New at network kinda thing.

[computer_pirson]

So I am buying my own computer and I plan on setting it up on a network with my parents computer. Both will be running Windows XP. I am going to run a wired one because it is faster and less costly. I just have a couple of questions.

1. Will the internet connection be split in half? Because my current fastest download speed is like 90 KB/s and I was wondering if when I put it in a network will it just make each computers highest internet speed 45 KB/s.

2. Will I have to share my hard drive with the one on my parents computer?
I would rather they not be able to look through my files, but I would rather not put a password on my computer either.

Thats all. I appreciate any help that anyone has and if you have suggestions of hardware I could use please tell me as I haven't purchased it yet. Thanks.

 

[Trizoy]

So I am buying my own computer and I plan on setting it up on a network with my parents computer. Both will be running Windows XP. I am going to run a wired one because it is faster and less costly. I just have a couple of questions.

1. Will the internet connection be split in half? Because my current fastest download speed is like 90 KB/s and I was wondering if when I put it in a network will it just make each computers highest internet speed 45 KB/s.

2. Will I have to share my hard drive with the one on my parents computer?
I would rather they not be able to look through my files, but I would rather not put a password on my computer either.

Thats all. I appreciate any help that anyone has and if you have suggestions of hardware I could use please tell me as I haven't purchased it yet. Thanks.

1. If both computers are running at exactly the same time, they willl slow each other down... YES.. But if only one is being used it will get the full bandwidth. (browsing the internet on both PC will not slow it down at all)

2. You choose what you want to share in the network. You need to right click on a folder, or a hard drive and enable it to be viewed.

Were you going to purchase a router online? Do you already get a modem with your isp?

 

[computer_pirson]

I already have a modem with my isp. I just need a hub and cables....because both computers have an RJ-45 hook up so I don't need that. I'm not going to buy online cause I don't trust delivery stuff that much.

Thanks and any product recommendations are appreciated.