gdgt

Windows XP and 7 both come with a feature called "Remote Assistance" built in. Your mom just needs to send you an "invitation" to access her computer. Here's more information:

support.microsoft.com­/kb­/300546

+1 for Logmein.. if you are in a pinch and don't want to step them thru the install of logmein.. point them to join.me
Created by logmein but easier to setup for those one time sessions.

I use Teamviewer (Premium for me, but the default download install is free). Works, no issues I'm aware of.

I don't know whether Windows Live Mesh Remote Access works with XP, but Microsoft do offer this service as part of Live Mesh to allow remote access. This does need to be installed on the remote PC though, so seems to be more intended for use as an 'access my home machine from work' type of use and not support.

For Me I use Logmein.com Works Great Every time. I also have Logmein Ignition Running on my Droid

Logmein.com released a new web-based remote desktop solution called join.me. I think it is worth a look.

CrossLoop is also a good one, and has a free version for personal use. They just announced an Android app, but I'm not sure if it's available for use with the free version or not.

+1 for logmein. i use it for all of my family members.

CrossLoopConnect: easy, fast and secure as far as I can tell. Very helpful community.

I really like LogMeIn.

Use logmein.com - it's free, fast, and secure. I use this on my mom's computer so I can log in monthly and install patches, updates, etc.

If you want to share the screen for a brief time, I have been using join.me recently and it's GREAT!

Also, teamviewer is a fantastic free solution. It requires a client install though.

I use GoToAssist. I have tried them all and have had the best luck with GoToAssist.

I use CrossLoop and love it! I also just heard about join.me. It may be even easier. Good luck.

I'd say Teamviewer, it's free and easy to set up!

It looks like you already have plenty of great suggestions, but there's no harm in a couple more :)

I use two apps for remote desktop, but I only remote between computers in my own house (i.e. on my local network,, so I'm not sure how good these are over the internet.

Both of these are totally free.

One is UltraVNC. It's reliable, but a little laggy with slightly compromised graphics.

The other is Windows Live Mesh. WLM is great but has a couple of potentially showstopping issues - you need permission from the PC you are logging into (a user at the other PC needs to click a button to accept your remote login or you must wait 30 seconds to be auto logged in - for my personal use this is irritating). I also get some screen corruption if something is running full screen (e.g. Media Center) when I try to log in to a PC. On the plus side WLM is very fast and the graphics are almost as good as if you were sitting at the PC. If the two issues I mentioned don't affect you then I would highly recommend WLM as it's the best remote desktop I've ever used.

Though I've been super spoiled at work with access to Bomgar (weird name, pretty awesome remoting), my remote control software of choice for home use is logmein.

You could try Windows Live Mesh which has free remote access built in. All you need to do is install WLM on your Mom's computer and sign her in with a Live ID and then you can remotely access her computer at any time even if WLM is turned off.