With seventh generation video game systems out, one of the big pushes that the companies made was to achieve online game play that was both quick and effective. To get X-Box live, Microsoft's online game play, you need to purchase a membership. This can be purchased at any video game store or right on your 360. So long as you are connected to the Internet, you can access X-Box Live.

Getting X-Box Live

The first step is to connect the 360 to a internet connection. Connect one of your Ethernet cables from your router to the back of the 360. This was ensure maximum speed. While you can invest in a wireless connector for your 360, the fastest connection is going to come from a hard wired connection to the Internet. Therefore, make sure that you've got an Ethernet that will stretch that long.

Once it is connected to the Internet, sign into the dashboard. Search for the section that is called "Xbox Live." This is where you'll by your membership. The first is Silver which is free. This allows you to play online, but it doesn't give you all of the bells and whistles like the Gold membership does. Choose whichever you choose–Gold costs $50 a month–and then proceed to the next page.

Create a name tag for yourself. This will have to be unique because you'll be going heads up against every other player on the X-Box 360 universe. Create something unique. So long as you pay attention to the rules and don't put anything crude or rude, you won't be banned.

Upon completing your unique call name, go to the payment page. Here you'll have to put your credit card information in so that they can charge you for your membership. Once you do, they'll save the credit card info because there is the option to buy games right from your 360. To do that, you'll have to buy Microsoft points. These points are then used to purchase the individual games.

Once you've paid for your membership, you'll automatically be upgraded to Gold membership status. Put the video game in that you want to play, let it load and then click the Multiplayer button. So long as the game has an online mode, you'll be able to link in with one of the games going on or create your own game.