xbox 360 online question (1 Viewer)

[KarenHorn]

Keep in mind I'm a computer idiot. I am planning on buying my boys an XBOX 360 premium for Christmas and they have talked about wanting to sign up online with it. Anyway, we have DSL through SBC and I'm wondering what else I'll have to buy to get them online.

Please put it in idiot terms. I appreciate it! LOL

Karen

 

[Guest]

I'm pretty sure the network adapter is built into the XBox 360. If you don't already have a DSL router that lets you share your DSL connection among 2 or more computers, you will need one of those (about $40-50). If you do have the router, then you just plug the XBox into the router just like you would a computer.

 

[KarenHorn]

Ha, I think? I have a router. The boys had a computer that I bought a box thingy with an antenna that plugged into the tower and it allowed that computer to access the net wirelessly. I'm thinking that's what you're talking about.

As always, thanks for the advice Mike

Karen

 

[aggie4231]

what you described is a wireless router. the 360's dont come with wireless recievers, but you can buy them. or if close enough to your router, then you can run an ethernet cable to each 360 from the router.

 

[KarenHorn]

I know I have a DSL router because I bought the more expensive one from SBC specifically so I could use a wireless router at some point, so it sounds like I need to buy a wireless receiver?

 

[Timanator]

Some common 360 network Q's



Direct Connection

This is the fastest, easiest way to connect to Xbox Live. Choose a direct connection if:

* You want the easiest wayto set up and play on Xbox Live.
* You don't want to share your connection with your PC (or other device).

Router Connection

This is the best way to share your Internet service with your PC. Choose a router connection if:

* You want to share your high-speed Internet connection with your PC (or other device).
* Your cable or DSL modem supports an Ethernet connection.
* You want to be able to play on Xbox Live whether your PC is on or off.

Windows ICS Connection

This shared connection is best only if you have a USB or internal PCI modem. Choose a Windows ICS connection if:

* You want to share your high-speed Internet connection with your PC (or other device).
* Your cable or DSL modem uses a USB (not Ethernet) connection, or it is an internal PCI modem.
* You don't mind turning on your PC before playing games on Xbox Live.

Set Up Your Home Network

See the Guide to Home Networking to help you make a plan and purchase the right equipment for your home.

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/connecttolive/xbox/connectionmethods/intro.htm

 

[KarenHorn]

Thanks for the link! It doesn't seem to address the fact if you want your computer in one room and the XBOX on the opposite side of the house though. But I appreciate the link and I'll read more later when we're not running around like chickens without a head getting ready for church.

Karen

 

[Timanator]

Hey Karen

Most of this type of devices aren't made to be natively connected through wireless since MS is marketing the new X-box as a media center rather than an entertainment center most of us think of a gaming console.

It is their response to a Media ready PC without the OS. I think the best idea for you is to find a way to connect it with a Network cable(RJ45) or you may not get the desired results online.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the link! It doesn't seem to address the fact if you want your computer in one room and the XBOX on the opposite side of the house though. But I appreciate the link and I'll read more later when we're not running around like chickens without a head getting ready for church.

Karen

If you can use wireless already just use the wireless adapter from microsoft.

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360wirelessnetadapter/default.htm

There are many people that use it for xbox live.

check out the forums for more info.


http://forums.xbox.com/

If you use wireless you can put the xbox360 in any room you want. As long as you have a strong enough signal to get a good connection.

 

[Timanator]

If you use wireless you can put the xbox360 in any room you want. As long as you have a strong enough signal to get a good connection.

And thats the down side. Depending on whats all in your home that can vary.

I hear alot of complaints about the 360 still, is it better to wait untill MS fix all the bugs? My friend owns one, and he refuse to play it because it freezes so much(reminds anyone of Windows?).

 

[Guest]

Personally, I despise wireless networks. The are slow, unreliable, and vulnerable. When I got rid of my work laptop (the only reason I had wireless at home in the first place), I got rid of my wireless router and went wired for my whole network.

Now we're getting the kids a Nintendo Wii for Christmas and guess what - it ONLY supports wireless. There is no way to plug it in directly. So now I have to add wireless back to our network just for the Wii.

 

[Guest]

I don't use wireless, but I just wanted to let her know that there was an option.

The new version of the 360 comes out in January. It has a smaller die processor for less heat. I am on my 3rd 360, so far no problems.

If you decide to get a 360 make sure you buy the 2yr warranty with it.

 

[Guest]

My friend owns one, and he refuse to play it because it freezes so much(reminds anyone of Windows?).

Was his console manufactured in '05? If it was he can get free warranty service. He should call 1-800-4MY-XBOX for service.

 

[newbie]

They probably meant if you want to sign up for XBOX Live to play game online.

 

[Timanator]

My friend owns one, and he refuse to play it because it freezes so much(reminds anyone of Windows?).

Was his console manufactured in '05? If it was he can get free warranty service. He should call 1-800-4MY-XBOX for service.

He's waiting on the updated unit reviews before sending it in for a replacement.

:twisted:

 

[FishGameRock]

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/memberships/?WT.svl=nav
One thing no has mentioned is that you actually have to buy a subscription if you want to play on the weekdays. It's $50 a month per account. (you only would need one) I have to say that in my experience not buying that warranty is a terrible move.

 

[FishGameRock]

What ever you do though don't go with the core package. Also get the rechargable Kit for your wireless controller (best wireless controller I've seen on any system to date) and a new rechargable battery for each new wireless controller they play for hours on each charge and pay for themselves over the long run. Plus they don't have to worry about tripping parents with wires.

 

[KarenB]

Okay, I got the XBOX premium system. I did not buy the warranty at Toys R Us.......they didn't offer it, but I'm assuming I can probably still buy it from Microsoft?

There will be no way to hard wire it as the computer is in the office and their bedrooms are on the opposite side of the house.

Oh yeah, we got the wireless controllers and rechargable batteries. Am I understanding correctly that if it costs $50 a month to play online during the week it's free on the weekends or less? They don't need to play during the week anyway as far as I'm concerned.

Karen

 

[KarenB]

Okay, I got the XBOX premium system. I did not buy the warranty at Toys R Us.......they didn't offer it, but I'm assuming I can probably still buy it from Microsoft?

There will be no way to hard wire it as the computer is in the office and their bedrooms are on the opposite side of the house.

Oh yeah, we got the wireless controllers and rechargable batteries. Am I understanding correctly that if it costs $50 a month to play online during the week it's free on the weekends or less? They don't need to play during the week anyway as far as I'm concerned.

Karen

 

[FishGameRock]

Ok the warranty is in the box you fill it out and mail off $50 bucks. It's $50 a year not a month for the "gold" membership I understand it to be free on the weekends but as I've had xbox live since before they started this whole "gold" and "silver" shinanagins I'm not sure. You should get geometry wars off of live market place probably the best game you can get for $5. (also definetly an "E" game you drive a ship that blows up triangles and squares and such)