What are some options for remote desktop connection on Windows XP and Windows 7?

[StevieTNZ]

Hi there,

I'm hoping for a free piece of software that acts much like this - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/tools/rdclientdl.mspx - but can run on a Windows XP Home desktop and Windows 7 Home laptop. Being able to connect to the laptop via the computer and vice versa is a must (and to use only our internal router bandwidth, not chew up Internet bandwidth).

I'm also hoping to be able to connect remotely to either the desktop or the laptop from outside my home network via another computer. Of course this will use up Internet bandwidth.

The desktop is connected via 100Mbps ethernet cable to the router, and the laptop connected wirelessly to the router (54Mbps).

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Stevie

 

[MATLABdude]

There's a whole bunch of them:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_remote_desktop_software

Most of my (developer) labmates use one of the VNCs or TeamViewer. Be careful about exposing your 'servers' onto the internet--tunnel through SSH or use one with encryption / security built in!