Ubuntu Networking :: 10.10 Reverse X11vnc Color Depth Changes?

I have looked around and haven't had a lot of luck finding any information on this. I could be blind...but I'm not sure, haha.

I do a lot of remote support for my clients (I do PC repairs and training). I have recently starting suggesting to some of my basic users that they give Ubuntu a try. So far it has been very well received and they are loving it. The problem I am running into is that some of them use laptops in multiple places, and some use routers that are not easily configured. In each case it makes port forwarding a large pain in the behind to allow for remote access.

I have started using the X11vnc reverse connection and it has been working well, except for the fact that it is using high quality color depth (24bit I think?). I know when starting the connection from my end I can set the color depth, but is there any way to set the depth of a reverse connection?

Also, I understand that using just vnc over the Internet is not secure. I need to look into a decent guide to set up SSH tunneling for this. I don't suppose anyone knows of a good guide for 10.04 and 10.10?