Installation manual
For example, you may need to have all computers turned o 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 specied 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.
Performing Periodic Maintenance
Distribute and run AppleScript and UNIX shell scripts to perform routine maintenance,
such as reparing le system permissions or deleting log les.
Controlling Screens
Use Apple Remote Desktop 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 nished, reset the startup disk to the original boot
volume.
Managing Shared Computers
On computers that are shared among users, check for les that need to be deleted,
close applications, log users o, or perform other activities needed to prepare
computers for the next users.
24 Chapter 1 Using Apple Remote Desktop