Can I reprogram a laptop mini remote for my desktop?

So my laptop went dead this weekend so i took it apart. Well while taking it apart i discovered that dell (i know im bad for using dell) had like a mini remote that gives the basic media controls and also the ability to power off my laptop. Well I've had my laptop for over 4 yrs now and I'm a little pissed that i never new about this. So now i am wondering if I can program this Remote for my desktop because i would love to be able to control my desktop remotly. the remote is called a RC6