Be In Control!
by Gary Woods

I used to do a lot of remote consulting for people in other cities using a product called LapLink to log into the client's computer and do whatever had to be done. Recently I was looking at some a ways that you can connect to a remote computer that is free and included as part of Windows XP. Remote Control software has two components; a server that runs on the remote computer, and a client that runs on your local computer. Microsoft includes a very good, though basic, remote-control program called Remote Desktop with Windows XP Professional. With it you can control the PC from any system running Windows 95 or later.

To start the Remote Desktop server, right-click on My Computer in the Start menu and select properties. This gets you to the System control panel. Choose the Remote tab. Turn on the Allow user to connect remotely option and click on OK.

To control the system from another Windows XP Professional system, click on your Start menu and select All Programs - Accessories - Communications - Remote Desktop Connection. The client software is also available on the Win XP Professional and Home Edition CDs. Type the IP address, or host name of the remote computer, and click on Connect. With any luck you should be prompted with a log-on box.

Remote Desktop lets you control performance, screen size, and device sharing, and it even enables you to launch specific programs on connection.

If you have any suggestions or questions for me please drop me a note at garyandlaury@santabarbaraproperties.com or see my column on the Internet at http://www.santabarbaraproperties.com or call me at (805) 729-0910