Microsoft has apologised for the glitches that hit its Xbox Live online game system during the Christmas break.

The software firm said it was "disappointed" with its performance and promised a free downloadable game to all users as recompense.

It said the problems had been caused by a surge of people signing up and using the gaming service.

Microsoft said the growth in new users had been driven by sales of top titles such as Mass Effect and Halo 3.

Full article here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7171355.stm

Note: This appears to be what was causing me heartache in getting my brothers Xbox 360 to work behind my ISA 2006 Server as it’s working now.