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Frequently Asked Questions about Second Life
What Is Second Life?
Second Life (SL) is a virtual world video game that is based on the Internet. It can be accessed from computers and hand held wireless devices using the Second Life Viewer. The Second Life Viewer is a client program that can be downloaded for free from the SL homepage. The viewer enables users, called "Residents", to interact with each other through avatars. Avatars can move through SL and interact with other Avatars; this supports deep social networking services to be connected with a virtual reality information, place, and activity search functions that characterize the SL metaverse such as: exploration, meeting and socializing with other residents, participating in SL supported individual and group activities, creating new spaces, and trading items (virtual property) and services.SL was launched on June 23, 2003. Linden Research, Incorporated, better known as Linden Lab, is the company that developed and owns SL.
What is An Avatar?
Avatars are representations of SL Residents; in order to explore and interact in the SL environment, one must create an Avatar. Avatars can fly, drive, walk or teleport to other areas in SL. Avatars take the form of a human shape but can be customized through the use of graphical user interface controls that permit one to choose the body shape, skin color, and hair style of the basic mesh. Avatars can be gendered - that is, one can clearly create a female, male or androgynous form. Avatars can also be non-human in form, taking on robotic features and shapes. One can create or purchase clothing made by other residents for an Avatar. Avatars can also attach 3D objects to supplement or replace body structures, clothes or hair. Sometimes attachments are referred to as Animation Overriders meaning that they can extend the more generic choices for Avatar shapes and characteristics when attached to an Avatar. Sonic Overriders permit sound effects like footsteps, laughing or crying.
What Can I Do In Second Life?
You can do just about anything in Second Life that you do in Real Life. Residents can explore a variety of environments and create their own content. Content creation can be anything such as hosting a live concert event to creating clothing that can be sold in virtual shops for other avatars to wear. Residents hosts a wide variety of lectures, conferences, exhibits and tours. Second Life allows for users to interact with each others through chat or audio voice chat. Avatars also are able to convey behavioral and social cues to others in a 3-D world.
How Is The Second Life Economy Structured?
A virtual economy exists in Second life and it is transferable to Real World currencies as well. Residents can buy and sell services and virtual goods to one another. Goods can be custom content for avatars such as clothing, jewelery, cars, or animations. Their are several virtual entertainment venues which charge an admission fee in Second Life. The currency used in Second Life is called Linden Dollars which you can buy using real world currencies. There is an active virtual real estate market and is bought and sold like real world real estate.
Are There Subcultures Within Second Life?
There are various subcultures in Second Life that are related to numerous interests such as arts, culture, charity, support groups, commerce, discussion, education, games, contests, nightlife, entertainment, pageants, and sports. Some residents choose to re-enact a specific time period such as ancient Rome of Paris is the 1920s. Residents also recreate worlds found in literature. Residents are often required to dress. speak and act as if it were a specific time period or place. Residents interacting in this world engage in activities just like historical re-creators do in the real world. Residents are able to engage in these activities or other activities in Second Life when they want.
Is There a Government in Second Life? How Does It Work?
There is no governmental structure in Second Life. Linden Labs is the owner of Second Life and any forms of rules are within the Second Life Terms of Service. A building owner or a group can develop rules and regulations or small scale political structures for the management of their own islands or properties. Groups may enforce dress and certain behaviors within their own domain space.
How Does the Purchase of Real Estate Work?
Virtual land is sold in 16 acre regions. SL real estate is limited in terms of primitive count and parcel size for a contiguous parcel of land, the largest being 65,536 m² (a "sim"), which can contain up to 15,000 primitives. There is an "additional" 1,000 prims held in reserve for the attachments worn by avatars, such as clothing and accessories. Mainland regions are auctioned off by Linden Lab, and usually sell for a few thousand dollars. Owners also incur a monthly maintenance fee. Linden Lab also auctions smaller parcels when they are abandoned by their owners. Residents can also buy and sell land to other Residents. Virtual developers exist in Second Life. Developers will buy land and add buildings, businesses, or landscaping. A more speculative approach is to buy land in bulk, divide it into parcels, and sell or rent the parcels.
Are There Universities And Other Types Of Institutions on Second Life?
Over 161 colleges and Universities have varying degrees of presence in Second Life using it as a virtual lab, for research or for long distance learning. Corporations are developing their own presence in Second Life as a virtual working environment or a place to meet. Museums have recreated their collections in Second Life and institutions such as NOAA have developed hurricane simulations within Second Life.
