(Note: You must have Windows XP Professional or Media Center on your home computer. The following will not work with XP Home or an earlier Windows version.)

First, set up your home computer. Click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click System and open the Remote tab. Select "Allow users to connect remotely to this computer." Click OK.

You may have to change settings on your firewall. Check with the publisher if you have problems.

If you use the Windows firewall, go to Control Panel. Double-click Security Center. At the bottom of the window, click Windows Firewall.

On the General tab, clear "Don't allow exceptions." Open the Exceptions tab and select Remote Desktop. Click OK and close out the Windows Security Center Window.

Next, double-click System in Control Panel. Select the Computer Name tab. Write down the full computer name and click OK. Close Control Panel.

Now you are ready to connect via your laptop. It can use Windows 95 or later. Your computer may not have the software installed. If not, download it from Microsoft.

Open the program by clicking Start>>All Programs>>Accessories>>Communications. You should then click the Remote Desktop Connection.

Type the IP address of your home computer in the box labeled Computer.

Then click Options. Select the General tab. Type the user name and password for your home computer. Under Domain, enter the full name for your home computer. Click Connect.

You may receive a connection security warning. Click OK. You will see a box prompting you for your name and password again. Enter them. Click OK.

You're connected to your home machine! When you're ready to disconnect, simply click Start>>Disconnect.

If you don't have XP Professional or Media Center at home, you'll have to upgrade. Or, use another program.

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