ssh -X to an actual open terminal
 

When you use Remote Desktop in Windows XP, by default it will open another instance of the user account requested. (If you have programs running at the computer being remotely accessed, those programs will not be shown on the remote desktop connection). However, if you give the "/console" argument on the command line, then the connection will open up with the console session (it will show all the programs currently being run, just as if you were still sitting in front of the computer.)

Now, I'm just wondering if there is a way to do this with the ssh -X command. Sure, I can open any program that is installed on that computer, but can I open the programs or, for that matter, xterms that are actually running at that moment in time? Could I use the ps command to show me the pids of what is open and somehow open it remotely?

This would be useful if you wanted to, say, check on the progress of an ongoing process. I just don't know if it is possible, and if so, how I would do it.

Take a look at screen:
man screen