Apple Remote Desktop 2.2 - Manual (Page 18)

18 Chapter 1 Using Apple Remote Desktop
Locking Computer Screens
You can lock the screens of client computers for specified durations when you don’t
want the computers to be used. For example, you may need to perform network
maintenance and want to make sure that computers don’t use the network for a few
hours.
You can display a custom picture and/or text messages on screens while they’re locked
to let users know when they’re available again.
Reclaiming Disk Space
Periodically empty the Trash on client computers to conserve disk space.
Automating Periodic Maintenance
Use UNIX shell scripts to automate periodic maintenance, such as checking permissions
or deleting log files.
Controlling Screens
Use ARD’s remote screen control to conduct activities on the desktop of Xserve
computers, or use graphical applications on them. ARD replaces the need for KVM
(keyboard/video/mouse) switches for accessing Xserve computers without a monitor
attached.
You can also remotely control a user’s computer to help determine reasons for slow
performance or other problems the user is experiencing.
Changing Startup Disks
Change the startup disk of a client computer to perform diagnostic or troubleshooting
activities.
For example, start up a computer using a server-based NetBoot image that’s been set
up for troubleshooting. When you’re finished, reset the startup disk to the original boot
volume.
Managing Shared Computers
On computers that are shared among users, check for files that need to be deleted
between user logins, close applications, log users off, or perform other activities
needed to prepare computers for the next users.
Supporting Users
ARD lets you interact with users from your administrator computer in these ways:
• Provide help: respond to users who need help by using ARD to receive user requests
and to remotely diagnose and fix problems.
• Interact: conduct instructional interactions with students in a school or corporate
training environment—from controlling or observing student screens to sharing your
screen with all your students to perform a demonstration.