1.Yes, Standard freelancer has all the shields disco has. They are much different in power though.
2. One of the ini files has that info, I don't know which one anymore. Check out The Lancer's Reactor for specifics on that. They might have it posted, and if not one of their members can definately help you out with all these types of questions. I would be very surprised though if there was not a full guide up again.
Hmm, where have I come? Why does it seem so familiar to this one?