14 DAY TRIAL // In a Support document posted online, Apple reveals that its Remote Desktop utility, now at version 3.3.2, includes two update packages: the Apple Remote Desktop Client 3.3.2, which updates the software that facilitates Remote Management (enabled in Sharing preferences, in System Preferences), and the Apple Remote Desktop Admin 3.3.2 update, which delivers enhancements to the Remote Desktop application used to remotely administer Apple Remote Desktop clients.
Support article HT3900, last modified on January 11, 2010, reveals that both packages are available as automatic Software Updates and as manual downloads from Apple Support Downloads. Softpedia readers and users of the utility can download their updates immediately, using the two links below.
Download Apple Remote Desktop Client Update (Free)
Download Apple Remote Desktop Admin Update (Free)
The Remote Desktop utility is aimed at managing Mac computers on a network. The software assists admins in distributing software, providing real-time online help to other users on the network, creating detailed software and hardware reports, and even automating routine management tasks. Apple Remote Desktop 3 requires Mac OS X no lower than version 10.4.11 (Tiger). In fact, this is the newest version of Apple’s five-year-old OS. The latest version of Mac OS X supported by Apple Remote Desktop 3 is Mac OS X 10.6.2, Snow Leopard.
In addition to these OS requirements, the 3.3.2 update to Apple Remote Desktop requires version 3.0 of the software, or later. An Ethernet, AirPort, or IP over FireWire network connection is also required. If your computer meets these requirements, you’re ready to download and install the new software. So, here’s what you can expect from the new version, according to Apple.
Support document HT3900 reveals that Remote Desktop 3.3.2 improves the overall stability and performance of the software, but also delivers a few specific improvements, which the Mac maker proceeds to list.
As far as the Setup is concerned, Apple reveals its developers have been busy improving the handling of IP address and port changes for clients accessed behind a Network Address Translation (NAT) system. Additionally, upgrading to Apple Remote Desktop 3.3 will no longer reset non-administrator access privileges. Moreover, Apple has improved reliability when authenticating new client computers.
For Software Distribution, one change has been made, the release notes show: “Improved reporting of results of failed package installations.”
The Asset Management being a key point of the Apple Remote Desktop solution now correctly reports MacBook Air MAC addresses, and improves reliability of reporting systems configured with AirPort. The Asset Management component now correctly reports system version for systems that have been promoted from Mac OS X to Mac OS X Server.
Remote Assistance improvements are listed by Apple as follows:
- Improved mouse cursor tracking when controlling remote systems; - Improved reliability when controlling remote clients that have a 1366-by-768 resolution; - Improved performance when clients are being controlled by RealVNC viewers; - Improved reliability when controlling systems that have dual graphics processors; - Improved support when controlling systems running third-party VNC servers; - Improved reliability for drag-and-drop file copy; - Improved reliability when controlling client computers that have two displays; - Improved reliability when controlling remote systems in scale mode with certain resolutions; - Menu Extra now correctly shows status when being observed by a VNC viewer.
For more information about Apple Remote Desktop 3, visit the company’s website here.