How to Create a Second Life Avatar

Before you start, please check the Second Life technical requirements to make sure you will be able to run the Second Life client software.

Create An Avatar

(More detailed instructions are available in the "Second Life Installation Guide" PDF file - large 1.17 MB download.)

Go to http://www.secondlife.com

Click on the orange "GET STARTED - Free Download" button.

There are three main steps to setting up your own avatar for use in Second Life.

1. Create an Account

• Choose a "Starting Look"
• Pick a first name.
• Choose a last name from the pop up box.
• Fill out rest of the form with some Personal Information.
• Be sure to keep a copy of your information in a safe place. You will need it to log in to Second Life, and also if you ever forget your password.
• Accept the Terms of Service.
• Click on the "Create Account" button.

Note: DON'T take too long to fill out the form, or you will time out and have to try again.

2. Confirm Email Address

• You are almost done! You just need to confirm your email address.
• Find email sent to you with the subject line "Welcome to Second Life, First Lastname".
• Click on the link to confirm your email address.
• You should see a web page, congratulating you on activating your Second Life account.

3. Download and Install

• You will need to save the download installation file. Then follow the web page instructions for installing the Second Life client software.
• Be sure to check out he Showcase and the Currency pages prepared by Linden Labs.
• Note: You don't need to have any Linden Dollars to use Second Life.

Start To Use Second Life

1. Start up the Second Life client software that you just downloaded.
2. Enter your Avatar first and last name, enter your password, and then click on "Log In" button.
3. Read and Agree to the Terms of Service, click on the "I Agree to the Terms of Service" and click on "Continue".
4. You will be taken to Help Island.
5. Click on the orange "Begin" icon to start.
   Follow the instructions to learn how to move your avatar around.
   (On a Mac with only one mouse button, you can " right" click by holding down the Option key while you click on the mouse button.)

You may be greeted by a "mentor" avatar. Feel free to ask any questions that you have. Be sure to follow through the Tutorial that should open up in a new small window. Click on the arrows on that screen to turn the pages for steps 1-9. You may close the window any time when you are done with it. (Click on the X.)

Now, try out your new skills. Walk or fly around the Island.
Take the time now to check things out!

Try clicking on the rotating people for info on "Gestures in Second Life" or "How to Clean up in Second Life".