Remote access to my file server (media storage): works within LAN, but not outside

[pimpin]

I have built a PC which is currently using Linux and is primarily a file server. it is hooked up to my home network (all other PC's are using Windows XP Pro)and i can access it through my WDTV HD Live box which allows me to play media files both audio and video on my tv and through my stereo.

I am interested in giving my brother access to the network so he to can access the media storage files and I would also like to have access to same while i travel. Not to mention having access to other files etc remotely would be a big help.

I am using a Linksys wireless router (all media connection are hard wired though) and have tried to configure that to allow external access to the network but despite having the IP address etc I still can not get past step one with this set up. I am using VNC to access the Linux "server" from my PC and that works within the LAN but again not off the network. all i want to do is allow my friends family and my travelling self to access the "Myshares" files. How do I go about setting this up? Thanx!

Do you have a static IP?
Are you behind a NAT?

TeamViewer and Qnext allow to access PCs remotely. Both solutions allow you not to worry about firewalls, IP addresses and NAT.