Desktop presentation on networked computer

I recently set up a LAN (both computers XP Pro SP2) for a friend who thinks that working in Windows Explorer is too difficult, and that she can only work from the Desktop .

I've tried to figure out a way to have computer A's Desktop appear graphically on computer B's screen but, because most of the Desktop's shortcut icons are in the various Docs&Settings Desktop folders, I've only succeeded in getting it to appear in a new Explorer window.

Is it possible to achieve the desired graphical appearance?

 

Any of the remote control programs that give you a view of the other desktop should do it.

If she wants to remote and have no signs of it on the other machine, XP's Remote Desktop will do nicely. If she wants to take control of the remote system so that another user could see what is happing, then a Remote Assistance style application will be needed.

 

Newt ...

Perhaps I wasn't clear enough. She wants to be able to work on her desktop computer from her laptop, with the desktop's Desktop screen displayed on the laptop.

From what little I've had a chance to read, it sounds as though XP's Remote Desktop program will do the job.

 

You could get a program that is called VNC. Its free and easy to install.

 

Thanks for the info. It looks as though a program called TightVNC might be the answer, as it offers file transfer, which most of the other free services available don't.

 

Take a look Here and get details on the various VNC flavors that will run on Windows. They all do basically the same job but have different strengths and weaknesses. Pick the one that will be the best fit - or even pick a couple and let they user decide which suits best.

 

Thanks, Newt ... good stuff.