the first thing is does the box have an image on it ? (an image is the name for the tv software ) power the box off and then back on and look at the tv screen ,onscreen (if the box has an image ) it should say the GP (gemini project) or nabilosat or dream elite etc etc . if you have an image and its suitable the next step is to connect your box to your broadband router (you do that by connect the box and router together using an ethernet cable ,there are also wireless devices you can use such as homeplugs) and to iinstall a cam such as cccam .
if your box hasnt got an image it will need to be flashed ,flashing means putting the image into the box ,but check the above first . you will need dreamup to flash your box ,you will also need dream control center and dreambox edit is usefull also ,you can download all 3 from the link in my signature area ,there are also two dm500s images in the link should you need one i recommend the dm500s maxvar v8 image .