A welcome to SecondLife...
Greetings! I go by the name of Foolish Frost, and will be explaining a few things about SecondLife (Also known as SL) in this little document. I hope this information will be useful to you, and that you will pass it on to any other new user that you come across.
A basic introduction to SL and how it works:
If you are reading this, I have to assume you have already installed the software, created a new account, and understand the basic concepts of using a mouse and keyboard. I may also assume you understand other things basic to use of the internet and your own equipment. If I do mention something that does not make sense, please just ask another user about it. On average, people a very helpful in SL.
SL is a program that creates a 3 dimensional virtual world that you can travel through with an Avatar. Your avatar is a visual representation of you in the world, allowing you to interact with people and things in SL. You will also notice a set of menu options across the top of the screen, and several buttons across the bottom.
When you first login in SL, you would have appeared on a platform in a new user area called Orientation Island. This place allows you to acclimate yourself to the system before meeting lots of other people. Keep in mind though: Lots of people come through this place, and you will likely not be alone. Many will also be beginners, so do not take offense if they do not respond or act strangely.
Now that you know where you are, and what's generally going on, let's get a few bits of information down here for you to know about.
From: someone
Some people you will meet have the last name of 'Linden' These people are staff of the company Linden Labs, and are generally in charge. If they talk to you, listen and take it to heart. They have the ability to control many aspects of the game, including banning disruptive individuals if needed. They are also VERY busy on average, so don't take offense if it takes them a while to get back to you when you talk to them.
From: someone
If you look at the HELP option in the top menu, you will see a submenu called LIVE HELP. For assistance you can click on that and volunteers (other players who want to help, and were okayed by the Lindens) will message you back with an answer.
The island you are on has several information stands that look like a pedestal with a green hand-like icon floating above it. Click on these for information on how to use SL. I will not cover what those stations teach you, since that's what they are there for. Just remember about the Lindens and Live-Help notes above if you have questions.
Customizing your Avatar:
Now, you may still be on the island, or you may have joined the full SL world. Either way, we are going to discuss your avatar, and how to customize it to your tastes.
Your avatar has several option to allow you to customize it. They are listed below:
From: someone
Appearance: You can change the overall way your Avatar looks by right-clicking on your avatar and choosing 'appearance' from the pie-menu. You will get a series of sliders for just about every aspect of your character. This is an exercise in creativity, and so you are left to your own devices here.
From: someone
Clothing: You can wear different kinds of clothing. Clothing can be put on by looking in your clothing folder in inventory (the bottom right button) and right-clicking on a piece of clothing and choose 'wear'. Some clothing might appear under other clothing, and may take a few seconds or more to appear on your Avatar.
From: someone
Profile: You can edit your profile by right-clicking on your avatar and choosing 'profile' from the pie-menu. In here you have a window with several tabs that will allow you to add notes about your Avatar, and even yourself if you so choose.
From: someone
Attachments: While clothing is effectively 'painted onto your Avatar's form, attachments are objects that can be attached to a point on your Avatar. Walking sticks, sunglasses, hats, backpacks: All of these objects would be attachments. Any object can be attached to your character, and this feature allows you to create some truly unique avatars. An example of an advanced avatar using attachments would be a full suit of armor that covers your body.
More to come as I think of it.
