[NTLUG:Discuss] MS RDP(remote desktop protocol)

[STEVE MARTINDELL]

I've been running VPN from Linux at home to my office for several months
with some succes. Main problem is the company only has a ~256Kbps line
into the office.  (due to no cable, no DSL in area and company is too
strapped to get a proper T1 connection).
The Unix-Xwindows-based IC design work I do needs a lot of bandwidth.
Response time and redraws for any interactive commands are 2-3 times longer
than being at work.

A co-worker just tried Microsoft RDP(remote desktop protocol) using 
Windows-XP
from home. He VPN connected to his Windows-XP workstation at work, and then
started the X-terminal emulator there, which allows access to the 
Unix-based
IC CAD software.  All interactive commands were almost instantaneous, just
like being at work!

So what is Windows RDP thru VPN doing(compression/caching?) that allows 
it to
display the same X-windows data so much faster than a Linux-to-Unix VPN
connection?

Is RDP doing what LBX(low-bandwidth-X) does for Xwindows?
I've tried LBX and didn't have much luck.

Is there anything else similar to RDP in Linux/Unix?

If not, I may have to go back to running XP from home.

       -steve