MARCH 2004 MAXIMUMPC 59
MAKING THE CONNECTION
WHAT TO DO NEXT
At this point, your PC should be prepped and patiently wait-
ing for a connection. To log in, you need to open the Remote
Desktop Connection client on your remote PC. Go to Start,
Programs, Accessories, Communications, Remote Desktop
Connection. Input the IP address you want to connect to
(courtesy of IP Address Monster ) in the Computer field.
Then enter your username and password.
Now you’ll want to tweak a few settings to optimize your
remote experience. Whiz-bang features gobble up band-
width, so you should tune your settings to match your home
net connection. We recommend you start with a minimal
feature set. Press the Options button, then the Display tab.
Change the display settings to full-screen, 256-color. This
looks acceptable and consumes practically no bandwidth.
You’ll also want to browse to the Experience tab and change
the Performance setting to accurately reflect your home PC’sconnection speed.
Once you’ve tuned the connection a bit, you’re ready to
connect. Press the Connect key and you’re in!Switching to a
lower color resolu-
tion and a smaller
display area will
greatly minimize
the amount of data
that has to trans-
fer between your
computer and the
remote PC.At this point, you should be connected. You can run pro-
grams and manipulate files just like you’re sitting in
front of your PC. In fact, you can even use your PC’s e-
mail and web browsers. Do you want to start download-
ing Desert Combat now so you can start playing it when
you get home? That’s easy enough; just log into your PC
using Remote Desktop, open your web browser, and
download the file. It will be sitting on your machine wait-
ing for you as soon as you get home. If all your PCs are
running Windows XP Pro, and you enable drive-sharing
in the Local Resources tab, you can transfer files from
remote PC to local PC. You can even remotely transfer
files between local PCs on your home network. nOnce connected,
you can interact
with printer ports
and networked
hard drives. This
is a handy way
to delete those
“special interest”
videos you down-
loaded before your
wife finds them.Buying online is easy and convenient, but it can
be risky. Follow these guidelines to avoid a
consumer disaster!- Visit http://www.bbb.com and search the Better Business Bureau’s files
for complaints about the online retailer you’re considering. Then check
ResellerRatings.com , a site where consumers rate online stores. A
good record is generally enough to tell you that a store is reliable. Keep
in mind that every store will have a few registered complaints, so don’t
let one or two negative comments spook you. In fact, stores with too
many clean reviews raise our suspicions. - Read and print all of the store’s policies. What’s the return policy?
What is the restocking policy? How long will the store warranty a
product before you have to send it directly to the manufacturer? Is
there a restocking fee for DOA equipment?
3. Keep detailed records. When you buy online or have conversations
with customer service, write down whom you spoke to and when you
spoke to them. And get a confirmation number from your contact! If the
transactions are online, print out the confirmation information and keep
it in a safe place.
4. Use a credit card with a good fraud protection policy. Do not wire
payments, send cashier’s checks, or personal checks. A credit card
will protect you if the deal goes sideways. PayPal won’t.
5. If the deal does go bad, immediately call your credit card company
and reverse the transaction. Make sure you submit a reversal
request in writing before the credit card company’s deadline expires.
Unscrupulous stores will deliberately delay responding to your inquiries
until the deadline has passed.
—GORDON MAH UNGHOW-TO SHOP ONLINE, THE SAFE WAY