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Old March 18th, 2004
stief stief is offline
A reader, not an expert
 
Join Date: January 11th, 2003
Location: Canada
Posts: 4,613
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Someone who knows Windows will have to help (I'm on OSX), but that test told you that your computer couldn't make a connection through port 6346, the default gnutella port.

Where's the block? Whoever controls your access to the internet

1. Firewalls and other very valuable anti-virus software--how to set them up will vary depending on your OS and versions, so posting the specifics can catch the attention of others who have a similar setup.
2. Home Routers--they are a popular way to hook up home networks, and most have the very necessary built in blocks, which are not easy to configure. Post the specs if you use one, and again, someone might recognize the model and have some experience to share.

3. Try another port. Look for the links to other ports in Ursula's signature--they're in the Tips and Tricks Forum.

Beyond those three options the problem gets really messy, and ball is in the coders and business managers (who have used up most of the easier solutions) who put out your software and the network admins who provide the wiring and switches that make up the internet.

Here's a horribly simplified version of what else can be attempted for those who have given up on easy downloads and just are interested in the filesharing.

The wires (usually) run to upstream routers and other controls--run by network admins, usually the ISP or work/school people. There are businesses who sell p2p controls to networks, and their sales depend on convincing the ISPs that blocking p2p will solve many problems and save money. All you can do here is politely build up a relationship with these people, find out their policies, and try to get them to cooperate with your communication needs. After all, that's what they want to do, but there's a lot of FUD about the legitimacy of p2p. Once the wire is out of your home, the political problems become greater than the technical.

bottom line--support p2p developers who are the ones really trying to get you connected. Your network admins will be happy if you just browse the Web and do email, or pay them for downloading what they offer.

Cheers--sorry about the length, but this problem of connections gets me going.
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