In Windows we have a program called Remote Desktop which allows you to access your computer from a remote location using another computer. There are few things that needs to be done in Windows before we could so that.
First you have to make sure that you have administrative rights in that that computer that you want to connect to because you have enable Remote Desktop. However, in the computer that you are connecting from you don’t have to be an administrator or have administrative rights.
You can connect from or connect to in the following Windows:
- Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate
- Windows Vista Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate
- Windows XP Professional
- Windows 2003 or 2008 (they are already enabled)
The Remote Desktop Connection client software (for the computer from which you want to connect) is installed by default on all computers running Windows 7, Vista, or XP.
Enable the Remote Desktop feature on your host computer
- From the Start menu, select Control Panel (or Settings, and then Control Panel). Double-click System.
- In Windows 7 and Vista, click Remote settings. In the “Remote Desktop” section, select one of the two options to allow connections from other computers.
- In Windows XP, select the Remote tab. Select Allow users to connect remotely to this computer.
- To choose which users will have remote access, in 7 and Vista, click Select Users… or in XP, click Select Remote Users… . Typically, all administrators of the computer will have access by default. Each user must have a password before you can allow remote access.
- When you are finished, click OK. Your computer will now be able to accept incoming Remote Desktop connections.
Connecting to a Windows Machine Remotely
Now, you have to make sure you have connection over the network to that computer that you want to connect. It could be connected via wireless router or via LAN cable or connected via a VPN. To establish a Remote Desktop connection:
- From the Start menu, select Programs or All Programs. Select Accessories, and then Remote Desktop Connection.
- In the space next to “Computer:”, type the name or IP address for your remote computer. Click Connect. (Note: If you would like to adjust any of your connection settings such as screen size, login information, availability of local hard drives and printers, or keyboard and sound behavior, click Options before clicking Connect).
- In the Log On to Windows dialog box, type your username, password, and domain (if required). Click OK.
- Once you are connected, you can use your remote computer as if you were sitting in front of it..
- To disconnect, click on start –> Shut Down, from the drop-down menu, select Log Off and click OK.