An ODBC connection can be created on a Windows XP machine using a method called a DSN. A data source name (DSN) saves the ODBC setting on the computer, so you don’t need to continually reset the configurations. This is beneficial for programmers and administrators who need the computer to consistently connect to the same connection for a particular application. The settings for an ODBC connection is accomplished from the Windows control panel. Tips Writer Bio

How to Set Up an ODBC Connection to a Remote Machine - 58