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In response to continued asking of the same questions over and over again, I decided to write a FAQ instead.
So what is Xbox Live?
It is an online gaming service for the Xbox. You can play online multiplayer modes of some games, or download content, or post fastest lap times etc.
Is it free?
No. It costs £40 for a years subscription or £5 per month if you want to pay per month. You can buy a starter kit for £40 that includes a years subscription and the headset allowing you voice communication with the other players. [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_GG5321_official_microsoft.html[/URL]
What do I need?
First of all you will need an Xbox. Also you need broadband internet. 256 kbps is the minimum speed. No dial up or ISDN. It can be through ADSL or cable, whichever you prefer. You will also need a valid credit card for creating the account.
So does the Xbox just plug into the broadband and work ok?
No. The Xbox has an Ethernet port on the back of it. You must be able to connect the broadband to the Xbox via that port, so a USB broadband modem will not work. So you either need an Ethernet modem or a router.
How do I use the internet on my PC then?
To use an Ethernet modem or router with your PC you will need it to have a network card. This will give a port just like the one on the back of the Xbox, and often it has a little LED next to it. If you have one of these then you can either get an Ethernet modem or router. If you do not have one then you will need to buy a network card. These are not expensive. [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_GG8957_mercury_10100_pci_.html[/URL]
If on the other hand you are not comfortable opening up your PC to fit a network card, then you could consider one of these [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_GG4568_usb_to_10100_netwo.html[/URL] as a way of getting an Ethernet port on your PC without a network card.
So what about the modem or router then?
Often this is supplied by your ISP, the people you get the broadband through. If you got a USB modem then you will need to replace it. I suggest getting a router, this means you can have the PC and the Xbox connected at the same time. Otherwise you will need to unplug the modem from the PC and plug it into the Xbox every time you want to play.
If you have ADSL: [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=719885724&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=48449[/URL]
This is good because it has an ADSL modem in it. All you would need to do then would be run a cable to the phone line, a cable to the Xbox and a cable to the PC.
If you have cable: [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=3385556078&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=52897[/URL] This allows you to do as above, but you won’t need the built in ADSL modem.
But that seems a lot of money just to play some games.
True it can be expensive. There is a cheaper way of getting Xbox Live, but it is a bit fiddly. It is called Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). It still requires broadband, and a network card in the PC, but will work with a USB modem. You must have Windows ME or above.
In Windows XP, go to start then the control panel. Click on Network Setup Wizard. Click next. It searches for networks and stuff. Then it gives you a few choices. Pick "This computer connects directly to the internet. The other computers on my network connect to the internet through this computer." Then click next. You'll then be given options. You have to work these out yourself, I don't know what they will be. The first one will ask for your internet connection, which will probably be USB ADSL or something like that. Then you just go through a few more boxes. All rather simple.
How does that work then?
How this works is that you have a single PC with broadband access, then you attach the Xbox to the PC and share the connection. The connection is shared by running a crossover Ethernet cable between the network card in the PC and the Xbox. You also have to run ICS in Windows to set it up. However, you must leave the PC on whilst you use Live, it will not work without it.
What cables am I going to need to connect everything up?
If you use a router then you will need an Ethernet cable. These can be bought in lengths of up to 100m. They may be called network cables, Cat 5 cables, UTP or STP cables or RJ45 cables. They are like this: [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=43771[/URL] and you can buy longer or shorter ones in different colours. You will need one from router to Xbox, and one from PC to router. They are all the same thing as long as they are NOT crossover cables.
What is a crossover cable then?
A crossover cable looks like a normal Ethernet cable. But inside the wires are turned round so things like PCs can talk to other PCs (or Xboxes) without a router. If you use the ICS method of connecting to Live then you will need one of these. [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=16484[/URL]
But I have a problem. The PC and Xbox are far apart.
Well you could just get very long cables. But that is not very neat. The better way of doing that is to use wireless. For that you will need to use a wireless router. If you use cable, then you only need a wireless router, it won't need a built in ADSL modem. This would work: [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=3385767857&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=60572[/URL] and you will also need a wireless adapter. If you have ADSL then the easy thing to do is to get a wireless router with built in ADSL modem, like this: [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=3386564639&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=62234[/URL] If you can put the router near the Xbox and use a cable then that makes it cheaper and simpler as then you can just use either this: [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=720049507&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=52898[/URL] or this [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=50840[/URL] or this [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=720064993&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=48444[/URL] depending on whether you are happy to fit a card, use a USB adapter or get a PCMCIA card.
What about having the Xbox wireless?
You can get an adapter for the Xbox to make it wireless: [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_GG8812_linksys_wet11_11_m.html[/URL] but it is around £60 and so is the greater of the two evils price wise, although it is probably easier to set up.
Could I use wireless to connect a PC to the router and use ICS to connect the Xbox to that PC?
Yes.
OK, so I am all set. What games should I look at getting?
One of the most popular is the first person shooter Rainbow Six 3. It truly is a wonderful game. [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_XV5744_tom_clancys_rainbo.html[/URL]
Also available is Counter Strike, the hugely popular PC shooter: [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_XV1959_counter_strike_als.html[/URL]
Another very popular game at the moment is Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_XV4005_splinter_cell_2_pa.html[/URL]
Also playable on Live is the greatest ever racing game, Project Gotham Racing 2 [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_XV4801_project_gotham_rac.html[/URL]
And the final two are personal favourites. Crimson Skies is a flying game set in 1930’s America where you play an air pirate. Great fun both on and offline. [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_XV1981_crimson_skies_high.html[/URL]
Finally, ESPN NHL Hockey. Ice Hockey?! Yes, it is fantastic, read my review to be convinced: [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_XV7308_espn_nhl_hockey.html[/URL] .
That concludes my brief guide to Xbox Live. I hope to add to this at some point, hopefully with pictures where need be. If you have any other questions, post them in here and I’ll try answer. Bear in mind that the networking hardware I linked to is not the only stuff that will work with Xbox Live, but is just stuff that will do the job. Sometimes it is the cheapest, sometimes not. Xbox Live is well worth the money, it brings a new dimension to games and has made online gaming more fun than ever before.
So what is Xbox Live?
It is an online gaming service for the Xbox. You can play online multiplayer modes of some games, or download content, or post fastest lap times etc.
Is it free?
No. It costs £40 for a years subscription or £5 per month if you want to pay per month. You can buy a starter kit for £40 that includes a years subscription and the headset allowing you voice communication with the other players. [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_GG5321_official_microsoft.html[/URL]
What do I need?
First of all you will need an Xbox. Also you need broadband internet. 256 kbps is the minimum speed. No dial up or ISDN. It can be through ADSL or cable, whichever you prefer. You will also need a valid credit card for creating the account.
So does the Xbox just plug into the broadband and work ok?
No. The Xbox has an Ethernet port on the back of it. You must be able to connect the broadband to the Xbox via that port, so a USB broadband modem will not work. So you either need an Ethernet modem or a router.
How do I use the internet on my PC then?
To use an Ethernet modem or router with your PC you will need it to have a network card. This will give a port just like the one on the back of the Xbox, and often it has a little LED next to it. If you have one of these then you can either get an Ethernet modem or router. If you do not have one then you will need to buy a network card. These are not expensive. [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_GG8957_mercury_10100_pci_.html[/URL]
If on the other hand you are not comfortable opening up your PC to fit a network card, then you could consider one of these [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_GG4568_usb_to_10100_netwo.html[/URL] as a way of getting an Ethernet port on your PC without a network card.
So what about the modem or router then?
Often this is supplied by your ISP, the people you get the broadband through. If you got a USB modem then you will need to replace it. I suggest getting a router, this means you can have the PC and the Xbox connected at the same time. Otherwise you will need to unplug the modem from the PC and plug it into the Xbox every time you want to play.
If you have ADSL: [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=719885724&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=48449[/URL]
This is good because it has an ADSL modem in it. All you would need to do then would be run a cable to the phone line, a cable to the Xbox and a cable to the PC.
If you have cable: [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=3385556078&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=52897[/URL] This allows you to do as above, but you won’t need the built in ADSL modem.
But that seems a lot of money just to play some games.
True it can be expensive. There is a cheaper way of getting Xbox Live, but it is a bit fiddly. It is called Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). It still requires broadband, and a network card in the PC, but will work with a USB modem. You must have Windows ME or above.
In Windows XP, go to start then the control panel. Click on Network Setup Wizard. Click next. It searches for networks and stuff. Then it gives you a few choices. Pick "This computer connects directly to the internet. The other computers on my network connect to the internet through this computer." Then click next. You'll then be given options. You have to work these out yourself, I don't know what they will be. The first one will ask for your internet connection, which will probably be USB ADSL or something like that. Then you just go through a few more boxes. All rather simple.
How does that work then?
How this works is that you have a single PC with broadband access, then you attach the Xbox to the PC and share the connection. The connection is shared by running a crossover Ethernet cable between the network card in the PC and the Xbox. You also have to run ICS in Windows to set it up. However, you must leave the PC on whilst you use Live, it will not work without it.
What cables am I going to need to connect everything up?
If you use a router then you will need an Ethernet cable. These can be bought in lengths of up to 100m. They may be called network cables, Cat 5 cables, UTP or STP cables or RJ45 cables. They are like this: [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=43771[/URL] and you can buy longer or shorter ones in different colours. You will need one from router to Xbox, and one from PC to router. They are all the same thing as long as they are NOT crossover cables.
What is a crossover cable then?
A crossover cable looks like a normal Ethernet cable. But inside the wires are turned round so things like PCs can talk to other PCs (or Xboxes) without a router. If you use the ICS method of connecting to Live then you will need one of these. [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=16484[/URL]
But I have a problem. The PC and Xbox are far apart.
Well you could just get very long cables. But that is not very neat. The better way of doing that is to use wireless. For that you will need to use a wireless router. If you use cable, then you only need a wireless router, it won't need a built in ADSL modem. This would work: [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=3385767857&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=60572[/URL] and you will also need a wireless adapter. If you have ADSL then the easy thing to do is to get a wireless router with built in ADSL modem, like this: [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=3386564639&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=62234[/URL] If you can put the router near the Xbox and use a cable then that makes it cheaper and simpler as then you can just use either this: [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=720049507&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=52898[/URL] or this [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=50840[/URL] or this [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=720064993&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=48444[/URL] depending on whether you are happy to fit a card, use a USB adapter or get a PCMCIA card.
What about having the Xbox wireless?
You can get an adapter for the Xbox to make it wireless: [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_GG8812_linksys_wet11_11_m.html[/URL] but it is around £60 and so is the greater of the two evils price wise, although it is probably easier to set up.
Could I use wireless to connect a PC to the router and use ICS to connect the Xbox to that PC?
Yes.
OK, so I am all set. What games should I look at getting?
One of the most popular is the first person shooter Rainbow Six 3. It truly is a wonderful game. [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_XV5744_tom_clancys_rainbo.html[/URL]
Also available is Counter Strike, the hugely popular PC shooter: [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_XV1959_counter_strike_als.html[/URL]
Another very popular game at the moment is Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_XV4005_splinter_cell_2_pa.html[/URL]
Also playable on Live is the greatest ever racing game, Project Gotham Racing 2 [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_XV4801_project_gotham_rac.html[/URL]
And the final two are personal favourites. Crimson Skies is a flying game set in 1930’s America where you play an air pirate. Great fun both on and offline. [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_XV1981_crimson_skies_high.html[/URL]
Finally, ESPN NHL Hockey. Ice Hockey?! Yes, it is fantastic, read my review to be convinced: [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_XV7308_espn_nhl_hockey.html[/URL] .
That concludes my brief guide to Xbox Live. I hope to add to this at some point, hopefully with pictures where need be. If you have any other questions, post them in here and I’ll try answer. Bear in mind that the networking hardware I linked to is not the only stuff that will work with Xbox Live, but is just stuff that will do the job. Sometimes it is the cheapest, sometimes not. Xbox Live is well worth the money, it brings a new dimension to games and has made online gaming more fun than ever before.
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hi yes i ment the small device that goes into the usb port, and you can put eithernet wires into it
so i need
1.the us robotics kit,
2.1 usb eithernet adapter (ebay linked thing)
is that 100% what i need?
thank you everyone :)
so i need
1.the us robotics kit,
2.1 usb eithernet adapter (ebay linked thing)
is that 100% what i need?
thank you everyone :)
Yeah, get that US Robotics kit and you won't need the Frog modem ever again.
What do you mean by a USB ethernet port? Do you mean that adapter that you linked me to on ebay?
If so, then yes it would work and link the router to the computer. But the frog modem will be redundant. The router there had a built in ADSL modem. But if for some reason you did want to use the router when using the Xbox and then unplug it all and use the frog modem you could I suppose.
However, I wouldn't. Just use the router and you can then surf the net whilst you play on Live (just don't download stuff or it makes Live all laggy).
If so, then yes it would work and link the router to the computer. But the frog modem will be redundant. The router there had a built in ADSL modem. But if for some reason you did want to use the router when using the Xbox and then unplug it all and use the frog modem you could I suppose.
However, I wouldn't. Just use the router and you can then surf the net whilst you play on Live (just don't download stuff or it makes Live all laggy).
Hi m8 could i not just use a usb eithernet port?
1.
so the boradband phone line goes into the wireless router,
the router goes into the usb eithernet port?
2.
and i have my x box set up in the other room , connected to the bridge with a eithernet cable#
when im not using x box live could i just simply uplug the wireless router and use the frog modem again,
thank you very much
1.
so the boradband phone line goes into the wireless router,
the router goes into the usb eithernet port?
2.
and i have my x box set up in the other room , connected to the bridge with a eithernet cable#
when im not using x box live could i just simply uplug the wireless router and use the frog modem again,
thank you very much
Yes that bundle you just linked to would in fact do what you needed. Although you would then need a way of connecting your PC to the router. Either wirelessly or using a network card and a cable.
And yes, it would replace the frog modem. The only way you can keep the frog modem in use is if you use ICS method that I detailed above.
And yes, it would replace the frog modem. The only way you can keep the frog modem in use is if you use ICS method that I detailed above.
Thanks for the reply,
would this work for me?
[URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_GG4991_us_robotics_11__54.html?old_code=GG4991[/URL]
would i have to replace my green frog modem completly?
could u add me to msn
[email protected]
thanks again
would this work for me?
[URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_GG4991_us_robotics_11__54.html?old_code=GG4991[/URL]
would i have to replace my green frog modem completly?
could u add me to msn
[email protected]
thanks again
gamecollector sorry to say but that won't work.
I see what you were going to do, use the USB adapter thing you linked to previously to give the computer an ethernet socket, so that you could then connect it to the router. I'm not sure the wireless bridge would work either, I can't tell exactly what it is. The other problem is that at no point would you still have the ADSL modem.
My suggestion is that if you DON'T need wireless capabilities, get this: [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=719885724&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=48449[/URL] and if you do need wireless capabilities then get this: [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=3425346782&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=62234[/URL] and yes I realise that it is out of stock, but any wireless router with built in ADSL modem would work. At that point though, you would still need one of the wireless adapters that I mention above.
I see what you were going to do, use the USB adapter thing you linked to previously to give the computer an ethernet socket, so that you could then connect it to the router. I'm not sure the wireless bridge would work either, I can't tell exactly what it is. The other problem is that at no point would you still have the ADSL modem.
My suggestion is that if you DON'T need wireless capabilities, get this: [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=719885724&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=48449[/URL] and if you do need wireless capabilities then get this: [URL]http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=3425346782&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=62234[/URL] and yes I realise that it is out of stock, but any wireless router with built in ADSL modem would work. At that point though, you would still need one of the wireless adapters that I mention above.
pb wrote:
> SR have got the package together now, so you can get all you need in
> one go. Nice.
>
> [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_GG4991_us_robotics_11__54.html?old_code=GG4991[/URL]
I couldn't afford that. I'm just a boy :)
> SR have got the package together now, so you can get all you need in
> one go. Nice.
>
> [URL]http://uk.special.reserve.co.uk/q_GG4991_us_robotics_11__54.html?old_code=GG4991[/URL]
I couldn't afford that. I'm just a boy :)
Hello ,i have bt internet broadband ADSL,USB,
I would like to get x box live set up wireless,
i am going to use a usb eithernet adpater,
would these 2 items work?
[URL]http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000C1WO2/qid=1101824389/ref=pd_ka_14/202-7562153-6671036[/URL]
for the wireless router?
also my modem is the green froG one, which uses a standard phone line connection not a eithernet cable, will ths be ok to connect to that router?
diagrams if possible?
and this for the wireless receiver bridge,
[URL]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=86765&item=5734787614&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW[/URL]
or could someone else please recomend me another way, who has ADSL USB broadband
any help would be much apprciated,
Thank You
I would like to get x box live set up wireless,
i am going to use a usb eithernet adpater,
would these 2 items work?
[URL]http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000C1WO2/qid=1101824389/ref=pd_ka_14/202-7562153-6671036[/URL]
for the wireless router?
also my modem is the green froG one, which uses a standard phone line connection not a eithernet cable, will ths be ok to connect to that router?
diagrams if possible?
and this for the wireless receiver bridge,
[URL]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=86765&item=5734787614&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW[/URL]
or could someone else please recomend me another way, who has ADSL USB broadband
any help would be much apprciated,
Thank You
Only problem with it is that it is rather pricy/
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