US 12B — Computer Games — Lab #1

Openlab, ICS 364

Before Lab on Monday

Become a little familiar with Second Life:

• What is Second Life?
• Check system requirements and download SL to your own computer. (This is optional; you don't need to have SL on your computer.)
• Even without having Second Life installed on your computer, you can complete step 1 below, creating an account. This process can take quite a few minutes (among other things, you'll be emailed a confirmation which can take a while to arrive).

During Your Lab

Don't work in pairs in this lab, but do feel free to ask questions and look at what other students are up to. Make sure you've logged onto one of the machines which has Second Life installed. (Computer marked with green dots on this map have Second Life installed.)

1. Go to http://www.secondlife.com and sign up for a new account if you haven't made one before. (Click the big orange Sign Up Now Membership is FREE button.) You will only need a basic account; you may enter a credit card if you like to get L$250, but you don't need to since we won't be doing anything requiring cash for the time being. Don't join a community; instead click on just take me to Linden Lab's Orientation Island. Go through the several steps to complete your account creation.
2. Start up the Second Life application and log on to your new account. We will all be starting on Orientation Island, which will explain the very basics of Second Life to you. No clothes? Enjoy the breeze, or click on Inventory (lower right) and then on Clothing.
3. Go ahead and follow the orientation tutorial. Explore the areas Move, Search, Appearance, and Communicate. You will acquire the Key to Second Life; then teleport to Help Island.
4. Explore Help Island and look at things you are interested in. Make sure you don't miss the Freebie Store where you can pick up all sorts of free swag. Try right clicking on your avatar and selecting the various options. In particular, choose Appearance and make the avatar look like you (or your worst nightmare). If you want to start trying out the tools to edit or create a new object, head over to the sandbox area.