Fog Creek Software has released a new version of its remote-desktop software Copilot [1], which now offers support for Mac OS X. The software, based on the open-source VNC (virtual network computing) system [2], is designed and priced to enable remote technical support through screen sharing and remote keyboard/mouse control.

Copilot 2.0 is a hosted solution sold at $5 per day per remote connection or at per-minute rates that start at 25 cents per minute (pay as you go) and can include as many as 5,000 minutes for $200 per month. Copilot can tunnel through networks that use private local network addresses assigned via a NAT (network address translation) gateway, the most common method in homes and small businesses for sharing a broadband connection.

Copilot works under Mac OS X 10.2 or later (Safari, Camino, or Firefox required) and with Windows 98 and later (Internet Explorer 6 or later or Firefox required). The browser requirement is due to the Web site setup and registration, and cookies must be turned on.

Unlike Netopia's Timbuktu Pro [3], which requires routable Internet addresses and cannot easily punch through NAT, Copilot doesn't include a software license. The controller and remote user each download copies of the software, and the controller pushes a short registration code - via email, instant message, or even via a phone call - that the remote user enters to allow the remote machine to be accessed by the controller. The controller can pay for the connection or have the recipient of support pay; credit cards and PayPal are accepted.

A similar product with a greater range of features is Mac HelpMate Remote [4], part of an application oriented towards dedicated Macintosh tech support and available as part of the Professional Edition subscription of $600 per year. The Professional Edition allows one connection at a time; the $2,500 per year Enterprise Edition offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

[1]: https://www.copilot.com/
[2]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VNC
[3]: http://www.netopia.com/software/products/tb2/mac/
[4]: http://www.macworkshops.com/machelpmate/

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