Remote desktop and VPN are different - RDP controls computers remotely, VPN connects to a home network. Choose a remote desktop app like TeamViewer, RustDesk, or Chrome Remote Desktop for easy access.
Ethernet ports are usually just relegated to connecting computers to routers to facilitate an internet connection, but they're capable of much more than that.
Remote access — the ability to control a computer from a different location over the network — might not be something you need to use every day. However, it does come in handy in certain situations.
Can you really get a Windows PC running like new again? Using this free tool from Microsoft, you can get pretty close.
How to fully back up your Windows PC for free (even if it's working properly today) ...