Remote control of a device

A user of a remote computer accesses a target computer (e.g., the user's home PC) via the Internet. To initiate the protocol, the user launches an application which, via the Internet, sends a special request to the user's home e-mail address. If the home computer is not currently connected to the Internet, the user's Internet Service Provider (ISP) dials a telephone number for the home computer. The home computer automatically answers, and the ISP sends authentication information to the computer to establish an Internet connection. With the connection established, an IP address is sent back to the user, which can then be used to invoke X-10 functions, telnet sessions, or other activities with the target computer.