Windows to Linux

 IJ> Sorry, the Linux GUI is the only thing that's going to save me on this
 IJ> project.  
 IJ> 
 IJ> If I understand things things correctly I have XRDP on my Linux machine
 IJ> and I use Microsoft's Remote Desktop App to connect.
 IJ> 
 IJ> Is this so??

Correct. I've only setup XRDP when using mate as the desktop, but I'm sure 
their is guides that show how to tie it into desktop enviroments like Gnome. 

XVNC works just fine too. But something to keep in mind that newer versions of 
Gnome have built in functions. You just turn it on in the settings menu.