ARD 3.9 - Apple Remote Desktop 3.9 Update - Manage

There are lots of discussions going on about this update released last week via the App Store.

These are the steps I took to have minimal issues and impact during the Update.   These steps were first tested on a backup Apple Remote Desktop machine with a functional Apple Remote Desktop installation, complete with copies of scripts used in Production.   In my case, I use a Virtual Machine. 

- Download Apple Remote Desktop 3.9 Client:   http://support.apple.com/downloads/DL1909/en_US/remotedesktopclient.dmg  This download appeared on the Apple Support Site after Apple Remote Desktop on the App Store.

- Open the Apple Remote Desktop Client 3.9 download and install the pkg file and reboot the backup Apple Remote Desktop machine. 

- Now install Apple Remote Desktop App from the App Store Updates.

- Start Apple Remote Desktop App.   Enable setting  Remote Desktop -> Preferences -> Security ->  Allow communication with older clients ( less secure )   Close app and reopen.

- Deploy to one client, Apple Remote Desktop Client 3.9 pkg via  Apple Remote Desktop App -> Manage -> Install Packages,  or use on the client, App Store to install Remote Desktop Client 3.9.   Reboot client.

- Within Apple Remote Desktop, reset the password of the client:   hover over client -> right click -> Get Info.-> click edit button -> retype password in Password Field -> click Done button.

- Disable setting  Remote Desktop -> Preferences -> Security ->  Allow communication with older clients ( less secure ) when all clients have Apple Remote Desktop Client 3.9 installed.

cheers, dwbrecovery

OS Updates & Upgrades : Certainty of Installation - Manage

Due to potential threats on the internet, most advice given is to install updates as quickly as possible.  While the advice is generally good for App Updates, it is not so good for OS Updates and Upgrades.

When OS Updates and Upgrades are available, they should be tested first, on one user, a spare computer or device before being installed on all currently used computers and devices.  All the functions you and your users perform need to be confirmed, require updated Apps from the developers or need reconfiguration.

The guidelines here do take time, updates will take less time than upgrades, but it is time better spent than dealing with users complaining that they cannot work as their Apps don't work and having to revert back via backups.  

If spare systems are an issue, consider having Virtual Machine software available, so no extra hardware is required.  In further posts, suggestions will be given for a Virtual Machine setup.

For OS Updates & Upgrades,  certainty of installing is better than a quick install.

cheers, dwbrecovery


 

Administrators, use standard accounts - Protect

If you are an Administrator, or the delegated expert in the home, get used to using two accounts:
- a Standard / normal account which you use most of the time
- an Administrator account when required for maintenance

When using the standard account, if administrator privilege is required for a task, sign in prompts will appear to enter the admin account details to allow access.
As much as possible, reduce sign in  as the Administrator at a computer / device.

Using these guidelines will assist to minimize opportunities of unwanted access to your computers and devices.

cheers, dwbrecovery



 

Use Color to Identify Backups - Recover

A Simple idea, but when used, it gives users confidence and certainty that their computers and devices have backups running.

- Use one strong color that is seen easily.
- Use the color for disk icons of backup drives on the desktop and devices which appear when backups are running
- Use the color for labels on backup disk drives, SD Cards, USB's etc.
- Store disconnected backup and archive drives in trays of the same color.
- Use protective covers for portable the same color also. 

cheers, dwbrecovery  

 

Welcome to DWBRecovery

With 20 to 25 years of SysAdmin experience,  it's time to share Information, Tips, Advice, Guides, Books on System Administration........


The focus will be towards Home Businesses and Micro Businesses where a person inherits the role of a System Administrator, while performing other roles.  The Information will be relevant for larger Businesses and Corporations.

The information will be split into 3 major Categories:   Recover,  Protect and  Manage.

Use the three categories to understand and resolve daily, and ongoing issues.

Some Tips and Advice will be easy, others will be Technical but there will be guidance.
Posts will appear occasionally so keep a look out.  The Tips and Advice will mostly refer to Apple computers and devices.

cheers, dwbrecovery