Second Life FAQ

This is our Second event, but our first to be held in Second Life. If you are new to Second Life, or have never heard of it, these questions and answers are for you.

Q: What is Second Life?
A: Second Life is a 3-D virtual world entirely built and owned by its Residents. Residents log in for all over the world to play, make friends, make virtual creations, buy virtual land and build a second life. People also attend events "in-world", like concerts, conferences and conventions. As such, we decided to hold our Second Annual La Bal Masqué Nocturne masquerade ball in Second Life.

Anyone over 18 years old can create an account for free, but if you ever want to buy anything in-world, it will cost a little money. Commerce is handled with the in-world unit-of-trade, the Linden dollar, which can be converted to and from US dollars at many exchanges.

Our event will cost 500L$, which is less than $2.50 USD. As always, our event benefits charitable organizations, and this year we intend to donate both to The American Cancer Society and The Joe Murphy Memorial Fund. We hope that you'll visit and be generous with many donations in-world and via our website.

Q: Why is the event only held online in Second Life this year?
A: We don't have the resources to throw another Ball in town this year. Instead, some friends of ours are Residents of Second Life and suggested we hold it there. This solves a few problems.

First, we don't have to rent a ballroom, hire caterers, etc. Some friends of our have donated virtual space and created an amazing location. Others are donating their services to DJ the event online.

Second, there's no airlines or hotels to deal with for those out of town. With a free Second Life account, folks from around the world can attend the event.

Third, since it will be held for 24 hours, you can attend when it is convenient for you. So no matter when you show up, there will be fun to be had.

Q: So how do you create an account on Second Life?
A: Join the Second Life community by visiting this link.

Q: What computer and operating system can I use to log in?
A: The requirements change all the time, so please visit the Official System Requirements page for the latest.

However, here's the basics:

Windows-based PC requirements:
* Windows XP (SP2) OR Windows 2000 (SP4)
** Second Life does NOT currently support Windows Vista
* Computer Processor: 800MHz Pentium III or Athlon, or better
* Computer Memory: 256MB or better

Mac requirements:
* Mac OS X 10.3.9 or better
* Computer Processor: 1 GHz G4 or better
* Computer Memory: 512MB or better

Linux requirements:
* Computer Processor: 800MHz Pentium III or Athlon, or better
* Computer Memory: 256MB or better (more is strongly recommended!)
Linux Operating System: A reasonably modern 32-bit Linux environment is required.
** If you are running a 64-bit Linux distribution then you will need its 32-bit compatibility environment installed.

* No matter what the OS is that you use, Second Life only guarantees compatibility with the following Video/Graphics Cards:
nVidia GeForce 2/4mx/FX 5600/6600 or better
OR ATI Radeon 8500/9250/9600/X600 or better
** Second Life may not run on graphics/video cards other than the ones listed above.

* Internet Connection: High-speed Cable or DSL connection.
** Second Life is not compatible with dial-up internet, satellite internet, and some wireless internet services.

Q: Do I have to download any software?
A: Yes. You have to download the software from their website.

If you have any other questions, please read their FAQ Page.