Archive for the ‘XBox 360’ Category
“Cool. I didn’t know it could do that!”
That’s a phrase Agents hear every week. Most customers spend a good deal of time preparing for their major tech purchases – comparing features, checking system compatibilities, measuring dimensions and reading product reviews. The strange thing is that many seem to forget how their new gizmos can simplify their lives between the time they say “I’ll take it” and they get it out of the box at home. Yeah, it’s all in the manual, but who has time to read the manual?
We do.
Here are some tips and tricks you may have forgotten since the salesperson mentioned them back at the store. Never hurts to be reminded…
There’s so much more you can do with a smartphone beyond making calls.
So many people said technology would kill reading as a pastime. But e-readers and tablets have only increased our appetite for the printed word. Here are some steps you can take to help your devices help you.
These days televisions are for more than watching shows and movies. High-definition displays and internet connectivity mean getting the most out of your TV is a bit more complicated than making sure all the cables are hooked up correctly. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Web connectivity has made gaming systems more fun than that old Nintendo machine you grew up playing.
If you aren’t sure that you are getting everything out of your new computer, home theater or gaming system, we can help.
Agent Ron G. has been battling the forces of unruly technology run amok since 2001, prior to Geek Squad’s acquisition of Best Buy. When not busy creating video & technical training content for Geek Squad Agents in the field, Agent Ron enjoys home brewing, international travel, and learning how to cook new cuisines.
For gamers, few things are as aggravating as losing a game because your computer lagged at the wrong moment. Getting the most out of your PC gaming system doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive hardware available. You can reduce slowdowns and increase your fun with some basic computer optimization.
Check through the programs installed on your computer and look for ones that are setup to automatically start up when the system does. (Instant messaging programs commonly do this.)
Change the settings under the program preferences to not start when Windows boots. If you find you never really use the program, go ahead and uninstall it.
Viruses, spyware, adware and other forms of malware can compromise your private information, cause issues with your files, and tank your system performance. Make sure that you have an antivirus protection program that is up to date and set to scan your system at least once a week.
You can also double-check that your system is clean by using the free scanning tools we have on our Do It Yourself page.
Your video card can may be powerful, but it is still limited by the software drivers that allow the computer to talk to it. Make sure you have the latest software drivers for your video card by checking the update site from the company that makes your video card.
Use our Drivers and Updates page to find the resources for your hardware. Don’t forget to check for updates for the rest of your system, like your sound cards.
Your computer can be running at peak performance, but if the data bits going into and out of your house are slower than expected, it can make your game appear lagged. Use a free online site like Speedtest.net to check whether your broadband speeds are up to what you’re paying for. If not, give your Internet Service Provider (ISP) a call to have them check into your connection issues.
These tips will help you get the most out of the technology you already have. Still need more help getting your PC into top performance shape for your latest frag fest? Our Agents at the Precinct in your local Best Buy, online at support.geeksquad.com or at 1-800 GEEK SQUAD can help.
Agent Derek has been removing techno-stress from the lives of his Geek Squad clients since 2005. When not providing remote help as an Online Support Agent, he likes to take to the road on a vintage motorcycle for adventures through Ohio country highways.
In a move to fight software piracy, earlier this week Microsoft blacklisted as many as one million Xbox 360 consoles. Microsoft claims these consoles have been physically modified in order to circumvent built-in Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology. Modified units are commonly referred to as “modded” consoles.
By physically altering the gaming unit’s DRM technology, the user can play illegally pirated copies of popular games that would normally be blocked by the system. The immensely popular game “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2″ launched last week and it’s likely that some Xbox 360 players would be interested in playing a pirated copy on a modded console.
When Microsoft detects a modded console, they have the ability to ban that console from using the Xbox LIVE service due to the unique identification numbers that’s associated with every Xbox 360. While the system can still play games locally, the owner will not be able to sign into their LIVE account, access online content or play in multiplayer games with other Xbox 360 owners.
The bannings will also impact holiday shoppers looking to save money this holiday season by buying used Xbox 360s on eBay, Craigslist or through a local retailer who sells used consoles. Owners of blocked Xbox 360s may be looking to sell their systems without informing potential buyers of the situation.
If you are looking to buy a used Xbox 360, be aware that it may not be immediately obvious that the unit was physically modded. If possible, you’ll want to physically inspect the case to confirm that the seals on the back of the unit are not broken. Also make sure that there are no pry marks on the case that may indicate it has been opened. Another sign of a modded unit is when the A/V plugs aren’t aligned properly through the case holes.
If you have other questions about gaming technology, stop into your local Best Buy and speak with a Geek Squad Agent.
In this 2 Minute Miracle video Geek Squad Agents Josh Musicant and Eric Irish offer five simple tips to protect your children online.
The update includes:
And more… You can read about the details at xbox.com.
This year at E3 Microsoft announced some new additions to the XBOX360 video game console that will make it a more social experience for players. One of the fastest growing social platforms on the web right now is Facebook. Microsoft announced an add-on that uses Facebook Connect to allow XBOX360 players to take gameplay photos and upload them to their Facebook account automatically.
With innovations like this, it begs the question: are personal computers going to become obsolete?
Note: Comments are moderated and will be handled as per our privacy policy. Please keep your comments on-topic and free of profanity. For more information, please view our Blogging Terms of Use.
Agent Agents Android anti-virus Apple CES computer Dancing With the Stars DIY DIY (Do It Yourself) projects do-it-yourself facebook Geek Squad Global Positioning System Google GPS HDTV Holiday Home Theater how-to internet iPhone Laptop laptops malware Microsoft netbooks PC Security skype Smartphone Spyware Tablet Technology tech savvy gifts tips travel twitter Two Minute Miracle Update Video WiFi Windows 7 Windows XP wireless networking
WP Cumulus Flash tag cloud by Roy Tanck and Luke Morton requires Flash Player 9 or better.
Geek Squad