Administering multiple computers on local network from another computer I've got several machines that I administer, a mixture of macbook pros and mac minis, that are 90% of the time all in the same building. (Macbook pros sometimes leave).

It's beginning to get quite tedious to install updates, add printers, add software etc to all these machines.

Is there a way that I can have administration access to these machines and run updates, installs etc from my machine?

I understand this could be done using a mac mini server, but it seems a bit of an over kill to spend c. £800 on a box that will just do this. Is this not something I could do when from my mac book pro when on site and attached to the local network?
It is possible to remotely administer Macs without needing a dedicated server.

Command Line via ssh

Consider using Secure Shell, ssh, to connect and issue commands via Terminal.app.


To remotely run software update on a Mac, use the softwareupdate command.
To install packages, use the installer command.


There are numerous command line tools for performing common administrative tasks. For specific tasks, ask a new question on [Ask Different] to attract more focused answers.

To enable ssh support on each Mac, enable Remote Login:


System Preferences > Sharing > Remote Login


Screen Sharing

Since Mac OS X 10.4, Apple have included built-in VNC support. With VNC, you can remotely connect to and use another computer.

With OS X 10.9 and later, you can remotely connect via VNC and start a new graphical session without affecting any active local user. This is ideal for performing administrative tasks.

To enable Mac to Mac screen sharing support, enable Screen Sharing:


System Preferences > Sharing > Screen Sharing


Enabling VNC requires a few more steps but once done, PCs and non-Mac devices will be able to connect.