Introduction

The Xbox 360 is arguably the king of the gaming consoles when it comes to raw power and functionality. Indeed, the Xbox 360 sales are brisk, and with the fall 2007 release of the flagship game Halo 3, Microsoft’s gaming box is even more entrenched in our imaginations.

Even without Halo 3, however, the Xbox 360 is fully capable of becoming a centerpiece media appliance in our homes and businesses. With its ability to connect to Windows-based PCs and manage movies, photos, music, and all things gaming, the Xbox 360 has earned a spot in millions of homes around the world.

This book endeavors to be the first line of information for those entering the world of the Xbox 360 for the first time. Indeed, if you are getting a 360 for yourself, or your kids, or even as a holiday gift but you aren’t entirely sure what it can do, then this is the book for you. Each chapter endeavors to explain a key aspect of Xbox gaming to you so that by the end of the book your knowledge of what the 360 can do is on par with savvy Xbox owners who have been a part of the culture for years.

Enjoy!