2nd Life - Wikipedia

Second Life

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Second Life (SL) is an online virtual world developed by Linden Lab which was launched on June 23, 2003. A number of free client programs called Viewers^[1][2] enable Second Life users, called Residents, to interact with each other through avatars. Residents can explore the world, (known as the grid) meet other residents, socialize, participate in individual and group activities, and create and tradevirtual property and services with one another. Second Life is intended for people aged 13 and over^[3], and as of 2011 has more than 20 million registered user accounts^{[citation needed]}.

Built into the software is a three-dimensional modeling tool based around simple geometric shapes that allows residents to build virtual objects. There is also an object oriented scripting language Linden Scripting Language which can be used to add interactivity to objects. More complex three-dimensional sculpted prims (colloquially known as sculpties), textures for clothing or other objects, and animations and gestures can be created using external software. The Second Life Terms of Service provide that users retain copyright for any content they create, and the server and client provide simple digital rights management functions ^[4].

Grids

Prior to January 20, 2011, there were two age-differentiated grids. When it originally started, only people 18 years and over could join. However, after much controversy about underage people joining,^{[citation needed]} Linden Labs created the Teen Grid, which was for those ages 13-17. When a teen turned 18, providing documentation verifying their age, they would be transferred to the Main Grid. Linden Lab has received controversy for the lack of integration between teens and adults. Some parents protest that they cannot be on the grid together with their teenage children, and companies cannot market to both teens and adults in SL even if their products have universal appeal.^{[citation needed]} This grid merge was widely supported by teen grid residents, although some also oppose it. Linden Lab employees have also been in favor of merging the grids, most notably Blue Linden, former teen grid manager. As of January 20, 2011, there is only one grid. Users 16 and 17 years of age are allowed to visit any G-rated region until they turn 18 and verify their age, at which point they may visit any region, regardless of rating.. In addition, there are four regions only available to 16 and 17 year old residents, known as Chimp Labs 1, 2, 3, and 4.^{[citation needed]}

The Teen Grid and the Main Grid actually were of one grid called Agni (most grids in Second Life grids are named after Hindu gods).^{[citation needed]} However, Teen Grid residents could not see or access the Main Grid, and Main Grid residents could not see or access the Teen Grid.^{[citation needed]}

On January 19, 2009 Linden Lab, Philip Linden related an intent to merge the two grids into one.^{[citation needed]}

Users under 16 years of age are not allowed in Second Life, and anyone under reasonable suspicion of being underage may have their account suspended until their age can be verified. However, Linden Lab places burden of proof on alleged underage users, and does not check to verify anything themselves. As a result, false underage user reports are filed by some residents as a form of griefing or for revenge.^{[citation needed]}

Virtual technology

The graphics, the Linden Scripting Language and the Havok physics enable the simulation of various real or imagined machines and devices. There are many light houses, some with detailed Fresnel lenses. Steam punk buoyant airships are common. There are combat weapons systems. A large part of the Linden Scripting Language Guide describes the features available for modeling vehicles. Popular uses of this include cars, boats, motor cycles and airplanes. Manned vehicles have advantages, but there can also be autonomous or remotely controlled vehicles.

A major obstacle is region (sim) border crossings, which unlike cell phone handoffs, are a problem, to users, even at walking speed, although following recent work by Linden Labs it has been greatly improved, and if the user in question has few resources assigned to him it can be almost seamless.

[edit]