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Getting Started
(This page will give some basic information and point to available online videos and other help. It’s not done yet!)
What do I need?
You need a computer (Mac, Windows, or Linux), a broadband Internet connection (cable, DSL, etc.) and a free Second Life-compatible “Viewer.” Note that SL does not run in your Web browser; it takes one of these programs to do it.
If you want to use Voice Chat (instead of typing all the time), then you’ll need a microphone and speakers or (better) a headset with microphone.
How do I start?
Your first task is to create your account. Go to the Second Life Website and click one of the big orange JOIN NOW buttons. You will select your account name (do this carefully; it’s not changeable) and an avatar to get started. The membership is free; you will have to provide some basic information (but no credit card numbers).
Next, you’ll need to download and install a Second Life Viewer; the software you’ll run on your computer. The default viewer that you get right from the account setup will be the latest version of Viewer 2, from Linden Lab. You can jump in using that, or start with a third-party viewer (which are preferred by many SL residents). One in particular is the Dolphin Viewer that has some features useful to sailors. But pick any viewer you want; they can coexist on your computer and you can try them out.
Jump in!
Log in and walk around. You’ll land at Welcome Island, and there are signs and things there that will self-teach you the basics. Use the Search button and then Showcase tab (Search is replaced with Destinations on some viewers) to visit some of SL’s biggest and most popular places.
You’ll want to visit IYC-SL very quickly, of course. To do that, be logged into SL and CLICK HERE.
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