internet connections with second hard drive
 

I have 40gb hard drive running xp and want to add a second hard drive running a linux operating system( ubuntu or openSuse )I want to connect to the internet (Tiscali through thompson speedtouch 330)Is it possible to set this up so that I have direct access to net from the slave drive running linux. How do I do it if it can be done.I hope to eventualy become proficient enough not to rely on ms. but need to keep windows for some applications.

Are you planning to use Linux within Windows via VM server or dual boot? If dual boot, it's depend on your network setting. If your router is setup to provide DHCP then you should be ok. Otherwise, you will need to configure your NIC with an IP.

My idea was to run linux on the slave drive, using it as the internet connection so that when xp is no longer suported with security updates. I can maintain secure net use without purchasing new versions of windows. As yet I have no idea which is the best method or even if it can be done.
my current broadband provider is tiscali. I have many important contacts who use windows, and do not want to lose these.I am open to working suggestions being new to linux.
regards and thanks for help.

My idea was to run linux on the slave drive, using it as the internet connection so that when xp is no longer suported with security updates. I can maintain secure net use without purchasing new versions of windows. As yet I have no idea which is the best method or even if it can be done.
my current broadband provider is tiscali. I have many important contacts who use windows, and do not want to lose these.I am open to working suggestions being new to linux.
regards and thanks for help.