How-To: Access iTunes

Goal: Configure profile which will allow iTunes on local box access iTunes on other side of SSH connection.

Step 1: Add Bonjour item to SSH server (see How-To: Define Simple Tunnel for information on how to create SSH server)

Right-click (Control-Click) on SSH Server an select Bonjour from the menu




Step 2: Configure Bonjour service you looking for (iTunes)

Like this.




Once you selected iTunes, go to Properties and fill required values.




If your computer “can see” iTunes server while you doing configuration, AlmostVPN will use Bonjour discovery to fill properties automatically. Otherwise, you will need to do it manually. You can see values using any Bonjour browser (this is what I use http://www.tildesoft.com/Programs.html#BonjourBrowser )

NOTE: I am not sure how important these values really are. It looks like in case of iTunes, you can type almost anything in Database ID and Machine ID and it still going to work. Still, I prefer to configure my Bonjour things while AlmostVPN can see them, so it will enter proper values for me.

Step 3: Create profile and add Host Alias to it

Create profile (in this case I called it “iTunes”) and drag host to it. You should end-up with something like this




You are done. Just start the profile



and your iTunes will see remote one




That's it. You are done. Enjoy the music.



FAQ.

  1. What should I expect from iTunes running over ssh tunnel?
    I was able to listen to my music even when connected via relatively slow DSL. You need to have really quick link to be able to watch videos.

  2. What about Bonjour service XYZ?
    AlmostVPN could be configured to support ANY Bonjour service. Leaping Bytes will publish format of Bonjour configuration file in the near future. If you need to have support for particular service right away, e-mail to support@leapingbytes.com.

  3. What if my iTunes runs on host other then my SSH server?
    iTunes do not have to run on SSH server. They can run on any host accessible via SSH server. It still works the same way. All you need to do is to create Host Alias for the host where your iTunes running (see How-To: Use Host Aliases for more information) .