Unwanted Internet Logoff

Hi everyone, I just joined this forum today because I am having a major problem with my PC. Here's the scenario:

The internet connection that's used around the household here is SBC Yahoo DSL. The PC uses Windows XP, and there is a Mac laptop that also uses the connection. The connection is through a Wireless airport for the Mac. Now, for the past 2 1/2 years, there has been almost no apparent problem with the internet connections. As of perhaps a month or 2 ago, my PC seems to be having a problem of some sort. When the computer has been on for a while, the internet connection suddenly goes down and I reboot. After a reboot, the Mac shows no problems while surfing. However, with the PC, the internet connection always seems to shut down for some reason. I've done virus scans with McAfee a couple of times, but that doesn't seem to change or help anything. I've checked to see if my firewall on XP is installed, and indeed it is.

If anyone has any idea what could possibly going on, I'd greatly appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible. Could it be expired ethernet cards? MAC-PC incompatibility? A virus? Thank you in advanced for assistance to whoever I hear from.

Sincerely
-Kyle

 

If it worked for 2 1/2 years, I doubt its a sudden problem of Mac-PC incompatibility. Have you updated your antivirus and done spyware scans, using a program such as Spysweeper or Adaware? What kind of systems are you using, like what are the specs. of the Mac and PC ?

Recently, have you done anything that might change settings, like install Service Pack 2 or any certain Hotfixes from Microsoft that might have changed settings or "upset" your computer?