What are my options for Remote Desktop in a linux environment

Are you tempting into windows machines? If so you can use rdesktop or freedrp.

If you want remote desktop access to other Linux machines you can use VNC.

How would I VNC into my machine if it doesn't have a public IP address. I'm trying to remote into my linux machine from work.

If you haven't already, you had better check with your network guys at the office. Many companies do not allow remote desktop connections for security reasons, and of those that do, some actually have specific requirements for what software can be used.

Kaufmed is correct. Not only is there most likely a policy against it, but even if there isn't you will need someone to create firewall rules for you to accomplish VNC from home.

What is it you want to do on your home system.
One option is to use ssh to establishaconnection withX-windows, xming on the local workstation, you can send any graphical interface from the remote home system to the workstation.
As others pointed out, network policy could prevent......

VNC will definitely need ports to be forwarded through your firewall, most company will not allow this, never mind no company will allow it, without it being a work computer with their remote software running on it.
Check with IT to make sure you're not breaking any policy.

Usually VNC uses port 5901, so ask your IT-support to open this port into your Linux workstation at work. Also ask the IT-support to supply you with the public IP into your Linux workstation.

Another option can be to use Teamviewer.com or Dameware to do a reverse connection into your Linux workstation. This requires you to first start the connection from the Linux machine at work.

Hi jjimen,

On your linux box:

make sure you have VNC server installed.

make sure your VNC server is running.
You should be able to find the open port using the command: netstat -naop | grep tcp | grep LIST | grep 59

make sure your iptables firewall is either disabled or configured to accept inbound connections.
the command: service iptables status, usually shows the configured ports and the iptables status.

On your router:
make sure your home router is forwarding external traffic to your linux machine. Usually this is done using some form of NAT (network adress translation) service. Review your routers documentation on how to achieve this.

Make sure you are using the correct external IP. You can simply google: whatsmyip to find the correct address. Some ISPs will periodically change your external IP. Websites like 'no-ip' offer DNS services to solve this problem.

Additionally
On your linux box (evidently) an (X) desktop should be available.

Hope this is helpfull ;-)

Make the communication secure, use SSH tunnel to encrypt the communication between VNC server and the client.
http://remote-desktop-software-review.toptenreviews.com/
http://www.linux-magazine.com/w3/issue/85/Remote_Access_with_VNC.pdf
http://www.linux-magazine.com/w3/issue/97/036-039_rdp.pdf
http://www.skullbox.net/vncserver.php

Teamviewer will work, bypass all firewall function and is encryted