Net sucking up system resources
 

I have noticed that when I am connected to the net, the CPU Usage jumps from 1% to around 45 - 50%. This is in Windows XP Professional. Does this happen for everyone and is there a way to stop this from happening?

You are, as they say, "owned". Your computer is doing things for someone else.

Look into decent firewall and anti-virus packages.

when was the last time you updated your comp? Are you running any Anti-virus? Do you have a firewall.
If no to updated or don't know, ya need to keep up with it. There are so many things floating around the net now that if you slack behind on an update, you'll get hammered.
If no to Anti-virus. Do a quick scan at http://housecall.trendmicro.com. Then after, go out and dl a virus scanner such as AVG
If no to the firewall, you can use the free edition of Zone Alarm and you'll be better off then you are now.

Whats the general consensus on the firewall that comes with Windows XP Pro? I have that set up at the moment, am I wasting my time?