for linux you can use xterm, or for windows you can use the built in RDP or a 3rd party such as my commented remote administrator; there are countless how-to's on remote desktop protocol stuff out there.... TV is just nice because they have a 3rd party reporting/relay server.
I tried different services and applications, but most of all I personally like TeamViewer. I think this is the most successful, stable and reliable solution for organizing a remote desktop.