Introduction

So you fancy challenging your nearby friends with the Xbox system cable, but it’s getting a little boring hammering them all the time at Halo or out skating them at Tony Hawk? Well, you, my friend, are a brilliant player for Xbox Live, the online gaming service for Xbox. Throughout this feature, I will answer commonly asked questions and put your minds to rest.

So how do I get Xbox Live?

Well, to start off you need broadband, any broadband company will work with the exception of AOL broadband. Don’t send me flocks of e-mails asking why because I don’t know, it just doesn’t. Second, you need an Xbox, obvious I know, but never over-estimate people. Thirdly you need an Xbox Live starter kit, which comes which to trail versions of Xbox live games, an Xbox live communicator, which you’ll need to talk to your friends and enemies over Xbox live. Finally, you’ll need an Ethernet cable to connect your Xbox to the internet, this plugs into the third slot in the back of your Xbox console.

How do I get Xbox Live working?

Well, if you do have a simple connection it SHOULD just be 'plug in and play,' but since when is anything that simple? There are three types of connections for Xbox Live.

1. Direct. All you do is plug your Ethernet cable in the back of your broadband modem and the other end into your Xbox. Easy (you may have to configure some settings in all three methods most of your internet information can be found on your pc by typing “cmd” into the run box then typing “ipconfig” into the command window).

2. Shared Connection. This connection method allows you to use both your pc and Xbox live at the same time. For this method you will need a rooter which some of you may know from experience are the most annoying thing to set up. You will to find out your Xbox’s Mac address which can be found for the Xbox Live settings menu. For further information about setting up rooters contact your ISP and rooter manufacturer.

3. Internet Connection Sharing. For this method, (often used by Xbox Live users who have an internal broadband modems) your pc will require 2 N.I.C. cards. (I’m not an expert at this method - refer to www.xbox.com for more information).

What's the right Xbox Live tag for me?

First off, please be original. Xbox Live doesn’t need any more MasterChief897475 or HaloGod666 like Gamer Tags, choose an unusual Gamer Tag that your mates will recognize you by. Don’t choose a name like Xioyho because no one no matter how Chinese they are can pronounce that. Try mixing two words like Wombat and Radio. If I saw someone called WombatRadio join my Counter Strike game, the first thing I would say is “Hi dude, nice name.” Finally, don’t use your real name because Xbox Live's already been out for a year. I doubt the Gamer Tag 'Steve' is still available.

So I’m connected now - when can I start bashing my mates in Halo?

First off, all you Halo fans out there - Halo is not Xbox Live compatible. The only games that are Xbox Live compatible are games with the orange Xbox live logo on the game box under the Xbox brand at the top. Some great examples of Xbox Live games are Rainbow Six 3 and Counter Strike.

I’m rubbish at Xbox Live. Can I cheat?

You cannot cheat at Xbox Live. End of story. Using an Action Replay cartidge, you can cheat to a certain extent, but please do not use this. People pay good money for a reasonable online gaming service, and if you use an Action Replay, you are taking this advantage away from them. If people suspect you're cheating, they will report you and you may be banned without a refund from Xbox Live.

Clans? What’s that?

A clan is an online team who play team games against other clans. There are hundreds of clans on Xbox Live - some very serious, some just for a laugh. I myself have participated in both several clans and in many clan matches. Most clans play fair and respect one another, but some just cheat and break the rules just to win. Some will just storm off when suffering a loss without saying good game etc. If you are thinking about joining a clan, look around for a clan that suits you. And be warned, most clans don’t just let anyone in, most are looking for good players with proof of some sort that the applicant is an experienced and well-motivated player.

Well, that’s about it

I’ve told you just about everything I know about Xbox Live and I hope you have been enlightened. If you go on to register on Xbox Live, pop along to the GH forums and post your Gamer Tag in the Xbox forum. You may find a few players who are also interested in challenging other gamers such as yourself. SP