It was only down for about 6 weeks and came back up in early June 2011
Yes you can create a Playstation Network (PSN) account without charge and except for your own internet service provider there are no charges to use the PSN
PSN should be up this week as it says on PlayStation.com
make a new psn user and and go to the place where you sign in on psn and it will say sign up for playstation network.
You can sign up to the PlayStation Network by going into "PlayStation Network" on the XMB, then click 'Sign Up to PlayStation Network'. Or you can follow this link to sign up on your computer, then transferring your account to your PlayStation 3 console. http://www.us.playstation.com/PSN/SignUp
There is an option on the xmb menu, under the playstation network section, that says sign up :)
Yes the PSN was back up and running and they provided some free games and downloads and even a 30 day Playstation Plus membership when it came back up in June 2011
The Playstation Network was down during April -Jun 2011 and is now back up worldwide
PSN is free the cards are for DLC such as games or addons Live is the name if the Xbox internet service, Playstation is the PSN or Playstation Network and it does not have a charge to sign up. Network Cards are never needed except for purchases you want to make. Even then they are not needed, you can just use a credit card to put Money in your Playstation Wallet
Move over to The PSN icon on your playstation system and select "Sign Up For PlayStation Network." Fill out the required information and when completed, your account will be ready. :)
Live is an Xbox 360 term to describe there network and the PlayStation can not use it. The PlayStation online gaming is through the PlayStation Network (PSN) and to get an internet connection you need internet service and most likely a Wireless router. Once your PlayStation is connected to the internet the PSN is free and you can use the PlayStation store for free demos or to purchase games and movie downloads and add ons
yes, you need to sign up on the PlayStation network!
PSN will extend the time after the network is back up in early May 2011