Microsoft Remote Access gives one computer user access to another computer at a different location. It is the perfect solution for people who feel the need to access their work computer from their home computer. It also helps employees who are constantly out of the office and need to use a laptop frequently. Microsoft Remote Access is actually called Remote Desktop, and there are a few things you should know to get started using it.

There are three things that are needed for Microsoft Remote access. First, Microsoft Windows XP Professional must be installed on the host computer. The host computer is the machine that you will be accessing from a remote location. It holds the files and programs you want to use from a different location. Second, the computer that will be accessing the host computer must have Windows 95 or better installed, along with the Remote Desktop Connection software for the client computer. Third, both computers must be connected to the internet.

After you have all of the things that are needed, then it is time to enable Microsoft Remote Access. It should already be installed in the host computer, which has Microsoft Windows XP Professional. Just go to the computer’s Control Panel and click on System and Maintenance. Click on System, and then click Remote Settings. When the System Properties box comes up, click Select Users. You will then need to specify the computer locations and the names of the users or computers you want to add to the Microsoft Remote Access.

After the host computer is set up for Microsoft Remote Access, then it is time to set up the remote computer. On the remote computer, go to All Programs, then Accessories. Click on Communications, and then Remote Desktop Connection. Then you will be prompted to enter in the name of the host computer. Make sure it matches the name used in the system exactly, or the remote computer will not be able to find the host computer. Click Connect, and then enter your user name and password.

One of the most important things to remember about using Microsoft Remote Access is the fact that you cannot connect to a host computer that is turned off or in sleep mode. Make sure that the host computer is left on, and change the hibernate settings to Never.

Another important thing to remember about Microsoft Remote Access is that remote access is slightly different than remote control. Remote access connects only two computers, and the remote computer is able to control the applications that are running on the host computer. However, a remote control situation involves several computers that use applications on a server. The server allows all of the computers to communicate, but the computers are just connecting to the server to run applications that are on it.