Computer EXTREMELY slow when downloading...need help

[slickr4]

Hey guys...i'm currently running WINXP and have been having the same problem for a long time now (2 years).

I have road runner high speed cable internet, but when I download anything, for example on a p2p program, my computer becomes slow and the internet becomes almost unusable. Forget trying to play an online game, because it will lag me right out. When I'm not downloading anything, the computer runs fast and so does the internet. I know I shouldn't be at a standstill while downloading something...but i just can't figure out what to do. Here are my specs:

Athlon 3000+ on an epox 8kd83j motherboard
1 gb ram
toshiba cable modem, dlink wireless gaming lounge router 108mbs, netgear wg311t wireless adapter.

let me know if you need any other information...or if you have any advice...thanks!

 

[Nocturnal]

Unfortunately your internet speed has nothing to do with your computer speed. When you run a p2p program you are probably uploading as well as downloading at the same time. While maxing out your upload you're connection will become unbearably slow. I know when I run torrents and I am maxing out my upload my download or web browsing comes to a halt.

 

[JRock]

Not only could your connection be throttled but the overhead of most p2p applications is almost rediculous.