Setting up Remote Access over a home network?

Question

So I have two computers; one desktop and one laptop. Both of these computers are running Ubuntu 11.10, and both are connected to the same wireless network. What I want to do is set things up to where I can use my laptop to remote access my desktop, from another room. I don't need to be able to access it away from home, just to be able to control my desktop while sitting on the couch in another room.

Since I'm fairly new to Linux, I have pretty much no idea how to go about setting this up. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Ubuntu includes VNC server and client

Search for Desktop

The configuration dialog looks like this

Be sure to use a strong password and disable UPNP on your router.

Connect with the viewer using your ip address.

Answer 2

After setting up the server (following bodhi.zazen screenshots). Install remmina and give it a try ( imho the best client i've found so far ).

sudo apt-get install remmina

Remmina supports VNC, RDP, ssh, so you will be able to control Windows machines via RDP as well.