I installed a program provided by LogMeIn.com on the laptop last night, and it really works! I can now connect to the laptop at home from my computer here at work, and it appears I can remotely make it do everything I could do while sitting right in front of it.

...Hmmm.... need to try a reboot and see if I lose contact.

So I can begin installing the web cam software and trying out the new camera. Progress! cool