the remote desktop client

To launch the Remote Desktop client, click on the Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Remote Desktop Connection.

When it launches, enter the IP address you wrote down in the previous step.  If you use a DNS service such as Nettica, you can setup a host record specifically for your home network so you do not have to remember the IP address.  To test the remote desktop you must use another machine such as your laptop.  You can not test it from the machine you just setup.

When remote desktop launches, enter the IP address you wrote down and click Connect.  When the client connects, enter your username and password information.  That's it, you can now connect to your home machine from anywhere in the world.  Once again, keep in mind, anyone else can also connect to the machine, so choose your passwords carefully.  Do not use administrator/password, it's too easy.