Help! Find Xbox answers

Get your game on: Learn how to get the most out of your Xbox once you get it home

By Mara Gulens

Karen Koski is not the first person to use the generation before her as a benchmark for technological ease of use. “My mom could set up the Xbox and [she] knows nothing about technology or computers,” says the Sudbury, Ont., mother of two. “It would be easy for anybody. It’s simply a question of hooking up the right cables, plugging it in and turning it on.”

Once you’re all set up, your Xbox 360 can be used to play games, watch movies, listen to music and let you be an active part of the online gaming world. “In terms of what you get out of it,” says Koski, “I would recommend it to anybody.”

Taking it out of the box

The Xbox 360 console can be placed horizontally or vertically, but it should be on a stable, level surface where it can’t easily tip over. Also, make sure it’s properly ventilated to prevent over-heating. Once you decide on the placement, never change the orientation of the console while it’s in use.

Xbox 360 games can be played on high-definition or standard-definition TVs or monitors. Your entertainment experience will differ depending on the connection cables and the display you use.

You’ll be using an Xbox 360 Component HD AV Cable (included with each system), an S-Video AV Cable or a VGA HD AV Cable. Turn off the power to your console and follow the instructions to connect your cable.

“The main thing is not to be intimidated by what you have in front of you,” advises Koski. “If you hook up the wrong wire, you’re not going to blow the Xbox up or burn your house down. If you’ve got it hooked up incorrectly, it just won’t function. Try the next port and it will work.”

Plugging it in

Here’s how to connect the Xbox 360 console:

Insert the power supply cord into the console until it clicks.
Plug the AC power cord into the power supply until it stops.
Plug the other end of the AC power cord into the wall outlet.

Attaching the controllers

To connect the Xbox 360 Wired Controller, insert the controller cord connector into either controller port on the front of the console. If you are using a wireless controller, make sure the controller has batteries.

Press and hold down the Xbox Guide button or the Start button to turn on the controller.
If your console is not on, press the power button to turn on the console.
Press and release the connect button on the console.
Press and release the connect button on the controller.
After the “Ring of Light” on the controller and console spin and flash once, the controller is connected. The quadrant that remains lit indicates the controller’s position.

Connecting to the Internet

To be part of the Xbox Live experience, you need to be online.

If all you want to do is play games online, go with a Direct Modem Connection.

To share your Internet connection with your PC while playing on Xbox Live, go with one of these types of connections:

If you have a stand-alone modem, purchase a router and use a Router Connection to share Internet service between your Xbox 360 system, your PC and other devices in your home.
If you have a gateway (which combines a modem and a wireless router), you can share your Internet connection with a Gateway Connection.
If you have a USB or internal PCI modem, choose a Windows ICS Connection.

Any of these connections (with the exception of a gateway) can be either wired or wireless.

Click here for more information on setting up your Xbox 360.

Hooking up your Media Center PC

You can not only connect your Xbox to the TV for traditional gameplay, if you own a Media Center computer, but also use the Windows Media Center Extender for Xbox (it comes built into the console) to access all your digital entertainment on any TV. Connect your Xbox to the Media Center PC through a router or wireless connection to access the user interface and content that’s on your Media Center PC.

Surf for more Xbox stuff

There are literally millions of sites related to the Xbox 360.

“There are so many places. If you’re stuck it’s very simple to get help,” says Koski. The official Xbox site has information on games, hardware and Xbox Live.
The Community section includes forums.
Support gives you the scoop on how to get connected to Xbox Live and how to set up parental controls. Support also provides advice from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) on healthy gaming.
Microsoft Home Magazine features an article on how to decipher ESRB ratings and a Buying guide with more information about all the things a Media Center PC can do.
Check out the complete catalogue of Xbox 360 games, and then head over to your nearest computer store — real or virtual — to purchase.
If you’re having problems with your Xbox 360 setup, equipment or games, head to Xbox Support on the Internet or call 1-800-4MY-XBOX.