Best remote desktop software?

[Dominus Atheos]

I want to be able access my computer from anywhere with an internet connection. I know about VNC, Remote Desktop/RDP, and LogMeIn.com but it seems like each of those has several differing implementations that might cost money or not be compatible with my computer or the computer I'm at (AKA client).

I have Windows 7 x64, and I may want to access my computer from OS's as old as XP Home or Ubuntu 8.04. what free method would work on all those?

[Starglider]

I don't know about 'best', but I use TightVNC, which is efficient, functional and free. Works fine on Windows and Linux, AFAIK no MacOS version though.

[Terralthra]

Seconding TightVNC.

[phongn]

Use RDP if you can; there are clients for Windows, Linux and MacOS X. Authentication is also more secure than VNC.

[Lord MJ]

Logmein should be compatible with your OS.

If you want to use RDP and you do not have a Static IP addres use something like DynDNS (dyndns.org) to create a hostname you can connect to.

[Ariphaos]

I updated a Java version of RDC to work as an applet, if you're interested I can dig it out - but I generally use TightVNC.

[Netko]

Logmein should be compatible with your OS.

If you want to use RDP and you do not have a Static IP addres use something like DynDNS (dyndns.org) to create a hostname you can connect to.

If you have a Windows Home Server, that automates pretty much all the crap associated with setting up an externally available RDP that is usually present. With WHS, one can just login to their server's page (*.homeserver.com), and then get a RDP session for any computer added to it and running a supported Windows version (ie. Pro, Business etc.). I think it works with a ActiveX control, however, so non-Windows clients have to use the old-fashioned manual setups.

[Dominus Atheos]

RDP rox0rs. I thought RDP wasn't supported on Home, but it does have a client which works great. TSClient works great on Linux, and is apparently included in most distros.