Remote Desktop on a Home Network ?

I'm very new to networking and would appreciate any help on the following...

I currently have a Desktop PC running Windows XP Home and would like to purchase a laptop and connect them together using a wireless network and share files/broadband internet.

However, I would like to be able to shut my desktop away in a cupboard, leaving it connected to my hifi and tv to play music stored on it. By using Remote Desktop Connection I would then like to operate this main PC from my laptop (a bit like a remote control) as though I was sitting in front of the desktop pc itself.

Is this possible in this way, or does anyone recommend anything else. Other threads talk about remote desktop connection via the internet, but I want to do it over a wireless home network (i.e. sit on the sofa and play music via my main PC).

Some threads I have read say I need XP Professional rather than Home - is this true. Would TightVNC work over a home network ? Would a program like pcAnywhere be an option ?

Any help appreciated. Many thanks.

Thread Closed.

Duplicate post in another thread, see <thread>:remote desktop

'Slo