Module+3

**Module 3: Getting Started on Second Life**
So now it is time for you to get started on SL. Even if you have already created your account and set up your avatar, please scan the information below and don't forget to do the blog post below. Creating an account on SL is easy and it is free. About the only thing you can't do for free in SL is own land. You can have a very satisfying SL experience without spending any Lindens; the currency of SL (more about $L in a later module). ** A few tips and definitions before we get started ** **Tip 1:** You will be asked to choose a first name which must be 2-31 characters long and may contain letters or numbers. Names may not be R rated. Tip 3: ** You will be asked for your birth date. The only use that Linden Labs puts this to is to be sure you are old enough to be on the main grid (18 or older) and for basic demographic data (ages of people who are using SL). Tip 4: ** Choosing your initial Avatar shape: Don't stress about this too much as you can change your shape, skin color, clothes, hair, eyes....... you get the picture Tip 5: ** SL can run on Windows, Mac OSX or Linux operating systems. You will have to download the Second Life program to your computer. Check [|HERE] for the current hardware and software minimums. For example, you must have DSL or Cable modem to run SL - Dial-up does not work. Another thing to take a careful look at is the graphics card minimums. Community Standards **: The [|Community Standards] are expectations for all residents of SL. There are six of them: Linden labs takes these very seriously so **it is important that you familiarize yourself with them** by clicking on the link above. In addition, if any of these happen to you report them immediately by using the report function in the in-world menu.
 * A word of caution - you cannot change your name once you have set up your account. What is cute at first can be annoying later on (e.g. 14Peepers2C is hard to type and names with numbers are considered very newbie).
 * Names should never be brand names (copyright issues) or be hard to type or remember
 * In addition, your first name will most likely get shortened in group chats where it is important to identify who you are responding to. Consider how your name will shorten: eg. 14P or Pee for the name above.
 * Tip 2:** You will be given a list of last names to choose from. You do not get to make up your own last name. This allows Linden Labs to prevent duplicate names on the SL grid.
 * Side note: Any avatar with the last name Linden works for Linden Labs.
 * Intolerance
 * Harassment
 * Assault
 * Disclosure
 * Indecency
 * Disturbing the peace

Step-by-Step directions for getting started on SL.


 * When you have created your account and signed in for the first time you will arrive on one of the Orientation Islands.** There are tasks for you to accomplish to help you learn to navigate in Second Life and there are normally mentors available to answer questions. You may find it helpful to watch the Module 4 tutorials prior to signing in the first time.

**Discovery Exercises:**
 * Task 1: ** Blog about your success and frustration in setting up your account and signing in for the first time