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Remote desktop sharing is basically accessing a computer from a remote location as if you were present on the same PC. You can write, read or delete the files, run applications and even see the same screen as if you are on the host computer. Your host computer generally remains locked and nobody can see the work you are doing remotely. Such a facility is particularly useful if you, or say your salespersons, travel frequently and require data from a host computer from remote locations.

If you access Internet through a dedicated line using static IP address (i.e. your IP address remains same then you can use this tutorial), otherwise you can use any of the various remote desktop sharing programs available on Internet (I recommend CrossLoop).

You can easily do desktop sharing through your own Windows XP Professional via Internet or your local virtual private network. The remote computer must be running on Windows 95 or later Remote Desktop Connection client software installed. Windows XP has it built in.

How to do that:

On the host computer…

1. Sign in as Administrator in your host computer.
2. Go to Start > ControPanel
3. Open Windows Firewall. Click on the General tab.
4. Click on the On (Recommonded) Radio Button
5. Uncheck Don’t allow exceptions check box.
6. Click on the Exceptions tab and select the Remote Desktop check box.
7. Click OK, and close the window.
8. If your host computer and remote computer are on a Virtual Private Netwrok, follow step 8, 9 and 10, otherwise note down the actual IP used by the host on Internet and jump to step 12.
9. Now return to Control Panel as in step 1.
10. Open System > Click on the Computer Name tab.
11. Note down the full Computer Name on a piece of paper. This step is required if
12. Write down the full Computer.
13. Leave the host computer connected to Internet.

From the remote computer…

1. Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Communications > Remote Desktop Connection.
2. In the Computer box, write the computer name (if you are on VPN) or the IP address of your host computer.
3. Enter the administrator usrname and passwords of the host computer and VOILA, you are through. The host computer is before your screen.