Expert: Octane - 8/10/2009

Question
i was playing on xbox live and a boy said he had my ip address to my computer or xbox?  He said that it would mess up my hard drive?  is that true and how would I go about it not happening.. I haven't been on since he said that.

Answer
Gday Carrie,

Undoubtly you where probably beating this little thug and the best he can do is spout off and threaten to do something that he is probably incapable of doing.  I would not be worried about the treat but more about the words behind it.

I am not saying it is impossible to hack a computer or Xbox via knowing an IP address, because nothing is impossible, but it is something your regular or even computer savvy teen is going to know.  The fact he said he has your IP address to your computer or Xbox means he probably does not because if he could access that information he could tell what you where running right down to the processor and memory.  He would be more precise in his guesses.

To report sexual harassment, hate speech, and similar behaviors to Microsoft, simply follow the same steps you would follow to submit a player review. Instead of selecting “Submit Player Review,” select “File Complaint” and follow the prompts for selecting a reason for filing the complaint.  (Get his butt banned from Microsoft live)

Unfortunately any competition-intense game genres particularly first-person shooters available on Microsoft Live tend to draw this type of person, which is a sad fact.  It's always easier to be the big tough bully when you are not seen.

You can also Submit a negative player review, change your privacy settings towards this player or even mute this player in game mode.  This will lessen the chance you will even get to see them again online.

It sounds like someone just being a jerk or a poor sport.  If there actions continue report them.  (Keep a camera phone handy for screen shots)

I would also tell someone (Parent, Friend, etc) just to have someone to talk to about it.

I hope this helps.

Octane