Just as an experiment, downld a magnet link from here http://www.magnetmix.com/video.shtml
Tell us what happens. What speeds do you get?

Also, whilst LW is not open, do a speed test. Choose nearest location for a speed test & only have your browser open: http://www.t1shopper.com/tools/speedtest/

Your incoming report being false suggests you're firewalled somewhere. Either your Software firewall or your connection device. Yes this can make a difference to speeds.

BTW I'm a little curious why you use JDK Java & not JRE. Also, Java 1.5 would be more efficient unless you have a system clash with it.

Your problem is probably school. Many limit or block p2p. You'll have to talk to your school's computer admin about it...find out what their policy is;)

Do others on the LAN use any p2p??

Excellent point birdy. Here's an example of how a p2p bandwidth shaper can work against Gnutella: Bandwidth Shaper Sample - typical of how some schools use it (click on link) ie: giving priority to net surfing & low priorities to p2p sharing. This example is from a university/college. Most schools block p2p totally nowadays.

Well I can't really download anything from magnetmix right now because everything that I've tried needs more sources.
The speed test showed 453 kbps download speed and 502 upload speed.
And Birdy, I'm not living in the university's residence hall.It's private accomodation and I'm afraid that if I ask for more details about the connection they just won't really know to tell me!But I'll try, you never know!

That's a very bad sign. Magnet links are from a server. It looks to me like you're being shaped for p2p use!!!

Try connecting using a different port. It might not make any difference but worth a try. Here's a few to try: 1111, 3500, 80, 1203, 10000, 15189, 20282, 443, 427, 34599, 64049

ie: Go to LW's menu bar, Tools>Options>Advanced>Firewalls & set it for manual port forward & change both the listening & connection ports to one of above & press apply. Then reconnect with LW. Give each one plenty of time & try downlding. If you are being shaped for p2p, then perhaps there's a small chance they're only shaping one or some ports.