Multiple users simultainiosly

pretty much as many usernames/passwords as you want. you can only have one user logged on at a time though.

"this computer" is what?

XP has a 10 connection limit, Win 7 has a 20 I think, Server is based on the CAL licenses you buy. And what you use it for will affect how much RAM, CPU, drive speed you need.

I have an HP PAVILLION, with a Pentium Dual core. Not sure about other specs, and regardless it appears not possible. How big, or type do I need. I have a wife and daughter in school,& myself. Or would getting separate p/c's be more economical?

What are you trying to do here? Just share a PC with others? Share data? You can't all use that computer at once is that is what you are trying to do.

I was thinking about having two people using the p/c simul., one doing a writing assignment, while a second might be surfing or facebooking. but I'm beginning to see that p/c means personal computer, not plenty computer

You can't have 2 people use the same computer at the same time with any ease. You need a server for that or a 3rd party device. http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/use-one-computer-comput...

A second computer/laptop is much easier.

Thank you. I was already leaning that way, less head aches etc., and thanks again.