You have various options for remotely interacting with a Mac mini, such as VNC or SSH. In this guide, we will guide you through the diverse methods available for accessing your Mac mini, including our suggested approaches.
Connecting to your Mac mini from your local machine
Users can connect to a Mac Mini server from a local machine through two main categories: either using the user interface (UI) or via the terminal. Each of these networking categories is tailored to specific user scenarios
From the UI (VNC):
When your Mac mini is deployed, it will be prepared to establish a virtual network computing (VNC) connection. If you are working on a Mac computer locally, there’s no need to install any additional software for this initial connection. However, if you are using a different operating system on your local machine, you only need to install software locally, without requiring installation on both your machine and your Unihost-hosted Mac mini.
For Mac Users:
If your local machine is a Mac:
Simply open Finder and press Command+K. You will then be prompted to enter the public IP address of your Unihost-hosted machine. Once you gain access, you will be able to view and utilize your Mac mini directly from your local Mac machine
If your local machine is not a Mac:
You will need to download and install VNC Viewer on your local machine to remotely access your Mac mini’s desktop environment. Once you have established this connection, you will be able to view and operate your Mac mini from your non-Mac local machine.
After installing the software, input your credentials and establish the connection.
It’s essential to note that the free version of this software lacks encryption. Consequently, data transmitted between your local machine and the Mac mini, in both directions, might be vulnerable to compromise. This underscores the importance of proceeding to step two for enhanced security.
From the Terminal (SSH):
Potential scenarios for utilizing this approach include tasks that do not necessitate a desktop environment but require secure terminal access to your Mac mini, like accessing the file system or executing scripts written in a versatile programming language.
To initiate an SSH connection, utilize the public IP address specified in your Unihost credentials email by executing the following command:
ssh <username>@<public_ip_address>
When prompted, enter your password, and you’ll have a secure Terminal session established on your Mac mini.
Key Points:
- When connecting from a Mac, Apple Screen Share can be used for the initial connection to your Mac mini.
- On non-Mac platforms, you’ll need a VNC client to establish the initial connection to your Mac mini.
- After connecting, you can install a remote control server of your choice.
- We recommend starting with RealVNC and then considering TeamViewer for enhanced security or Splashtop for better performance.
- It’s advisable to disable screen sharing (VNC server) in the Mac system preferences to mitigate potential security risks associated with VNC password hacking