Vista - help! why cannot remote connect XP laptop to Vista Home PC?

I knew Vista Home does not allow remote desktop connection to it.
I followed some online hack and install some Terminal Service hack
file.
It worked when my laptop Windows XP sits close to the Vista HOME PC,
when the laptop is using wireless and the Vista is using Internet LAN
connection. I made sure my Kaspasky Internet Security Firewall is open
for RDP port.
But the moment when I move out of my home, and bring the laptop to an
outside network, I cann't connect to the Vista Home PC anymore.
Any thoughts?
If RDP to Vista is not an option. What is the next best remote
connection software that allows smooth file transform and clipboard
transfer, as seamless as RDP?
Thanks!

> Okay! I have no way of configuring the router.It's your router, in your home, why can't you configure it?

Are you interested in remote controlling your home PC console session? If
so then look into something like logmein.com

And don't shot-gun questions to a dozen different groups. Pick one. It's
just rude otherwise.

-Bill Kearney