Universities can use various programs to detect p2p programs & either shape or block them. Similar to how some ISP's use them. Here's an example of how a p2p bandwidth shaper can work against Gnutella: Bandwidth Shaper Sample - typical of how some ISP's use it (click on link) ie: giving priority to net surfing & low priorities to p2p sharing. One of the main reasons universities are blocking or shaping p2p is that they pay a lot of money for the bandwidth, & p2p programs tend to eat up a lot of bandwidth. Similar reason why some ISP's have been "secretly" shaping or blocking p2p.

Some tools to help with safety are Peerguardian (FREE) & I guess also http://www.gnutellaforums.com/open-d...-limewire.html though the latter is more-so for just blocking spammers. PeerGuardian will help prevent unauthorised entry to your computer by known agencies. Examples of organisations that are sponsored by the RIAA, etc. to spam the p2p networks are Overpeers, __ MediaSentry, __ Mediadefender (this company recently embarrassed themselves ... read for details).

AFAIK some authorities such as the RIAA, MPAA, etc. try to track those who share large quantities of copyright files. Then attempt to get evidence via the person's ISP. Whether the ISP is forthcoming though is something else. Depends what country for a start since their authority is limited & they may need to go thru legal proceedings to obtain such information. Experience has shown these organisations try to use the propoganda thru public media with big exagerated stories of individuals being caught & summonsed. It is these stories that affect people like you, which suggests their propoganda trick has worked on at least people such as yourself. It is a battle that such organisations will never win. They can only hope to have an effect to help reduce copyright sharing.

The power of local authorities upon these issues varies according to country & each country has its own laws & approaches.

In my country, nobody has been sued for p2p sharing within our territory. But people have for a long time been taken to court for piracy. Piracy here is selling (making a profit out of) copyright materials where they did not own or pay copyright fees, licences, etc. Such as copying music or videos & selling them. There has been recent changes due to the trade agreement with USA, something we really didn't need.

Routers block a range of ports. Especially those typically used by the type of people who try to access other people's computers without them knowing. Software firewalls can also block ports, but also attempt to stop unauthorised programs accessing your computer. I am not a knowlege about the full purpose of these things. I hope this is at least a little helpful.

Hopefully other members will give their knowledge & opinions.