Xbox 360 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) (Paperback)

by Brian Johnson (Author), Duncan Mackenzie (Author) "The Xbox 360 is a gaming console..." (more)
Key Phrases: left analog stick, gamer card, wireless game controller, Windows Media Connect, Dolby Digital, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Microsoft's Xbox now accounts for 37 percent of the game console market, and the new Xbox 360 is due out for the 2005 holiday season, months before Sony's PlayStation 3. When gamers take the new Xbox home, however, they'll soon discover that it's more than a just a game machine-it's a full-fledged home media hub with more power than most PCs. This friendly guide shows how to maximize both gaming and non-gaming features of this amazing machine.

• Topics covered include hooking up Xbox 360, taking advantage of HDTV and Dolby capabilities, using built-in digital video recording and wireless functions, storing media files, playing music, and displaying photos
• Shows how to have even more fun by taking an Xbox online for massively multiplayer gaming, instant messaging, and more
• Discusses the social potential of the Xbox, which people can use to make new friends, join groups and teams, and even throw fantastic parties
• Includes tips for securing the Xbox from online threats

From the Back Cover

Play games globally with Xbox Live and use Xbox for your home theater system

X marks the box — the one with all the fun. And if you thought Xbox was just about games, this friendly book will surprise you! Sure, it'll get you all set up for gaming and Xbox Live, but then it will help you add music from CDs, play DVDs, go wireless, record games, hook your Xbox to others, and have fun in many more ways!

Discover how to

• Connect to the Xbox 360 community
• Back up your games
• Use the Xbox 360 blades
• Add specialized controllers
• Play games on a projection screen
• View pictures and video

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Product Details

• Paperback: 332 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies (January 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471771805
• ISBN-13: 978-0471771807
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #151,698 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If your DVD (or VCR) player is still flashing 12:00..., August 5, 2006

By	Thomas Duff "Duffbert" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Hi... I'm not a gamer, but I have one in my household. I can't tell you how many game consoles we've purchased over the last 20 years, but I don't think we've missed very many. I'm a bit surprised I haven't gotten the hard-sell from "da kid" on getting an Xbox 360 yet. But after reading Xbox 360 for Dummies by Brian Johnson and Duncan Mackenzie, I'm somewhat tempted to get one anyway for myself... :)

Contents:
Part 1 - Xbox 360 Out of the Box: Meet the Xbox 360; Setting Up Your Xbox 360
Part 2 - The Xbox 360 Blades: Dealing with the Dashboard; The Live Blade; The Media Blade; The System Blade; The Games Blade
Part 3 - Xbox 360 in Your Entertainment System: HDTV, EDTV, Plain Old TV; Getting the Best Audio Experience; Customizing Your Console
Part 4 - Pushing the Outer Limits: Parental Control; LAN Parties; Windows Media Center Extender
Part 5 - The Part of Tens: Ten Great Web Sites; More Than Ten Great Games; Ten Tips for Parents; Ten Ways to Make Friends; Ten Great Accessories; Original Xbox Games; Index

Xbox has definitely crossed the line from being a gaming console with extra features to being a multimedia computer that happens to play games really well. Johnson and Mackenzie do a very good job of covering and demonstrating all the features of the Xbox 360, how it all meshes together, and how to get the most out of the platform. This includes everything from, of course, playing games, to making the device the central point of a multimedia setup for your home. The Xbox 360 integrates with Windows Media Center, so you can use it to watch TV, record shows, play music, etc. In fact, it's very possible to buy an Xbox 360 and never even play a game on it. :) Add in network connectivity, and now you can reach out to others as part of Xbox Live. The capabilities are truly impressive, and this book is an excellent way to delve into those areas that you may not have yet uncovered.

Granted, most 12 year olds will probably have most of this figured out an hour after opening the box, all without reading the directions. Yes, and my DVD player still flashes 12:00. At least it's not a VCR any more. But a book like this will appeal to those of us who are interested in the latest and greatest, but want a little structure and guidance added to our exploration.

Now to keep this book out of my kid's hands...

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Do Yourself a Favor and Read IT!!!, February 22, 2006

By	S Draper (Florida) - See all my reviews

We were fortunate to land Microsoft's latest and greatest right before Christmas. We also purchased the Xbox 360 for dummies to make sure we fully utilized all it has to offer. This machine truly has it all. This book teaches you all the little secrets hidden in the Xbox 360. If you own an Xbox 360 (or are looking for a gift for someone who does) this book will show you how to push it to the max. From learning about high def TV's and how they affect the game play to multimedia content. An excellent text. Highly recommended. Very easy to read and a must for anyone who wants to really push the horsepower out of this incredible machine

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every Parent should buy one, March 31, 2006

By	Troy Barnum (Calgary, Alberta Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If your a parent and are considering buying or have bought a 360 for your children you should purchase this book.

If you want to be a responsible parent this book is great resource in understanding what your children are doing and what this console is capable of.

Even as an experienced gamer I found a number of tips in regards to what the 360 is capable of. but it was not written for experienced gamers it was written for beginners trying to get the most out of there purchase and does a remarkable job in doing so.