Xbox.com has posted a page it calls the Halo 2 Readiness Guide. Most of it, of course, is there to urge you to buy Halo 2, or, more specifically, to pre-order the special edition (as if anyone needed to be told).

However, it also has a more detailed list of things you'll want to go with that, such as a router to plug in your Xbox to your broadband Internet connection so you can use Xbox Live, an Xbox Live subscription, and a day off from work. It also reminds you link your gamertag to Xbox.com and Bungie.net, and to turn on "information sharing" under Billing in the dashboard for "Miscrosoft and partners". This is apparently to get in on tournaments and other events, including the XBL Backstage Pass contest. (Editor's Note: I'm guessing there's some advertising coming in your email from this, too, but you didn't hear it from me.)