Control CPU on Network from other CPU

Good Morning:
I just purchased a new Dell to replace a 12 year old unit running XP. The old unit has a ton of data on it that I need access to and as such I have put it on my home network so files can be transferred as needed to the new unit. I have this working without issue. The entire Directory Structure is available.
I have set up the new system and intend to work from it alone. However, I would like to be able to access the old Dell just like the keyboard I am currently typing on was attached to it. I need to do this so I can make sure that all the Protection Software and XP Updates are installed as I make this migration. I also want to be able to turn off that unit when I don't need access to it. The new system is running Win 8.1.
I was hoping for some thoughts/experience as I work on setting this up. My initial thought is "Allow remote access" but as I have not set this up in Windows before I wanted to post to see what the experts thoughts might be. Thanks in advance.
TAPS

 

Install Teamviewer on both machines and set it for LAN access only. That will do exactly what you want.

 

Thanks much.
Downloaded and it seems to do exactly what I need. You stated "Set for LAN Access Only". I did not see this exact setting configuration. I see the LAN Configuration and am thinking I should set it to "accept exclusively" but would appreciate confirmation.
I'm thinking both the new and old machine would be set up the same.
Again thanks for the feedback.
TAPS

 

Yes, that's the correct setting unless you may want later to access either machine from some other location. I've used Teamviewer for years on my LAN and can't imagine what I would do without it.

 

After I wrote that I thought it would probably be handy to access the new unit remotely and just keep the old XP local only. I'll work with it and see.
You did so well on the last question maybe you can explain what the hell they were thinking with this new Win 8.1 OS cluster screw. I running round in circles trying to do basic stuff.
Again, thanks for the assistance. I'm sure I'll come to grips with it in time.
Enjoy the weekend.

 

Yeah, you will soon adjust to it. I set mine up as a dual boot with 7 Pro and soon found I was using 8 Pro in preference, mainly because on my systems it's so much quicker. It's also been very stable.