Need a little advice, here. Actually a lot of advice, am in way over my head. I want to access remote computers, not on a network. Not for money nor for hackery (is that a word?) but to help friends and realtives.

Have searched the forum. There is already some good info here but it is maybe dated.

Have read about
Crossloop: http://www.crossloop.com/ipage.htm?id=download;
ZOLVED: http://www.zolved.com/remote_control/about
TeamViewer: http://www.teamviewer.com/index.aspx
TightVNC: http://www.tightvnc.com/
UltraVNC: http://www.uvnc.com/

Anyone have actual experience with any of the freeware apps? I try out whatever you guys recommend first, so as to save time.

Thanks a million.

Not had to use this type of software myself, but there is a thread here which may help you decide

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=238183

doesnt windows have this feature installed?

On certain editions of windows can act as a server like XP Pro and Media Center. UltraVNC is a great program that sits quietly on my tray. Difficult to configure, but once you get it going its completely transparent.

Thanks very much. Lots of info to digest.
Will post back anything useful.
Remote Desktop is installed, will sure try it. Also UltraVNC.

If you ever need to get a computer on the internet for remote access go to portforward.com