This is part of the User Guide
Direct Connect
Direct Connect With Another Person
Method 1: Browse Host Button
The easiest way to make a Direct Connect request is to select a host and click the "Browse Host" button (or right-click the host, then click Browse Host). This works on any search result, download, upload, or connection (in the Connections tab).
Method 2: Direct Connect Tab
Browse Host is not applicable in all situation, such as when you want to browse the files on a friend's computer that does not appear in your search results, downloads, uploads, or connections. In that case, you would use the Direct Connect tab. Ask your friend for his/her IP address and port number, and enter the information in the Direct Connect tab. Your friend can find his/her IP Address and port number through the Direct Connect tab (for example "69.114.222.33:46867" as show in the earlier graphic). Your friend won't be prompted to allow the direct connection; you will automatically connect when you click the "Direct Connect" button.
Receive Direct Connect Requests
To find out whether or not you are capable of receiving direct connect requests, go to your Direct Connect tab. The message "When your friends want to connect to you ..." signals that you can receive Direct Connections. If you are unable to accept Direct Connections, the message reads "Your computer is behind a firewall or router and cannot receive direct connections." This host can still make Direct Connections to other hosts as long as the receiving host is not firewalled. See the Can't Connect? page for more information on configuring your firewall.
Related Options
Sharing (Basic)
In the Sharing (Basic) section of the Options dialogue, you can find a listing of the folders on your hard drive that are currently shared on the Gnutella network. In the following graphic, three folders are shared, "C:\Users\Kirk\Shared","C:\Users\Kirk\Documents" , and "C:\Users\Kirk\Documents\My Music". The files contained in these folders are listed when another Gnutella user chooses to browse your shared files (see Monitor). BE CAREFUL NOT TO SHARE SENSITIVE INFORMATION SUCH AS TAX FORMS!
Advanced (Firewall Config)
For your friend to Direct Connect to you, he needs your IP Address and port number. You can double check and even change the port address through the Advanced (Firewall Config) section of the Options dialogue. You can also adjust the router settings to allow connections if applicable (see Can't Connect?).
