I get questions from friends about their computer and would like to offer them setting themselves up so that I can access their computer.

I understand that they need to install logmein free, but where do they go from there to allow themselves to be accessed by me?

Thanks!

For my parents and family who all own XP I simply use the Remote Assistance. Here is a link I use to help me and them set it up:
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/wxprmass.html

Sorry if I'm a little off-topic.

Wow, when did they add remote assistance to XP Home Edition? I remember trying it - probably a year or more ago - and learning that it required XP Pro.

Need beat me to it.
The easiest thing to do is just to use the inbuilt functionality in MSN Messenger.
Works a treat.

I see. Ok, that's two options. Thanks!

Now, which one would be the easiest one for me to direct a Novice to - as far as ease of setup and use?

I've used it when connecting to two XP Home computers. Now that most people have broadband it works quite well. To be honest I have not used it since we all installed wireless routers/gateways so I'm not sure if that becomes an issue.

The good thing about using the messenger one is that it ensure all the correct ports are open and it's pretty easy.
It uses the same connection info as remote assistance, but tends to be a little easier to connect.

Remote Assistance was always in XP Home as a host, but you needed XP Pro to connect as the remote.

I see. So currently, then, XP Home can connect as remote?

No, XP Home can be a host, meaning an XP Pro machine can connect to them.

Thanks. That knocks it out of my possibilities, then because my goal is to connect to someone else's computer, and my main computer has XP Home.

You can do it with both users having XP Home, I've done it.
See here: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=300546

Thanks! I'll have my wife or kids try it from home and see how it goes.

... and next time I'm out http://www.lunarforums.com/forum/Smileys/default/beer.gif with BG I'll let him know that MS needs to get their act together on this feature :p