This might be a dumb question but everything I have read talks about the ability to listen remotely to your scanner using a smart phone or tablet.
So I am wondering if I will be able to access my scanner from my work computer (desktop) without having to install any software on the receiving computer?
Those remote listeners are folks that are taking advantage of folks with scanners that dedicate one or more (at times many more than one) to feed acceptable signals from their area to be picked up using one of those scanner apps on a smart phone or tablet. If you dedicate your scanner (and a computer) to providing a feed, you could indeed monitor your scanner from your phone, tablet, or even a computer. Be aware that this dedication is important and what that scanner is programmed to pick up is limited by the TOS (terms of service).
The scanner and computer needs to be dedicated since you agree to feed specific stuff and can't just change things at your whim. It also must be available 24/7/365 (or as close to that as possible). Details on becoming a provider is here -->
Becoming a Feed Provider - The RadioReference Wiki
Although an applet is required on most smart phones or tablets, on a PC all you generally need is a browser. Be aware that often workplaces restrict what they allow browsers on their network can access so although the feed is freely available to all, it may be blocked by your employer's internet connection firewalls.
