If you happen to be running Windows XP Professional, then the ability to access your desktop from afar is already built-in using the Remote Desktop feature. Although not enabled by default, the Remote Desktop capability can be enabled for a Windows XP system via a single checkbox on the Remote tab of the System applet in Control Panel, as shown above. Once enabled, use the Select Remote Users button to control which individual user accounts can connect using this method.
The client-side of Remote Desktop is the Remote Desktop Connection tool, which is available on both Windows XP Professional and Home systems from the All Programs – Accessories – Communications menu. This tool allows you to configure and save settings for different Remote Desktop connections, including IP address or hostname information, usernames, passwords, domain names, and even display settings. Outside of connections to Windows XP Professional systems configured to allow Remote Desktop connections, this tool can also be used to connect to Windows servers running Terminal Services, which works according to the same principals as Remote Desktop. To access Remote Desktop through a firewall, you’ll need to ensure that TCP port 3389 is opened up.
If you’re running an earlier version of Windows, you can install the Remote Desktop client software from the files provided on the Windows XP CD, or download the software for free from http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/rdclientdl.asp.
