Limiting Features in the Administrator Application

Remote Desktop can operate in what is referred to as "User Mode." User Mode is activated when a non-administrator user opens Remote Desktop to administer ARD client computers. The administrator of the computer with Remote Desktop installed can choose which features and tasks are available to non-administrator users.

User Mode is a great way to delegate administrative tasks, or give users only the features of Remote Desktop that they really use. For example, you may not allow non-administrators to copy or delete files, but you may want them to be able to observe client screens and send messages to client users.

You can choose to allow non-administrators to:

• Observe, control, and share screens
• Lock and unlock screens
• Send text messages and chat
• Sleep and wake client computers
• Log out users
• Restart and shut down computers
• Open files and applications
• Rename computers
• Generate reports and software searches
• Copy items from clients
• Copy items, delete items, and empty the Trash
• Create ARD custom installers
• Upgrade clients and change client settings
• Install packages
• Set the client computer's startup volume
• Set the client's data reporting policy
• Send UNIX commands

Each of these features can be enabled or disabled independently of each other. Otherwise, you can enable all of Remote Desktop's features for non-administrator users.

1. Make sure you are logged in as an administrator user.
2. Open Remote Desktop.
3. Choose Remote Desktop > Preferences.
4. Click the Restricted Access button.
5. Enable or disable features, as desired.
6. Close the Preference's window.