Can I hook my laptop up to my desktop?

Question

I need to access my desktop which the monitor has gone out, can I use my laptop to use my desktop tower?

Answer 1

Good and bad news.
Yes you can access your desktop from your notebook. It is easy and quick to setup.
Bad news. You need a working monitor to setup the connection.
If you have a used computer store used 15" monitors are going for about $15+tax. Check your local Goodwill.

Answer 2

If you have a remote control software installed on your desktop (like DoubleVision or PC Anywhere), you could take control of the desktop using the laptop and would be able to see what was on the desktop.

Also, if you had set up any shared directories, you could network the machines together and then access any of the folders that are shared.

However, I am not familiar with any way for you to use the laptop's monitor so that it shows the desktop contents...in other words using the laptop only as a monitor for the desktop...don't think so.

If you are planning to have the desktop monitor repaired, then perhaps you can ask the store where you are having it repaired if they will loan or lease you a monitor while yours is being fixed.

If you are just going to go out and buy a replacement monitor, then I would not waste time trying to get the laptop to talk to the desktop and just go buy it. Now is the time - probably still some after Christmas sales going on.