What is Second Life? A quick summary of the virtual online world’s main features

Eager to find out what Second Life is all about? No problem, this section will give you a quick rundown on everything you need to know.

Second Life – or SL – is the Internet’s most popular and dynamic online environment. In 2003, Linden Labs started out with the vision of a virtual world that could live up to the real one in every respect. In Second Life, it is the residents that design and shape their virtual environment and fill it with life. Although the overall structure might resemble an online game, it is the players’ prime ambition to turn these virtual surroundings into a comprehensive representation of the real world. In Second Life you can interact, communicate and even trade with others – just like in real life. Nevertheless, what makes Second Life truly unique is its sophisticated 3D representation of objects and people, allowing users to immerse themselves in a very realistic experience.

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Second Life – how to join

You want to be part of Second Life? Your new virtual existence is just a few clicks away. This is what you need to do:

Open your Internet browser and visit www.secondlife.com. Click on the button ‘Join Now’. The following page will ask you to enter your own personal log-in information. Once you have entered all relevant details, you are ready to download the Second Life software. After the download has finished, a new window will open and guide you through the software installation process. After installation, please start the programme ‘Second Life’. Now enter your log-in information on the welcome screen - you will be taken straight to Second Life’s welcome island, your first point of call in this virtual world with plenty of information and tutorials to help you find your way. From here, you are free to explore your new virtual existence – have fun!

The technical requirements for your Second Life

Second Life is a virtual 3D environment. To join this world, you first need to download the programme that connects you to the virtual world. This so-called client software is your ticket to the online world of Second Life.

The software, compatible with most PC and Apple Macintosh operating systems, is available for download at www.secondlife.com. For fast and glitch-free graphics, please ensure that your computer has a high-quality and reasonably fast video card.

As Second Life is a virtual online world, you will also need a fast Internet connection. We strongly recommend a broadband connection, DSL speed or faster, to ensure a smooth connection to Second Life and speedy loading of graphics. Within Second Life, a regular mouse and keyboard is enough to get you around. Right-click an object to interact with it – you will then receive further information on what you can do with it.

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Find your way to Mercedes-Benz Island

There are two different ways to reach Mercedes-Benz’ virtual outpost in Second Life.

Option 1:

Start up the ‚Second Life’ software and log-in with your personal user details. Now select ‘Search’ in the menu and enter ‘Mercedes-Benz’ in the search field. From the list of results, choose ‘Mercedes-Benz Island’ and click on the ‘Teleport’ button to go straight to the island.

Option 2:

Start up the ‚Second Life’ software and log-in with your personal user details. Now switch to your Internet Browser and enter www.mercedes-benz.com/secondlife. Once the page has loaded, choose any link from the menu on the right hand side: ‘Second Life Links’. This will automatically take you back to the Second Life window – and Mercedes-Benz Island.

Have fun exploring Mercedes-Benz Island!

Life in Second Life

Second Life features everything you might know from the real world – and a lot more. Its residents are on a tireless mission to improve their virtual world and make it ever more interesting.

Besides choosing your avatar’s look and outfit, Second Life allows you to fulfil those long-cherished dreams. With Second Life’s optional development software you can design and construct a virtual home according to your very own specifications. The same applies to furniture and furnishings – design them yourself and spruce up your home! If this sounds like too much work, you can also commission a virtual architect or interior designer to create and furnish a home that conforms to your personal wishes.

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