Second Life Download
Introduction
Second Life is an online 3D virtual world developed by Linden Lab. The Web site allows people to socialize, connect and explore new places with the help of 3D characters called avatars. Registered members can explore new geographies, buildings, roads, and live a “second life” there with their choice partners. They can also create, buy and trade virtual property and services with one another. The service is offered for people aged 16 and over. Second Life has nearly one million active users as of 2011.
Users are allowed to create virtual objects using a 3D modeling tool based around simple geometric shapes. With the help of a procedural scripting language, called Linden Scripting Language, users can add interactivity to their objects. By using external software, they can add textures to clothing and other items, create animations, and add gestures to their 3D objects. Users are given the copyright for their content and creations through digital right management functions enabled by the Second Life server.
Land Ownership
Residents who have purchased premium membership are allowed to purchase land. The first 512 m² of Main Land owned by the premium account holder is free of the usual monthly Land Use Fee, referred to as Tier. There is no upper limit for the tier. The land must first be purchased from either Linden Lab or a private seller.
There are four types of lands: Mainland, Private Region, Homestead and Openspace. Mainland is a region of continuous land mass while private regions are islands. Openspace regions may be either Mainland or Private, but residents have lower prim limits and traffic use levels than Mainland regions. Residents can purchase or rent land from another Resident or Linden Lab.
The Technology behind the “Second Life”
Second Life operates on a client (viewer) and several thousands of servers operated by Linden Lab. The client executes on user’s personal computer and renders 3D graphics using OpenGL technology. The open source software allows users to recompile the graphics and create custom viewers.
Second Life features a multi-core server. Each full region in the Second Life grid runs on a single dedicated core of this server. These servers run scripts in the region. They provide communication between avatars and objects present in the region.
Applications
Second Life finds application in a number of fields including Education, Arts, Science, Religion and Relationships.
Several educational institutions are using the platform for simulating real-life educational scenarios. For example, the University of San Martin de Porres of Peru has been working on Second Life developing prototypes of Peruvian archeological buildings. In Arts, Second Life is used to recreate famous art exhibits, live music, live theater. The platform helps in scientific research, collaboration and data visualization.
Several religious groups are using Second Life to conduct virtual meeting places. For example, the Egyptian-owned news website Islam Online has purchased land in Second Life to allow Muslims and non-Muslims alike to perform the ritual of Hajj in virtual form, before they actually make the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Second Life is also being leveraged by government agencies. Several virtual embassies are operating under this platform. The Maldives was the first country to open an embassy in Second Life. The virtual avatar diplomats talk face to face with people about visas, trade and other issues. Other countries that have opened embassies in Second Life include Sweden, Serbia and Estonia, with several others planning to open their embassies soon.
Second Life for Relationships
Second Life is an ideal platform to build and maintain healthy relationships as in real life. Several successful relationships have happened in Second Life, some of them have culminated in online marriages. There is an exclusive section for adults where partners can freely interact with each other on matters related to sex and relationships. However, access to the adult section is given after age verification.