how do you find your IP address in Windows XP Home and Professional?

Well, one easy way to find your ip address is just go to http://www.whatismyip.com/ using the computer you are planning setting up as the remote desktop server.

To set up your computer as a remote desktop server, right click on My Computer, and then click on the remote tab.  Check the "Allow Users to connect remotely to this Computer" option, then click Ok.  Note, you must have your user account set up with a password for this to work.

 

On the computer you wish to use to connect remotely to your desktop, open the start menu, all programs, accessories, communications, and click remote desktop connection.  Enter the IP address of your remote computer in the dialog box that pops up and click connect.  You should be asked for a username and password.  Enter them correctly, and that should be it.  There are other options you can play with to improve performance as well.  Anyway, there you go.  It has been a while since I had to setup my Remote Desktop stuff, as its been working fine for quite a while now, but I think that is all you need to do.