If you can’t use Windows Remote Desktop there are other choices.
Remote Desktop works well for compatible Windows computers on the same local network. Beyond that there are other choices, they usually don’t work as well as Remote Desktop but are still good.
Live Mesh
If you want to reach a desktop computer from outside your local network then Windows Live Mesh is the best option. It’s a free part of Windows Live Essentials (Tip: you only have to install the parts you want). Live Mesh has to be installed on both computers and linked to the same Windows Live account.
The remote access part of Live Mesh is the standard Remote Desktop technology reworked to operate across the Internet and without special modem configuration to allow access to special ports.
Live Mesh can be installed and run on the cheaper versions of Windows that don’t support Remote Desktop natively.
Live Mesh work with Windows Vista and Windows 7 only – not XP.
Travellers can use Live Mesh to access their main desktop computer while on the road.
TeamViewer
TeamViewer is free for personal use. Like Live Mesh you install it on both computers.
The advantage over Live Mesh is that Teamviewer has support for Mac, Linux and mobile devices as well as Windows. It displays the current session on the computer, not a separate login.
VNC
VNC is an open source remote control system. It isn’t as efficient as other remote options but has many features and has versions for many operating systems. http://realvnc.com/ and http://ultravnc.com/ are the two major variants available.
You need to configure special ports on your modem to use VNC remotely however VNC can be called from any web browser (rather than needing special software at the remote end).
The main advantage of VNC for Windows users that it displays the current session running on the computer.
