Can you surf the net and download with the XBOX 360 and PS3 making your normal internet connection useless?

Question

Wondering if I could simply use their network for all online needs or if it is strictly a network for their gaming community.

Answer 1

Both consoles use an existing Internet connection of your home. They don't provide their own service. So for example you cannot cancel AOL and hope to surf the net through your console.

"Their network" as you describe it, is only a part of the whole internet. And you need to provide the console a way to the internet. How is not important. It just has to be a broadband Internet connection.
They don't disrupt your Internet surfing while you play so you can play games while another person can still surf the Internet on your PC without problems.

Answer 2

For the 360, the only thing on the net you CAN do is Chat and Download demos, movies, backgrounds, avatars, ect. For PS3 it's basically the same thing so, our normal internet days are not ruined.