Starting a second life couldn't be easier. All you will need is a computer and broadband Internet access and you will be ready to go.
There are many virtual worlds to choose from and each will have its own theme, currency and rules. All have a slightly different way of setting up an account but almost all will require you to enter your credit card details and personal information.
There are many virtual worlds to choose from and each will have its own theme, currency and rules. All have a slightly different way of setting up an account but almost all will require you to enter your credit card details and personal information.
Second Life, featured on Channel 4, is an exciting virtual world because it doesn't have a theme or objective and there are a huge spectrum of different activities and events to choose from when you arrive – meaning you are more likely to find something that might interest you.
Once you have registered and chosen a name (remember: you will not be able to change this at a later date!) you can download Second Life and you're away.
Then you can start your second life by choosing what you look like – the range here is fairly basic but once you enter the world properly you will be able to do a whole lot more. As with most virtual worlds, you will then be taken through a tutorial explaining how to move, how to fly and how to pick up and manipulate objects.
After you're happy with what you look like and have good control over your character you begin to explore your chosen virtual world.
Whichever virtual world you choose to join, chat to as many people as you can to find out what's going on. Start by searching for subjects your personally interested – football, music, fashion, shopping, whatever – and see what pops up with matching keywords.
And then, once you feel confident enough, you can buy land, get a house, build new objects for your world or try and make a million with a brilliant idea...
Once you have registered and chosen a name (remember: you will not be able to change this at a later date!) you can download Second Life and you're away.
Then you can start your second life by choosing what you look like – the range here is fairly basic but once you enter the world properly you will be able to do a whole lot more. As with most virtual worlds, you will then be taken through a tutorial explaining how to move, how to fly and how to pick up and manipulate objects.
After you're happy with what you look like and have good control over your character you begin to explore your chosen virtual world.
Whichever virtual world you choose to join, chat to as many people as you can to find out what's going on. Start by searching for subjects your personally interested – football, music, fashion, shopping, whatever – and see what pops up with matching keywords.
And then, once you feel confident enough, you can buy land, get a house, build new objects for your world or try and make a million with a brilliant idea...