What Do You Need for Xbox Live?

Overview

• Xbox Live is a gaming service that allows you to face off against multiple players in a virtual setting. It also provides you with an instant connection to download and preview games. Xbox Live offers two membership types -- free and gold. With a gold membership, you can use Xbox Live to do more than play games. A gold membership activates music, television and movies, live sports events and access to social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

Equipment

• To get started with Xbox Live, you need a few pieces of equipment including the XBox 360 console, audio video cable, power supply, power cord, wireless controller with batteries and a headset. XBox supplies all of these components in one package, but you may want to purchase additional controllers or a different headset. The headset is not necessary to play Xbox 360 games, but it is necessary if you want to interact with Xbox Live players.

Internet Connection

• Xbox Live requires a high-speed Internet connection for you to access the service and play games. You can use a wired or wireless connection. For a wired Internet connection, you will need a router, gateway or modem that works with Xbox 360 and network cable. If you prefer to use a wireless connection, you will need a router, gateway or wireless access point. The original Xbox 360 console also requires a Xbox 360 wireless network adapter. If you do not have a router available, you can also connect to Xbox Live through your computer if you have Windows Internet connection sharing and the ability to create a network bridge.

Xbox Live Account

• Once you have your equipment and Internet connection established, you can set up your Xbox Live account. To set up an account, you will need to choose between a free or gold membership, then walk through a simple sign-up process. If you have a Zune or Games for Windows account, you already have an Xbox Live account, or if you have a Windows Live ID, you will be able to skip a few steps in the process. Otherwise, you will need to start up your console and then choose an avatar and enter your name, birth date and payment information.