to all you networkers out there

I have a question how can I set up a network from one pc to another without buying software such as p.c anywhere? ie without dialing up to a p.c is it possible through the interne?. And if it is, is it possible to gain access when one computer is not online? any detailed info. is appreciated. The os will be xp. G'day

 

Removed post, wrong wire

 

Windows XP has Remote Desktop built in, but you can use something such as TightVNC, too, which also does nearly the same things as PCAnywhere (PCAnywhere has better support for Active Directory security and so forth.)