So how does someone start a Second Life…
Seems simple when you are naturally geeky - just plunge in and hope there is a yellow brick road. Here are a few quick tips for jumping in On Your Own.
You are also welcome to email one of ShaheraZade’s Life Support Guides (aka LustroAdri Kas ) to arrange for a personal SL friend to meet and guide you with your first experiences as a new avatar.
Two Steps for Starting On Your Own
Create an Avatar Name.
Go to http://www.secondlife.com. Click on the large button that says “Free Membership, Join Now.” You will be directed to a screen where you choose your avatar’s name (you will have to select from a list of last names if it is a free account) and enter your birth date and e-mail addresses. If you don’t like the list of last names - wait a bit and revisit the URL as they refresh last names all day long. When you have your name (AND you are willing to be known as this new persona). Follow the steps to create your account and password. Save this info!!
Download (Free) Second Life program.
You will need to download their free program called Second Life to your desktop. When you first run the program from your computer, you will be prompted to enter your character name (NOT your real-life name) and your password. Then like magic, open sesame, you will be at the opening area into “Orientation Island.” You will be asked to select a sex for your avatar and first “appearance” or body look, which can be changed later. When you first “see” yourself you have the odd perspective of being behind yourself. Then you will stand there, wondering what to do…
First - GO through orientation!
Orientation Island is a very useful introduction, which can be navigated by you through trial and error! OR you can also arrange through email for one of ShaheraZade’s LIFE SUPPORTER to greet you! The importance of going through the orientation to Second Life cannot be overstated. For many people, the experience of navigating through a virtual world is not intuitive and requires a little practice. You should plan at least an hour to “gain your VR legs” once you have gotten into Second Life. The Orientation area contains a great deal of useful information, and residents of the broader Second Life community are always on hand to answer questions.
Beware!
The mainland is much like any large city — it has fantastic shopping, great fun with lots and lots to do and explore — and also some X-rated options clearly adult-focused. And there are griefers who can get in your face – lots of easy options for handling yourself with ease in these situations – no worry just beware!
However there are many areas “inworld” with plenty of “PG” rated spaces for fun, learning and gathering with others. ISTE has several islands (called SIMS based on amount of server space being rented for the visual “prims”) and many, many events to engage you right away. ISTE staffs “docents” for friendly real-time support.