Virtual Access to a Computer

["Mark Golledge" <markgolledge@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi,

I wonder if you can help. Wife is on her way to getting a laptop -
sounds great, particularly when it frees up a laptop for my use.

At the moment our desktop PC (rather large and old) is on 24/7 in the
study. Sounds fine except its next to the bedroom and the whirring is
starting to become annoying.

Since it only stores DVD's / Music etc the idea is to get rid of the
monitor and put the tower in the cupboard under the stairs. That way
rather than run wirelessly I can attach it via cable to the router in
the hall. The hope is that it will improve streaming capabilities to
XBMC.

Unfortunately that means drilling a hole in the bottom stair to run
the cable through.

I'm still going to want remote access to the desktop PC via the
laptop. Any free programmes that will allow you to do that without
having to 'accept' remote access from the desktop computer? All
computers running Windows XP.

In addition, just a small point - I presume it won't matter having the
desktop PC relatively near the mains gas point which is also under the
stairs.

Advice much appreciated!