Remote Desktop Setup and Use
----------------------------

The following is a simplifed procedure for configuring and running Windows Remote Desktop.


Step 1: Enable the Windows Remote Desktop Service

1.  Right Click on "My Computer" and select "Properties"
2.  Select the "Remote" tab
3.  Check the "Enable Remote Desktop on this computer" option

Note #1:  Your Windows User Account must be an Administrator and it must have a
          Password.  If you do not have a password, create one for your account 
          using the User Accounts applet in the Control Panel or Computer Management.

4.  Close the properties dialog
Note #2:  Enabling Remote Desktop in this way will automatically configure the
       Windows XP Firewall to permit Port 3389.

       
Note #3:  If you are directly connected to the Internet, or are only using
          RDP on your LAN, then you can skip Step 2.
          
Step 2:  Configure Your Router for Remote Desktop Protocol

1.  Access your router; usually through a web browser at youre Default Gateway IP addres.
    For example:  http://192.168.0.1
2.  Your router will have Advanced configuration options.  
    Look for "Port Forwarding" or "Virtual Server"
3.  In the advanced configuration options, map Port 3389 to the LAN IP address 
    of your PC.
4.  Make a note of your router's public WAN IP address.  You will need to know 
    this IP address to access your router remotely.
    
Step 3:

1.  To remotely access your RDP configured PC, on the remote system run the 
    All Programs / Accessories / Communications / Remote Desktop Connection program.
2.  In the "Computer" field, enter the WAN IP address of your router.

If you configured the router port forwarding properly, you should be prompted to 
login to your home computer!


ajs
10/25/2006