you can also Stop/Switch off Remote Desktop Control.
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