1. Make sure the console is placed horizontally and NOT vertically.
2. Don't play too long! For me, only six hours per day if u wanna avoid the errors and the red rings(play 3 hours, rest 3 hours, then play 3 hours)
3. Make sure the air holes are not covered with dust
4. Play in a well-ventilated room(put it near a fan to avoid overheating)
5. NEVER knock or let your xbox 360 fall. the components inside are VERY fragile.
6. avoid going online because if YOU really don't want to get banned. yes! even the original ones can get banned randomly for no solid reasons.
7. if u plan to keep your console in the box, let it cool down for a while after playing b4 keeping.
8. don't panic if your screen goes black suddenly with the sound still on. it's mostly due to the cables.
9.ALWAYS install a game b4 playing!
10. visit gaming websites( the major ones are IGN and Gamespot) for updates on games if u want to be a gamer rather than just a player.
11. Research a game b4 you buy! game reviews might help.
12. gamefaqs.com is a good site to ask for help. they respond quickly. BUT, beware... they are very fussy about the use of PERFECT english.

may all my tips be useful to u and most importantly, HAVE FUN=)