you're right, they are different. so what do i need to do from here?
I think we are back to your original post, but with more info now.
".... The faq suggested I try port forwarding but the only help I could find for that seems to be if I have a router, which I don't. ..."
I think we've proven you are behind a router.
That FAQ you read was probably correct, in that for those programs to work properly, one or more ports need to be forwarded.
Therefore, you'd need to get access to that router and do that.
I know - - that is probably not the answer you wanted to hear.
If your landlord will allow you to access the router, you'd need the model number etc. Then you check your FAQ site for instructions. Also check
www.portforward.com - very well covered there.
To access my DSL modem/router, I just use a web browser and go to:
http://192.168.1.1To configure it, I need the username and password for my router. You can expect to need that for yours too.
If I were you, I would not get my hopes up. I doubt the landlord will allow it. How about if everyone that is connected through that router were to start doing a lot of downloading? .... the service to all would come to a crawl.
Whether or not there are any work-arounds for a situation like yours, I don't know. I'm not that much of a router guru.
Perhaps somebody else reading along here can jump in now. If I've overlooked something, this would be a good time for them to get in here and advise you.
By the way, whatever software you are using - does it have its own forum(s)? Check the website for the software.
If so, you can't be the only person in the world with your circumstances.
Maybe - just maybe - somebody else would have discussed it and proposed a solution. It's worth a shot.