Apple Desktop PC User Manual

Back to My Mac
User’s Guide
This guide will help you access your remote Leopard-based Macs
over the Internet using .Mac.
Back to My Mac User’s Guide
December 2007
Overview
Getting something from your Mac when you are away from home is a daunting task.
It’s nearly impossible considering that your home Internet provider frequently changes
your computer’s Internet address—and your router or wireless base station disguises
things further. With Leopard and a .Mac account it’s not only possible, it’s simple.
Back to My Mac keeps an updated record of your computers’ addresses on a .Mac
server. So when you’re on the road, you’ll see your other computers in the Shared
section of the Finder sidebar, just as if you were at home.
Your iMac at home sends its IP address to .Mac.
On the road, your MacBook retrieves the address of your home iMac from .Mac.
From your Macbook, you can securely connect to your home iMac over the Internet.
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3
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How it Works
.Mac
Mobile
Home
Internet
Safe and secure
To make connecting to your Mac
over the Internet secure, Back to My
Mac uses advanced authentication
and data encryption technologies
to help prevent unauthorized access
to your data and protect it during
transit. For more information, see
the Security section at the end of
this guide.

Apple Desktop PC Specifications

General

Brand	Apple
Model	Desktop PC
Category	Desktop
Language	English

Summary

Overview and Security

Overview of Back to My Mac

Explains how Back to My Mac simplifies remote access to Leopard-based Macs over the internet.

Safe and Secure Connection

Details the advanced authentication and encryption technologies used for secure remote access.

How it Works

Illustrates the process of connecting to a remote Mac using .Mac and the internet.

Requirements for Back to My Mac

Basic Requirements

.Mac subscription, compatible Mac OS X, and broadband connection needed.

Home Network Requirements

Airport Extreme/Express or compatible router recommended for home network.

Getting Started with Back to My Mac

Setting Up Your Mac

Verify OS, sign in to .Mac, and enable Back to My Mac in System Preferences.

Enable Sharing Preferences

Enable Screen Sharing and File Sharing in System Preferences for remote access.

Home Network Setup

Configure AirPort base stations or third-party routers for network access.

Using Back to My Mac

File Sharing

Access, transfer, and manage files on your remote Mac via Finder.

Screen Sharing

Control your remote Mac's desktop and applications remotely.

Important Tips and Security

Creating a Strong Password

Use strong passwords for .Mac account to protect data and remote access.

Adjusting Sleep Settings

Ensure remote Macs are awake for Back to My Mac connections.

Screen Saver Locking

Enable password prompt after sleep or screen saver for added security.

Troubleshooting Connectivity

Firewall Settings

Configure Mac OS X firewall or third-party firewalls for Back to My Mac.

Security Protocols

Details on authentication, encryption, and protocols like IPSec for secure communication.