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Revision as of 23:14, 27 April 2004 by Dysprosia (talk | contribs) (fmt)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Second Life is a virtual world created by Linden Lab. It is closely related to There in that one of its elements is socialization, but the similarity stops there. The brain child of Philip Rosedale, the users, known as residents, are given tools to create the world, of which over 99% is resident-created. With a built in 3d creator, the users can create objects from prims or primitives. Also, by using digital editing software (such as Adobe Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro) to create textures. These textures can be used to create clothing, wallpapers, or other looks on the faces of the prims. Objects can also be scripted or programmed using the LSL (Linden Scripting Language based on C and Java) which allows objects to interact with the world.
The resident is represented in the virtual world by a human avatar which can be extensively customized and clothed. The attachment of player-made objects provides further personal options to residents, such as a pair of glasses or a sword.
Second Life has no built-in theme, instead taking on any look or feel its residents choose to give it.
Second Life requires a broadband connection to the internet, and free software (about 20 MB) that can be downloaded from the Second Life web site. Current system minimum and recommended specifications can be obtained at that site, but a 3D graphics card is a must.
Current pricing for second Life:
- 7-day trial is free - requires a credit card as proof of minimum age limit (18)
- Basic Access membership is a one-time charge of $9.95 (no further costs, play as much as you like)
- Premium membership is $9.95 a month
Premium memberships provide a larger weekly stipend (allowance money) over the Basic, and the right to own up to 512 square meters of land. It is possible to own more land by paying a monthly Land Use Fee relative to the amount owned. There are also Quarterly ($7.50/mo) and Annual ($6.00/mo) payment plans for the Premium membership.
Residents own the copyright to their creations in Second Life, and can sell objects or services (such as clothing, furnishings, vehicles, toys, tools, houses, etc) to other players for game money through shops set up in-world.
Many residents of Second Life have offered that it is a birthing point for The Metaverse (from "Snow Crash" by Neal Stephenson) or at the very least, 'not a game'.
External links
Convert game money to U.S. dollars (and vice versa) on 3rd party websites such as: