Overview of Second Life

Registering

The first step to entering the "Second Life" world is to register, which is essentially free.  You download the "client program" called the "Second Life Viewer", which allows the users to play the game.  Users in the game are called "Residents" and they choose an "avatar" or virtual world character to represent themselves in the game.  This is how residents interact through out the game for socializing, meeting others, taking part in activities and events, and shop virtual items and real world items.  

Economy

There is an economy and real estate in "Second Life" that is all it's own, but functions like the real world kind.  Residents can buy and sell land and items.  Some businesses sell virtual products such as fashion for avatars or movements.  There are also businesses in the game that sell real world items that you order online.  When you register it is encouraged to put a credit card on file because when you buy land or merchandise it does cost real world money.  In order to purchase things in "Second Life" you use the Linden dollar (L$).  The economy is said to be L$266 to $1 real world dollar. 

Real Estate

There is a "Land Use Fee" referred to as a Tier with fees ranging from $5 to $195 US for an entire region.  There are three kinds of land in "Second Life".  There is mainland, which is Estate land owned by Linden Lab.  There is Private Estate land, which consists of Private Islands or Regions.  These have different rules and prices.  There are also Openspaces, such as country or oceans that can only be purchased by residents that own previous private estate land. 

Business

Business in "Second Life" is virtual and real. Residents can buy virtual merchandise for 

their avatars or houses. They can also buy real world items via the game. People have buildings

with their businesses in them and their items on display, whether virtual or real world.