There are quite a lot of options to remotely access Macs. For the sake of readability, let us consider them in groups.
Let's start with a relatively fresh trend in the market: using browser as a viewport to control desktop remotely. This trend is there in the open-source community as well (see the Guacamole project). If you are not into buzz-words and trends, you might as well skip this part.
So, there are certain advantages to consider this approach:
- No or little installation required.
- Cross-platform compatibility.
- Usability: you have everything in one large browser window. When accessing many computers at once, you just open a new browser tab.
- Flexibility for the developer: easy to tweak the UI, easy to make updates on the web.
TeamViewer's Web-Based Viewport
With version 8, TeamViewer launched their web viewport working via the Adobe Flash plug-in. While working fast, it still requires the plug-in. We know plug-ins might sometimes be unstable and memory-hungry.
DeskRoll's Web-Based Viewport
From the beginning, DeskRoll is using the web viewer as the only viewport. It works on any operating system and is especially good for those who use Google Chrome. The reason being: Chrome offers the latest technology to make fast P2P connections between hosts. If you are not into Chrome yet, that's a good reason to try it.
Dedicated Applications for Macs
Microsoft is officially providing the app for connecting to Windows PCs from Macs, and it's in the Apple's app store. The app is free of any charge.
Also, all major players like LogMeIn, TeamViewer and GoToAssist support Macs via dedicated applications. Sometimes they'd want money for it.
Nothing new here, all big guys have apps to enable access: LogMeIn, TeamViewer, Citrix. Following this long-established trend, DeskRoll also released an app to support Macs.
Nowadays, all worthy technologies are quickly adopted for mobile devices. Since the release of the iPhone, major players are offering remote access apps through Apple's app store: LogMeIn Ignition, TeamViewer, GoToAssist.
DeskRoll supports iOS in a bit different way. You can access all the functionality and connect to remote computers through mobile browsers.
The best practice is use these apps on tablets, not smart phones. The reason is quite obvious - the screen size - though in times of need a smart phone is way better than nothing.