Apple Remote Desktop - Housekeeping

Chapter 1

Using Apple Remote Desktop

23

Managing Power State

Use Apple Remote Desktop to control the power state of client computers.

For example, you may need to have all computers turned off during maintenance of a
power generation unit or during a holiday shutdown. You can send an Apple Remote
Desktop text message reminding users to shut down their computers at a particular
time. Any computers still running when you need to start maintenance can be
detected and shut down remotely with 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 computers don’t use the network for a few hours.

You can display custom pictures or text messages on locked computer screens to let
users know when the computers are available again.

Reclaiming Disk Space

Periodically empty the Trash on client computers to conserve disk space.

Automating Periodic Maintenance

Use AppleScript and UNIX shell scripts to automate periodic maintenance, such as
checking permissions or deleting log files.

Controlling Screens

Use Apple Remote Desktop’s remote screen control to perform activities on the
desktop of Xserve computers, or use graphical applications on them. Apple Remote
Desktop 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.

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,
close applications, log users off, or perform other activities needed to prepare
computers for the next users.