For one, XBox Live will only work with high-speed Internet connections, such as DSL or cable modems. Dial-up is not supported. There are a handful of options for connecting XBox Live to your high-speed service:
Direct connect is the simplest option. The XBox has an Ethernet jack on its back that takes a standard Ethernet cable. If the XBox is close to your PC, then you can simply disconnect the Ethernet jack from the PC and plug it directly into the XBox.
A better option that saves wear and tear on your cables and ports is to use a router. A router will take your incoming Internet connection and allow it to be split between multiple destinations. You can run one line to your PC, and one to the XBox. I recommend (from personal experience) a Linksys brand router.
Another option is to go wireless. If the XBox and the PC are in different rooms, then going wireless may be the best option, rather than run hundreds of feet of Ethernet cable or drill through floors and walls. Once you set up a wireless network in your house using a wireless router, buy a wireless game adapter and you'll be able to play Live almost anywhere in the house.
The Microsoft Wireless-G XBox Adapter is a good solution (Amazon ASIN: B0000C5FMJ). For a wireless network adapter, look again to Linksys; spend a few extra dollars and go with a wireless-G setup. It's about 5x faster than a wireless-B setup for just a few dollars more.
Once you're set up, logging into Live is pretty easy. Your XBox will do most of the work. Hook up the included headset (for talkback) and you're ready to go. I've played Halo 2 with or against people from literally all over the world; one memorable match was against four Marines somewhere in the Pacific. A warning for parents of kids under 17 or so: The language on Live gets pretty rough, with the "f" word being about as common as breathing.(I've been called things I won't repeat in public). There's little, if any moderation, and when it comes to language, anything goes. (Just a friendly warning).
This package includes a one-year subscription card. Once that expires, one can renew using an XBox Live Subscription card (Amazon ASIN: B00005BPJ5, about $50), or you can extend it with the XBox Live 3 Month Starter kit (about $40, ASIN: B00020DGMC; it also includes a headset, so you'll have a spare). Some games (such as Halo 2) include 2-month free trial cards, which you can also use to extend an existing account.
I hope this review was helpful.
--Christian Wheeler, gamer and games retailer
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I'm not going to comment on whether you should get Xbox Live. If you have an Xbox and a high-speed Internet connection, then Xbox Live is a must-have product. That much I think is obvious.The real question is, "Is this the product I should buy to get Xbox Live?" The answer is a resounding YES. There are other, less expensive, ways to get Xbox Live. For example, you could just subscribe with a credit card directly from your Xbox, at $50/year. But then you wouldn't have the headset, and I think Xbox Live without a headset is pointless. You also wouldn't get a free copy of Crimson Skies, which is an excellent game.
Purchased separately, the contents of this kit would cost you $100, and it gives you everything you need to enjoy Xbox Live for an entire year.
This kit comes with a 12-month subscription card. These cards can be used to start a new account or renew an existing one. Many games also come with 2-month cards. However, those cards cannot be used to renew an account, only to create one. You may already have such a card, or you can get one via eBay for about a dollar. Use the 2-month card to start your subscription, and then apply the 12-month card to renew it. That will give you 14 months for the price of 12.
In addition, if you want to wear headphones while playing Xbox Live games, then I strongly recommend you also get the "Jabra EarWave Boom with Universal 2.5mm connector" (ASIN B00022VUJ6). The Jabra headset fits over your ear, and you can comfortably wear headphones over it. The headset that comes with this Xbox Live kit is clumsy and fragile, and can't be worn with headphones.
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I just got an x-box last night with star wars: knights of the old republic. the system is great and the game is addicting. but I had an itch for something more. I went out and purchased x-box live (w/12 month subscription and crimson skies) and star wars battlefront. this is just to get me ready for the arrival of halo 2. it's great being able to play with so many other gamers from all around the world. no more having to have a friend come over to play multi-player. now I have multiplayer at my disposal at any given time. if you have an x-box and enjoy multiplayer games, this is a must for you. also, the price was great with all the other components that come along with it (game, headset, card).Honest reviews on Xbox Live 12-Month Starter Kit
if you bored playin with your brother this is the best thing to get you can play with your friends, join big games its awsome. You can just call your friend and tell him just to start playing with you. It is really worth the money it even comes with an awsome game called "crimson skies" witch is also another 5 starsFind helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Xbox Live 12-Month Starter Kit
I recently got this for Christmas and it was well worth it. You get a game($15), headset($30), and 12-month subscription card($40). Add that all up together and thats about $90 but you only have to pay roughly around $50-60 depending upon where you buy it. My friend has the same headset and he's had Xbox Live alot longer that me and it's still working even after a few altercations. I have yet the game but I'm sure it will only be average since it's a bonus thing(the subscription card is in the game case).Before you can play Xbox Live you have to either get an ethernet cable to run from a router connected to your computer to the Xbox or a wireless adapter to plug into your Xbox. The adapter is alot more expensive but it allows you to play a farther distance. I bought one from Wal-Mart for about $80.
After you've purchased whichever means your going to use to get onto xbox live you go through the desktop and then follow the instructions. You will create a unique gamertag, pass code, provide your information(address, phone #, credit card #, & email). After that your now another addition to the growing community of xbox live.
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