How to Create an Avatar in Second Life

The word avatar derives from the Sanskrit "avatara" meaning "incarnation." For Second Life members, it is a means of reinventing oneself by constructing a 3-D animated model. Once you have chosen an avatar, you can tinker with it as you like.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Second Life client download
• Computer with Internet access

1. Create an account at the Second Life Web site (see Resources below) by clicking the "Join" link.
2. Fill out the required information. After you have chosen a screen name, you will be given a choice of several avatars, both male and female. Pick one by checking the box next to it. Don't worry if it doesn't look exactly the way you'd like; you'll be able to change the look later.
3. Complete the application process. Choose a free account or one of the various levels of premium accounts, then download the Second Life client.
4. Click the green icon that now appears on your desktop. If you are not directed to a virtual location right away, use the "Connect" button. Your avatar, along with several others, will appear.
5. Click on your avatar. A pie chart of choices will appear. Select "Appearance" to alter the look of your avatar. Further instructions and ideas can be found at "Avatar and Appearance" in the Knowledge Base (see Resources below).
6. Follow the steps that show up on the screen to change facial features, body type or clothing.

Tips & Warnings

• The avatar creation tools are slow to download and not always reliable. You will need to wait after each change you make for it to appear and for the screen to reload.
• Part of the point of Second Life is interaction between members. While the site itself has privacy protection, it is up to you to decide how much personal information you want to give to fellow member. Be cautious.