Detection of File Sharing by Authorities
 

Hi,

I'm on a university network in England and have been downloading software through vuze since last October.

Last week the college authorities disconnected me from the network because they detected that I had been using file sharing software (specifically, downloading windows xp). As a result I have been fined 100 pounds. I also had to meet the dean and explain myself. Now, I told him that I required winXP for my dissertation (I use a Mac). So he said I should tell this to the computing services to see if they will remove the fine, since I had a 'good' reason for using file sharing software!!!

Now my question is this: If I go to the computing services and plead my case, is there any chance that they have a log of all the stuff I downloaded in the last couple of months? Or can they only see what I'm downloading while it is happening? Because as you can probably understand, I don't want to be fined anymore if they find out about all the other stuff I've been downloading!

So, anyone who's in the know, what do you think? Should I go to the IT officer and risk being completely found out? Or just leave it and settle with a fine for one offence?

OUCH!
Yes I also use a mac. I use windows xp & 2000 on my mac via using Parallels. Parallels is superior to mac's bootcamp for a couple reasons. (1) You do not need to reboot to start up windows. (2) Parallels supports 64 bit Windows XP, Bootcamp does not. (3) Can easily drag & drop files across between windows & mac interfaces, even share programs with each. (4) Can run multiple windows at same time (I have 2 x XP & 1 x 2000 installations, though Parallels does not officially support 2000.) Parallels is a virtual OS, similar to Virtual PC, except far superior & more advanced. Parallels 4 uses less ram & cpu, easily configurable according to your system, unlike other virtual OS softwares. Parallels is fast, unlike the older Virtual PC. (5) Parallel's virtual OS's can be moved to other machines that run Parallels.

As for your questions. A difficult one. I cannot give definitive answers myself. The University's ISP would have some kind of record. However that would require massive work to scour & research it. Not sure they would be willing to put the multiple man power & time required into it. And then, not sure they'd be able to prove any such files came from you yourself, depends on the logging records for each computer terminal on their network at the university itself.

You could possibly sound out some light testing questions with some of the university network tech staff.

Someone else might have experience & knowledge at this. Pity et voilà is not helping out on these forums any more. He works/worked at a university, so would have more knowledge about the options.