Disclaimer: We are not Windows or networking experts, but we offer our take an RDP as an overview, below. Refer to Microsft help for reliable specifics.
In the XP Pro, Vista and Windows 7 operating systems, Microsoft provides a utility called Remote Desktop Connection (RDP) to connect two computers. The Host or Server computer must have the Professional version of one of those operating system. The Computer which is connecting from afar, the Client computer, needs any recent version of Windows but it does not need to be the Professional version.
Server/Host Requirements
- Windows Professional or Business operating system (XP, Vista and Windows 7)
- User setup on host machine
- RDP turned on
- In Windows 7: Control Panel | System | Remote Settings
- Allow connections from computers running any version of Remote Desktop (less secure)
- OR: Allow connections from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (more secure)
- Select Users…
- Add | OK
- Host computer needs to stay running
- Remote connection overrides local user on host computer
Client Requirements
- Windows 95, Windows 98 and 98 Second Edition, Windows Me, Windows NT 4.0, or Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7
- Client software – if not preinstalled, install it from Windows CD or download from Microsoft for older operating systems
- Username and Password to the host computer
- To run it in XP, click Start | All Programs | Accessories | Communications | Remote Desktop Connection
- To run it in Windows 7, click Start | All Programs | Accessories | Remote Desktop Connection
- Enter computer name
- Enter username and password
More Microsoft information – FAQs
Licensing: Those who use RDP in remote locations need additional Volunteer Reporter licenses for each location. We offer a generous discount for multiple licenses.