Connecting to 2 Computers Remotely

How do I setup a successful network between these two computers? My main
desktop computer at my home network is running Windows Vista Business and my
second computer, my labtop at work is running Windows Vista Business?

How do I setup my main desktop computer at my home network as the server and
my labtop at work as the client?

I don't want to use remote desktop because that seems to decrease my
system's performance when connecting remotely.

[Home - Desktop] -------/FW/====Internet====/FW/------- [Work - Labtop]

Checklist for Home Desktop:
1. Logged in to router and forwarded port 80 (http) and port 3389 (remote
desktop)
2. Added a DNS Host that maps my hostname to my dynamic IP address that
updates automatically using No-Ip.Com's dynamic DNS update client.
3. Changed Windows Firewall to allow outside (http) and (remote desktop)
connections.
4. ???

Now what settings do I need to change in my home desktop:
Computer Name, Domain and Workgroup Settings???

How can I connect remotely with my labtop at work?

Whats the best method?