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Category: Computers:Software Tips
Keywords: microsoft windows remote desktop
Summary: I’m spending most of my time in bed with my laptop. However, my desktop has most of my emails and other things on it that aren’t reachable even when file sharing. The solution. Using Windows XP’s built-in Remote Desktop.

Remote Desktop in WinXP

Since I am recovering after two hospital visits in less than two weeks, I’m spending most of my time in bed with my laptop. However, my desktop has most of my emails and other things on it that aren’t reachable even when file sharing. The solution. Using Windows XP’s built-in Remote Desktop.

Now I am using my desktop as if I am in front of it, only from the comfort of my bed with laptop on my lap. The desktop is still where it is… out there in the family room. Remote Desktop opens a window and you see your desktop (or rermote computer) exactly as if you’re in front of it. At the top is a light-colored border with the name of the desktop to remind you that you’re on that computer. I can’t provide a screenshot since it’s invisible no matter what I use in taking the picture.

This screenshot (click to see a larger image) shows how the screen looks if you have the Remote Desktop window not taking up the entire screen. When it takes up the entire screen, it looks no different than when you’re working on your computer except for the bar on top.

Remote Desktop in Windows XP shows how to it up step-by-step with pictures. Once you’ve done that, connect to it from another computer (instructions in tutorial under “Instaling client software”) by going to Start > All Programs > Accessories > Communications > Remote Desktop Connection. Enter the name of the desktop and the password. If you don’t have a password on the desktop, you need to assign one otherwise it won’t work.

If I go to my desktop and login, it will disconnect my laptop and vice versa. So if you’re working on the remote desktop and get disconnected, you know what that means… someone logged in on the other end.

If you have Windows 2000, I believe it does not come with Remote Desktop, but you can download it from Microsoft. There is also PCAnywhere. For older products, you may have to use Terminal Server, PCAnywhere, GoToMyPC, or some other third party product.

Author's URL: http://www.meryl.net/
Meryl K. Evans is the Content Maven behind meryl's notes, eNewsletter Journal, and The Remediator Security Digest. She is also a PC Today columnist and a tour guide at InformIT. Meryl has written for The Dallas Morning News, AbsoluteWrite, O'Reilly, New Riders, and others. She is geared to tackle your editing, writing, content, and process needs. The native Texan resides in Plano, Texas, a heartbeat north of Dallas, and doesn't wear a 10-gallon hat or cowboy boots.