Setting Up Your Account/Avatar in SL

There are three steps you need to complete to start using Second Life.

Step 1 - Set up your account/avatar:

Go to: http://www.secondlife.com/.
Click on the orange box that says "Get Started."
Select a Community (optional): These communities are usually for non-English speaking people. Scroll down and click "Skip This Step."
Basic Details:
1. Choose Your Second Life Name: This will be how all of SL residents will know you, including fellow classmates and your instructor, so choose wisely. Also, this name identifies everything that belongs to you in your inventory, and all actions taken by you inworld.
  1. First name: Your first name can be anything, but keep in mind, it should be easy for others to type in chat, or at least something they can type in a shortened version (i.e., "Hal" for "Halibut").
  2. Last name: Choose a last name from the drop down box. These names change every few months, so what may be available now may not be available a few months from now.
  3. Availability: Check to see if your choice of first and last names is available. If not, you need to choose something else. Sometimes just changing the spelling can make your choice available.
2. Enter Your Birthdate: No one but Linden Labs sees this, so be honest. Remember, you must be at least 18 years of age to be on the adult grid.
3. Enter Your Email Address: We recommend that you use an email address that you access often as this is where all notices are sent. You will also need to access this email prior to logging into SL to activate your account.
4. Click "Continue."
Select an Avatar: You can choose a basic avatar at this time or skip this step. What you choose now is not what you're stuck with. Once inworld, you can change your avatar to your heart's content. Click "Choose this avatar" or "Skip this step."
Welcome (Avatar Name)! Fill out your real name, gender, country, and choose a password. Type in the letters/numbers from the coded image and click the button at the bottom.
Upgrade to Premium Now! SKIP THIS STEP. You only need a premium account if you wish to buy land. Not necessary for your school activities.
Account has been created. At this point you need to access your email account. (This may take a few minutes for the email to get through, so be patient)
1. Open the email and click on the first link to activate your account.
2. Your browser will open and confirm that your account has been activated. NOTE: STOP HERE if you plan on using a campus computer with SL already installed.

Step 2 - Check your system requirements:

Go to the following URL and check the requirements for your operating system: http://secondlife.com/corporate/sysreqs.php.

Step 3 - Download and install the client software:

Go to the following URL, choose your operating system, and download the software. http://secondlife.com/community/downloads.php.
Once it is downloaded, double-click the file to install it.
Using the client software, your username, and your password, log in to Second Life.


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