Migrating from PC to Mac - Day 1

Just got a new MacBook and it's time to find out how to work on a Mac. It's my first day seriously working on a Mac. First thing to do for me: set up remote desktop access so I can get hooked up to my Linux box. I usually use the VNC server to open a desktop and edit my documents/run my programs on it. As opposed to using the xterms, this wayI can resume my work with everything as is by calling up the same desktop when I got home. Since my Linux box is behind a firewall, I gotta open a secure channel to connect to my VNC server.


1. Port forwarding (secure shell tunneling): setup the connection to the firewall and open a local port that leads directly to the machine behind the firewall. Unlike on Windows, the Mac OS is fully capable of getting this business done. Just open a terminal and use the ssh command:

E.g. ssh -L 1234:machine_behind_firewall:23 username@firewall

2. Connect to the Linux box through the local port with the VNC viewer. There are several choices. Chicken of the VNC is famous but the latency is a bit too long and you run the risk of getting stuck in the full-screen mode. Try TightVNC or Vine instead.

That's it and you are all set to go.

Several VNC software:
RealVNC: www.realvnc.com/
TightVNC: www.tightvnc.com/
Vine: www.redstonesoftware.com/products/vine/