How to Acquire Virtual Land in Second Life

You signed up for Second Life, the virtual world of games, fun and creativity. You have explored a few locations, talked to some other users and said to yourself, "Whoa, cool!" You think it may be time to build a place of your own where you can hold events, share ideas, plan group projects and make almost anything you can script. But to do that, you need to acquire some virtual land. Here's how to dabble in "real estate" in this virtual world.

Things You'll Need

• Second Life Client download
• Linden dollars (L$), the virtual currency used in Second Life
• Computer with Internet access via DSL or cable modem

Instructions

1. Upgrade your membership in Second Life (see the Resources section below) if you currently have a free membership. To acquire land, you must upgrade to a $9.95 per month premium membership. This allows you to buy up to 512 square meters of land without paying the cost of maintenance.

2. Purchase land with "Linden dollars" (L$). Members receive a certain amount of L$ per month, or they can "earn" L$ in the virtual world. Maintenance, however, costs real money and is added to your monthly membership dues.

3. Use the "Search" tool to locate land that others have for sale. Click on "Land Sales." Use the tabs to review the different types of land and then specific "Parcels."

4. Press "Ctrl+Alt+Shift+P" to investigate a land parcel. Find the size, shape and boundaries as well as price.

5. Look for facts about what objects you may place on the property at "Objects Parcel Supports" under "About Land."

6. Type "Second Life's Auctions" into the "Search" tool to locate land that is up for auction.

7. Right-click a parcel to acquire it. On the menu that appears, find "About Land" and under that "Buy Land." The price is automatically deducted from your account of L$. If you choose a piece over the 512-square-meter limit, the price or maintenance is added to your monthly dues bill.

Tips & Warnings

• You can "own" as much land as you want, but the more you have (over the initial 512 square meters), the higher your monthly maintenance fee.

• Older computers and those with dial-up connections can't handle the Second Life download. Carefully check the tech requirements listed on the Web site (see Resources below).

• While you may place objects of your own choosing on the land, you cannot alter the terrain itself by more than 4 meters up or down. Be sure you are satisfied with the size and shape of the land as it is.

• Check the Second Life privacy policy to see who has access to the records of individual purchase transactions (see Resources below).