Introduction

Everyone is doing it. Jumping into the exciting world of Second Life (SL) to see what all the buzz is about, to start a business, to catch up with friends, to teach a class, or just to go dancing without having to worry about how uncomfortable those heels are going to get by the end of the night.

Maybe you've only just heard about SL. Maybe you joined, logged in, and got stuck. Maybe you're an SL veteran but want to know more about building, running a business, or another advanced skill. No matter who you are, if you're interested in SL, you've got the right book in your hands. What are you waiting for?! Get going. There are more than nine million people waiting to meet you!

About This Book

Millions of people are converts of the SL experience, but that doesn't mean it's easy. Everyone is a newbie (a newb) at some point, but you don't have to look like one. For Dummies books aren't written just as guides but as trusted sources of information. We're here, in these pages, to hold your hand, pat your back, and cheer for you as you try out this new reality. No need to be scared or uptight. Second Life is fun when you know what you're doing, and you soon will.

If you've read anything about Second Life or have friends who are using it, you've probably heard some exciting stuff as well as some scary stuff. Safety is important to us, so you'll see lots of tips and tricks for staying safe and comfortable while you learn and explore. Have no worries. We're here to help.

If you're not convinced that SL is for you, what better way to find out than to jump in? And what better way to jump in than with a couple of Second Life old-timers by your side? We hope that with this book at your side, you won't be intimidated by seeing how to navigate Second Life, and that when you get into trouble (got a box on your head? If you don't get the joke now, you will later, promise!), you'll know you can flip open this book and find what you need.

Second Life For Dummies is written to do more than provide the basics, though. You'll find expert advice, seasoned insight, and handy tips and tricks to get you moving fast. Best of all, we (the authors) are residents of this crazy alternate world, too! When you find out how to make friends, you can look us up and actually talk to the authors of this book! You can't beat that kind of customer service. This book is just the beginning of a big experience, and we're happy to have you along for the ride.

What You Can Safely Ignore

Throughout the book, we include examples of code, steps for creating your own Second Life gear, and so on. If you're a consumer and don't want to be a producer, you can skip those sections. But you'll be back to them later. We know you.

Oh, and all those boxes mixed in throughout the pages? Those are sidebars. They provide nonessential information. You can skip them if you want, but you'll miss out on cool tips.

Foolish Assumptions

We'll be honest. We had to assume some things about you to write this book. So, here's what we assume about you:

• You already know a little something about the basics of using your own computer. You know how to install software, surf the Web, and other basics of living in the 20th century.

• You have at least a passing interest in Second Life. We're not here to convince you to want to use it: just to teach you how to use it better. If you're a skeptic, jump in and find out whether your assumptions are right. If you're a naysayer, well go sulk somewhere else. No grumps allowed at this party!

How This Book Is Organized

Every adventure needs a plan. We divided this book into six parts to help you easily find the information that you need.

Part I: Second Life Overview and Basics

If don't already have SL installed or don't have an account yet, this is where you'll want to start. We'll help you get set up and walk you through the Second Life tutorials so you can get in there and start having fun.

Part II: Living Your Second Life - Exploring and Socializing

In this section, we cover the basics of establishing who you are in SL. This includes moving around, customizing your avatar with cool clothes and accessories, learning to chat with other residents, and staying in your comfort zone.

Part III: Inventory, Cash, and Land

Second Life is full of stuff! Stuff you can make, stuff you can buy, and stuff you can do. It all adds up to a lot of stuff management. Whether you're a land baron, a money maker, or just a clothes horse, you'll want to read over these chapters to see how to get on top of all your stuff.

Part IV: Building and Customizing

Second only to all the great people you'll meet, the best part of SL is the ability to create awesome stuff. Build a house and live in it. Or better yet, build a house, sell it, and watch other people live in it and enjoy it. Maybe architecture isn't your thing. Maybe you're more into fashion? Well, SL has that, too. We show you how to make your first items of custom clothing (a t-shirt) and move on to making more complex items (skirts that sway and swish). We'll even dig into the most complex part of Second Life — scripting. Yes, you, too can be a programmer!

Part V: Real-Life Opportunities in Second Life

Second Life might be a virtual world, but there is real money to be made. It's not easy to make a living in SL, but the tips we provide will give you a fighting chance and a leg up on the competition. We cover the basics of getting a job or starting a business, and then show you some examples of big business already in SL so you can learn from the masters. Finally, we'll explore the biggest growing area of SL — education. Yes, there are people getting degrees using Second Life. Will the amazement never end?

Part VI: The Parts of Tens

These chapters are one of the coolest parts of a For Dummies book. These lists feature cool places and even where to find the best shoes! We've toured the virtual world looking for the best places so you don't have to. Let us show you around.

Icons Used in This Book

Throughout the book are symbols in the margin. These symbols, or icons, mark important points.

This bull's-eye icon points to tips and tricks that will make you more Second Life savvy.

These warning icons alert you to something that could cause trouble. Be sure to pay attention to them to save yourself time and worry.

Where to Go from Here

Just getting started with Second Life? Turn the page. Do you have a specific topic of interest? Use the index or the Table of Contents to find the topic and turn to that page. Go on. You know how to read a book. Time's a' wasting!