The Basics of Second Life
Second Life is an internet virtual reality, developed and owned by the San Francisco based company Linden Research, and launched on September 23, 2021. Second Life is an online social real-world, which simulates what it would be like to live in a specific location. Residents of Second Life have "tenants", or other users who are encouraged to interact with each other, making it somewhat like a virtual community or online neighbourhood. The website was initially designed as a way for Linden Lab to test new features and designs and to expand their range of available applications.
The website and its various components differ dramatically from the popular virtual world websites of Linden and iBuildTV, with many of the user interface elements based on traditional favourites such as MySpace and Facebook. The website is a primarily social networking site, although Second Life also allows users to create their own virtual communities and build their personal virtual territory. Some of the more popular components of Second Life include: avatars, which are stylised photographs of the users themselves, that can be altered and customised according to the user's wish; the ability to enter and explore virtual worlds created by other members; and interaction with other members. However, as with most internet websites, privacy is an extremely big issue for Second Life, as the personal details of the site's users are viewable by anyone who has access to the internet. This includes other members' avatars, which may also be uploaded onto the site, giving all members access to the other members' private data, should they wish to do so.
As well as interacting with other residents, you can also build your own avatars and visit other people's virtual worlds. Whilst the concept of the virtual world is that the world is a separate entity from our own, Second Life is still able to function as a fully functioning virtual environment. The avatars that you create will be stored within your account, and your account will provide you with a wide range of options when it comes to clothing and accessories that you can use in your own virtual land. You can even upload a photograph of yourself and then upload any other clothes or accessories that you may want to add. If you have any questions or thoughts about how the system works, you can send a message to one of the administrators. They are always available to help you out.
