Create an avatar in the 3D simulation acting as an advanced social network. Meet other people and interact via messages, voice communications, and other means. Engage in individual or group activities, build your social capital to get more attention and recognition, etc.

Your avatar can have as many different looks as you want- you can change from a business suit into a suit of armor with the click of a button.

If you rent land, you can buy a mansion as your new home, trees for your gardens, a dinosaur for your backyard- absolutely anything to help you create your virtual paradise.

There are many ways to get Linden dollars in Second Life -- you can buy them directly from Linden Lab, or roll up your sleeves and earn them inside Second Life.

Yes, just like in the real world, you can earn a living in Second Life. Except in Second Life it tends to be a lot more fun.

We've listed some of our favorite shops in the Showcase section of the website. If you're inside Second Life, click on the Search tab and type out whatever you're looking for- "Suits," "Homes" or "Avatars," for example. There are thousands of items to choose from- all of which were designed and created by other members of Second Life! The results will be in order of popularity- and clicking Teleport will take you to whatever shop you choose.

There are also plenty of merchants who offer free clothes and gear, and even more who offer just about anything for L$1. more