Windows XP Pro: The Missing Manual, Second Edition

Dialing Direct

To set up the host to make it ready for access from afar, you first must prepare it to answer calls. Then you need to set up the remote computer to dial in.

Setting Up the Host PC

If your host PC has its own private phone line—the lucky thing—here’s how to prepare it for remote access:

1. Choose Start→Control Panel. In the Control Panel window, double-click Network Connections.

   You see the icons for the various network connections you’ve created.

2. In the task pane at the left side of the window, click “Create a new connection.”

   As you might have predicted, something called the New Connection Wizard appears (Figure 21-1, top).

3. Click Next. On the next screen, click “Set up an advanced connection,” and then click Next.

   Now the Advanced Connections Options screen appears.

4. Ensure that the “Accept incoming connections” option is selected (Figure 21-1, middle). Then click Next.

   Now you’re shown a list of the communication equipment your PC has—including its modem.

5. Turn on the checkbox for your modem.

   At this point, you could also click the Properties button and, in the resulting dialog box, turn on “Disconnect a call if idle for more than __ minutes.” Doing so makes sure that your home PC won’t tie up the line after your laptop in the hotel room is finished going about its business. Click OK.

6. Click Next. Leave “Do not allow virtual private connections” selected, and then click Next.

   As shown in Figure 21-1 at bottom, you’re now looking at a list of every account holder on your ...