Getting+Started+in+Second+Life

In order to enter the virtual world of Second Life, you must first open a Second Life account and download the viewer to your computer. So, the very first step is to make sure that the computer you will be using meets the [|minimum hardward requirements]. Then, once you've downloaded the viewer, you open it (just as you would with any other application) in order to enter the world. Each time you enter SL, you will type in your avatar name and your password.

So, let's get started by going to the Second Life web site and opening your new account. Fill in the form, pictured here:



In addition to providing your basic information, you will be asked to choose a name for your avatar. The name you select will serve as your avatar's name and your log in ID.

 You provide the first name (some people use their real life first name, but feel free to choose whatever you'd like) and then you'll select from a list of possible last names. If you don't like the available last names, you can reload the page (by clicking the "change" button) to get a fresh set to choose from.

Work your way through the steps...entering your information, picking an avatar name, and selecting a "look" (dont' worry, you can change it later), choose a security question, and fill in the captcha - then click "creat a account".

Next you'll see a screen advising you to go to your email in box (the email address you used to create your SL identity) and activate the account by clicking on a link in the email from Second Life. 

The link will take you to a page that allows you to select where in Second Life you will enter (your "starting location"). I suggest choosing the right-hand option of "browsing community gateways". 

You can scroll through the list of entry points and choose any of them. This will be your landing point when you enter Second Life for the first time (you can go anywhere from there, it's just a first time thing).

 Once your account has been created, you will be lead to this page where you will download the Second Life viewer, selecting the appropriate option for your operating system. The viewer will install on your computer.

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<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Open the viewer (just as you would open Word or Excel) and when prompted enter your avatar name and password, click "log in". The first time you log in, you'll be presented with a "terms of service" agreement - this is standard stuff, just check the box marked "I agree" and continue. Your avatar will appear (with its name overhead) in the destination you selected. In this picture, you can see my new avatar, standing at the Rockliffe University landing point, with lots of helpful advice, tutorials and supplies in front of me. I particularly like the "Don't Panic" sign ;-)

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<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Check out the other pages on this wiki for help with navigation and basic skills, advice on places to see, and other online resources to support your work (and play!) in Second Life.