VNC vs. Windows Managers

What i've Learned today: vncviewer doesn't like pretty windows.
So, if you haven't heard, i built my MobileComputer.. and because of how it is set up on the ceiling and the top of my shelves.. its a pain to work on directly.
Thank god i'm running a linux distro with VNC installed by default...
Well the last hour or so i've been fking with settings on the laptop and on the mobilecomputer trying to get my remote desktop to work:
symptom: i can connect but it seems like i cannot interact with the server machine. well.. then i brought the laptop into the bedroom and lo and behold.. i was controlling the server.. the vncclient just NEVER REFRESHED THE PICTURE...
so to make a long story short.. the trick was disabling Compix on the server and beryl on the laptop.. and now i am successfully composing this blog via VNCViewer.
Ugh.

PS.. to make it work.. i just turned off the "Desktop Effects" on the server machine and selected MetaCity as my windows manager on the lappy.