Things You'll Need
Instructions
Turn your Xbox 360 console and television set on. Using your Xbox 360 controller, press the home button (the large "X" button in the middle of the controller) and navigate to the System Settings tab.
Scroll to the System Settings tab, scroll down and select the Network Settings option. If this is the first time the system has been set up, make sure to select the option that tests your Xbox Live Connection. Doing this narrows down where (if any) problems may reside when trying to connect. If there is a problem, the system will prompt you with various options to go about fixing it. There must be an active Internet connection in order to connect to Xbox Live.
Navigate back to the Settings tab that was previously used to check the Internet connection of the network and device. This time, select Account Management from the various options. If you received any promotional codes from Microsoft upon acquiring your Xbox 360, scroll down and select Redeem Code. This will credit your account with the promotion. Once this is done, scroll back up to select Memberships.
Select the Xbox Live Gold Membership that best suits your current needs. Purchasing the service on a yearly basis saves the most amount of money, but if that route is unneeded or too expensive for the time being, Microsoft also offers a cheaper monthly package. You will not be able to download extra content, instantly stream video, or play online with friends until you set up a plan. Finish entering the necessary data to start your account.
Go to the home screen on your Xbox 360 Dashboard and navigate for the Welcome tab. Select the What's Hot caption, and enjoy a brief and interactive tutorial on how to catch the most exciting features used on Xbox 360 through Xbox Live. Once you are done with the brief introduction it's time to explore the Dashboard. Video Marketplace gives access to various methods of instantly streaming video and TV programming, while the Game Marketplace has a myriad of full games to download along with expansions and various down loadable content to help supplement already existing games. The My Community tab will have a few advertisements to check out, but also contains your nexus for social networking. Use this tab to access Facebook and Twitter through your Xbox console.