Here’s another script for zero-touch deployment. If you want to enable Remote Management for Apple Remote Desktop access, this script will get you there.
This script uses the kickstart command which is buried within the ARDAgent application. Entering the following command in Terminal will display the full listing of options and examples available with this tool.
/System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Resources/kickstart help
I have most commonly enabled the Remote Management service, granted all privileges to a single local admin user used by IT staff, and restarted the agent and menu extra to allow the agent to read the new configuration. The script below will accomplish these items. Reviewing the kickstart help will give you the syntax to write your own script to accomplish different Remote Management configurations.
#!/bin/bash
##### HEADER BEGINS #####
# scr_sys_enableARDforAdminUser.bash
#
# Created 20081231 by Miles A. Leacy IV
# miles.leacy@themacadmin.com
# Modified 20090812 by Miles A. Leacy IV
# Copyright 2009 Miles A. Leacy IV
#
# This script may be copied and distributed freely as long as this header
# remains intact.
#
# This script is provided "as is". The author offers no warranty or
# guarantee of any kind.
# Use of this script is at your own risk. The author takes no responsibility
# for loss of use,
# loss of data, loss of job, loss of socks, the onset of armageddon, or any
# other negative effects.
#
# Test thoroughly in a lab environment before use on production systems.
# When you think it's ok, test again. When you're certain it's ok, test
# twice more.
#
# This script:
# - enables the Remote Management service (ARD)
# - grants access and all privileges to the user "admin"
# - restarts the ARD agent and the ARD menu extra
#
# This script must be run as root (done automatically when deployed with
# the Casper Suite).
#
# When using the script with a Casper Suite configuration for imaging,
# set it to run At Reboot.
#
##### HEADER ENDS #####
/System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Resources/kickstart -activate -configure -access -on -users admin -privs -all -restart -agent -menu
Hi,
i guess it could be helpful if you would add the related versions (i.a. working in 10.4/10.5) of mac os x to such hints.
Greetings
fidel
Great suggestion. I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks!
Hi,
i do have a mixed setup from 10.3 up to 10.5 and made the experience that many things i could do via ARD are limited so some of the OS X Releases … but most ideas dont work with all three releases
Just to explain the background.
Great to hear you like the idea
Best regards
fidel
I have used this command on 10.4 and 10.5. I believe it should also work on 10.3.9. When you do have commands that are version-specific, you can create smart computer lists in ARD that will separate the OS versions. Of course, you’d gain much more power and flexibility with a client management system such as the Casper Suite.
Full disclosure: I am employed by the makers of the Casper Suite, however I was a customer of theirs long before taking a job with them. I reviewed several competing products before making my decision and expect anyone else to do the same.