Second Life viewers

Second Life viewers and interface

Second Life does not require a client download. All the data is stored on the Linden labs systems. A Game like world of Warcraft requires you to download a client and patch updates. This means that all the data is already stored onto your computer. With SL, because the data is stored on Linden lab’s system, you have to wait for the graphics and content to download on your computer. When you teleport into a new sim, it will first look grey until everything has loaded.

After you have signed up for Second Life, you will be prompted to download the Second Life viewer. The viewer it’s self is a very small download. It is not a client. In order to play second life, you will need to have the viewer downloaded. On your left hand side of the screen, there are a row of buttons. These buttons makes it easy to access things quickly and easily. For example the “T-shirt” Icon will open the “Currently wearing” window. The “Camera” Icon will allow you to take snap shots.

On the bottom of the screen are more icons. “Chat” will open the chat window. “Speak” holding that button will allow you to speak through your mic.”Destinations” Will open up a list of hot spots for you to visit. “People” will open up a map of the area. Underneath the map will be names of avatars close to you. There will a few tabs next to the map like “Friends” which will give you a list of your friends. Basically, it’s everything to do with the social aspect. “Profile” will open up your profile page. “Move” will allow you to walk or run or fly. “How to” is a help button…I’ve never used it so I don’t know.
The second life viewer is the most standard viewer. Many experienced players do away with the standard viewer and download a more advanced one. There are many viewers, but I prefer to use phoenix firestorm. Why I love firestorm, is because it makes the graphics look 10x better. If you view a high quality skin on the standard viewer then it will look great. If you view a high quality skin on firestorm…It will look freaking AWESOME!

I highly advise moving from the standard viewer, to a viewer like firestorm. Not only is the quality better and the interface more advanced, it is built in with something called RLV.
What is RLV? Basically it it allows another person to take control of your avatar’s movement. Firestorm allows you turn on RLV so that you can role play with another avatar. Items like Collars and cuffs, are RLV enabled and allow you to set the permission if which avatar is allowed to control the item you are wearing. If you are role playing as a slave, then RLV will allow your master/mistress to tp you forcefully, strip you naked, rape you, make you crawl, etc. Personally I used RLV for my child avatar. There is an item in the Market place that allowed my SL mom to carry me, punish me, and hold my hand whenever she wanted. Some HUD’s require RLV in order rezz certain items as well.

Standard Viewer

On a personal note, I say go with Phoenix fire storm because it’s the only one I used after the standard viewer.
Thanks for reading!