Microsoft wants the Xbox 360 to be the center of your living room where you can do all sorts of things with your HDTV such as play the hottest new games with advanced graphics engines and watch HD video content. You can use the gaming console to access files in PCs as long as you let it join the same network the other computers are in.

Xbox 360 has plenty of Internet features including Xbox LIVE which is basically a network of millions of gamers around the world that want to play cooperatively or competitively while sharing achievements, scores, and even downloadable titles. There are three ways you can connect to the Internet.

Wired Connection

1. Take an Ethernet cable and plug it in the back of the Xbox 360. Plug the other end of the cable to an available jack on the router or directly to a modem if you do not have a router.

2. Turn on your Xbox 360 and go to “My Xbox.” choose “System Settings” and go to “Network Settings.” Choose the “Text Xbox LIVE Connection” option and choose “Yes” to allow the service to update your console’s software. If this finishes successfully, you should have no problems with using the Internet.

Wireless Connection

1. For old Xbox 360 owners, connect the Wireless Networking Adapter to the console. Skip this step if you have the slimmer Xbox 360 model and want to connect wirelessly.

2. Head to the “System Settings” option from the “My Xbox” screen and then go to “Network Settings.” Find the network name that matches the router with Internet access that you wish to connect to. Ask the person who set up the wireless router if you are unsure which one you need to connect to. If you cannot find the name, select “Specify Unlisted Network” and type in the name yourself. The person who set up the router should know the name.

3. Input the wireless network password if prompted. You also need to contact the administrator or individual that set up the router if you do not know the password.

4. Wait for the Xbox 360 to connect to the Internet and choose the “Yes” option to allow the console to download the latest update from Microsoft’s servers. You should end up in Xbox LIVE afterwards which shows that your Internet properly works.

Internet Connection Sharing

1. Turn on the computer or laptop that is using the Internet so you can share the connection with your Xbox 360. Click the Start menu type “Ncpa.cpl” on the search box. Type this in the “Run” dialog if you are using Windows XP.

2. Right-click the connection icon that is hooked up to your router (usually the wireless connection). Click the “Sharing” tab and tick the first two checkboxes.

3. Now that your wireless connection is actively sharing, plug your Xbox 360 into the vacant Ethernet jack.

4. Go to “My Xbox” on your Xbox 360 console and go to “System Settings” followed by “Network Settings.” Choose “Wired Network” if prompted and then go to “Additional Settings”. Choose “Restore to Factory defaults” and choose “Test Xbox LIVE Connection” to see if you have Internet connectivity.

If someone has an Xbox 360, or are looking to buy one, chances are they’re overwhelmed by the amount of video games available for the system. Here is a breakdown of the top ten Xbox games. Some are new video games, and some are based on video game reviews.

1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Without a doubt, this game is a must for any XBox 360 owner. The graphics are stunning, and the playtime is unlimited due to never ending quests. This game gives players maximum control over their character’s development and allows the player to choose their path as a Dragonborn.

2. Batman Arkham City

This game is the sequel to Arkham Asylum and gives players the ability to play as both Batman and Catwoman. Playing Arkham City will test melee combat abilities along with investigative skills as players battle through Arkham’s roster of villains.

3. Gears of War 3

Gears of War 3 allows the player to join forces with other players in a battle to save humanity. Along with the amazing fighting, this game’s engrossing story line will keep people playing.

4. Assassin’s Creed Revelations

While still keeping with the amazing combat abilities that have marked previous titles in this series, Revelations takes a new direction with the story of Ezio Auditore and keeps the game feeling fresh.

5. Mass Effect 2

The alternate universe that players are continuing to battle for is stunningly rendered. The game allows people to choose their actions as they go, and this ultimately determines the fate of their team.

6. Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures

This is a whimsical game that takes players through the history of Indiana Jones. This adventure is a bit more amped up compared to other Lego titles; people can fight with objects around them, and they can swim, climb and crawl through the terrain.

7. Portal 2

While the cake may still be a lie, this mind bending adventure game is not. Filled with puzzles to solve and walls to run through, the Portal series is on its way to becoming a classic.

8. L.A. Noire

In an effort to make the role of a 1940’s detective as real as possible, the game painstakingly recreated 8 sq. miles of L.A. as it was in 1947. The player’s job in this title is to solve grisly murders by interrogating witnesses, finding clues, and searching crime scenes.

9. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

In this Star Wars game, the player is cast as Secret Apprentice of Darth Vader. While upgrading their force powers, players will get a peek into the goings on in the Star Wars years not seen in movies.

10. Bioshock 2

This sequel allows players to hold both weapons and plasmids at the same time, as players battle through Rapture, the underwater city.

This list of video games will be a great addition to any XBox 360 owner’s collection.