Connecting to Xbox Live

So you've got an Xbox 360, you've got an internet connection set up, but, you still have no clue what this thing called Xbox Live is - keep reading. This is the world wide forum of Xbox videogame entertainment: there is always something to do, someone to meet, and a reason for being there when you’re at the brink of insanity! The greatest part about Xbox Live is that you get your very own unique identification, your gamer card. With is you'll be able to interact with your opponents, or coordinate attacks with your friends.

Now, that little bit is just touching the base, there’s so much more to it than that! Well, here at GXN – we will supply you with an in depth step by step process of how it’s done!

Down to the Nitty Gritty...

The first thing that you should do is make sure that you have your Xbox 360 set up (If you’re having problems, check our article Temporry Fix). Then, you’re going to want to make sure that you’ve got your internet connection up and running through your Xbox 360 (If you’re having problems, then view our Networking Guide). This usually requires some home networking, and definitely requires you to have a broadband connection - either a cable or DSL will work fine.

Now, your actually going to need some key things such as a credit card and or a subscription card, and an MSN Passport account (if you don't have one already, you will be able to create one in creating your Gamertag). If you don’t have some of these features, then you’re going to need to get them in order to set up Live on your Xbox 360.

I've got it all...

Now we can start setting up your account. Its time to turn on your system, and go straight to the Xbox Dashboard (simply start your Xbox 360 up without a game, or use the Guide Button and press "Y"). You’ll want to look around, and find your Xbox Live account area (Join Xbox Live on the 360), where you can change, create, and delete your Live accounts.

The first thing you’re going to have to do is: Create your gamer tag, be creative, be original, and most of all is yourself. It takes lots of time and consideration to decide what you want to be known as and remember, once you’ve chosen this name, it’s yours forever (or you can change it for 800 Microsoft Points, the currency Microsoft uses for purchasing items through Xbox Live*).

Next, you will be asked to log into your MSN Passport account. If you have a Passport account, you should already know what to do, and will be on your way. If not, you will be asked to create a new account. You first will be asked for your Locale, Language, and Date of Birth. Continuing, an email address is required. Don't worry, if you don't have an email address you can set one up with Google, or create a Hotmail account. The next set of questions is for a password, do this and don't forget it!

Next, enter the last bits of information - Your first and lase name, and phone number. And finally accept the rather long Terms of Use Privacy statement (read it *cough*) so you can be on your way.

You’re going to be asked if you want to setup an Xbox Live Gold or Silver Account. What this means is that if you choose a Gold account, then you’re going to be able to experience all the greatest features of Xbox Live and play games with your buddies. If you choose Silver, then you can do everything, BUT you can’t play any “Live” games with friends. You can utilize everything, except doing online multiplayer. This is great if you have any doubts on the true power of Xbox Live, and most of all this is free! For Xbox Live Gold status, you will need to dish out either $7.99/1 month, $19.99/3 months, or pay the full year (best value) $49.99/1 year. For Silver (you'll see it if you scroll down the choices of payment options), you won't pay a thing because its free; however you'll need to sacrifice online multiplayer. Choose wisely!

Need help choosing? For starters, start with Silver especially if you are new to the service and wish to probe it out. Silver will get you the basics:

• Create your gamer profile
• Create and maintain a friends list
• Access Xbox Live Marketplace including Xbox Live Arcade, demos, and trailers
• Send and receive text and voice messages
• Join in special Xbox Live Gold trial opportunities
• Access massively multiplayer games

A Gold account will get you some more stuff:

• Great online multiplayer gameplay
• Exclusive Xbox Live Marketplace downloads and content
• Revolutionary TrueSkill™ matchmaking
• Enhanced gamer feedback
• Enhanced friends list management

Once you’re done choosing, you might get a message saying you are eligible for 1 month of Xbox Live Gold (free)**. Continuing, it will ask for contact details (Address, City, State). Enter those in, and you will go on to customizing your gamertag (Read our Customizing your Profile article for more on this).

* Microsoft Points are the currency on Xbox Live Marketplace. It is used to purchase themes, gamer pictures, and of course change your gamertag. Most themes cost 150 Microsoft Points, while gamer pictures cost only 20 on average. For reference, $1 USD is equal to 80 Microsoft Points.

** You may recieve 1 month free if your Xbox 360 system is new, and you haven't already used the 1 month on a different account. Only new Xbox 360 Premium packages come with this option.

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