Typically, I don't make entries based on software programs and my experiences with them, I leave that up to the 3 AM uber geeks, with systems booting 6 different operating systems because they can. But I recently tried out VNC and Chicken of VNC... and I was amazed.

In my IT days, we couldn't of survived with out RAdmin. A nice VNC (Virtual Network Computer) server-client software that allowed us to take control of remote computers. This was essential for traveling associates on the road. We also used it to connect with our multiple servers, run updates and mess with people browsing match.com personals. I wanted something similar for my Mac Mini now that it is becoming a HTPC without a keyboard or mouse. Apple has their solution, Remote Desktop 3, but at $300 it was far to pricey for my shoe string budget of nothing.

Enter Chicken of VNC. Chicken of VNC is the Client portion of the Server-Client relationship of this project. The server side of the equation we can use Apple's Remote Desktop Server, this is free from Apple.

First you need to configure the remote system. To do this you must set your preferences. System Preferences -> Sharing -> Apple Remote Desktop. This must be enabled. Then enable VNC clients to connect with a password. Provide the password and remember it, you'll need it later. Close the preferences and your done with the server side.

Install Chicken of VNC, and open a new connection. You should get a screen similar to this. As you can see it searched for computers running VNC. This includes any type of system with VNC enabled, including PC's. Enter the password you provided earlier, and connect. Poof! Magically, the screen of the other computer appears on yours. You can now run remote functions, such as software updates, and other tasks. Its a pretty slick set up, especially for people that have multiple computers and don't want to have monitors and keyboards everywhere.

My only complaint is I wish I could scale the window. My Mini runs at 1920 x 1080, which is diffiuclt to manage on my MacBookPro, even with the 23in Cinema Display.