Portal:Agape World Fellowship/Accessing AWF

Agape World Fellowship is unique among churches in its use of a virtual world platform for many of its operations. There are several churches that were formed inside virtual world platforms, but AWF is the only one that has created its own separate virtual universe for church operations.

Access to the virtual universe is open to anyone, and available without cost, but requires certain software. This document is designed to assist people with accessing the AWF virtual universe and answering frequently asked questions about using it.

Acquiring Software
The virtual universe uses the Active Worlds platform to deliver content. The church is not using the main Active Worlds cluster and has its own stand alone universe. Currently, the church uses version 4.1, which is fully functional but doesn't have all the enhancements available in the current version. Accessing the virtual universe requires the installation of the AWF activeworlds browser, available for free at CNET. The installation process is fairly straightforward and similar to other programs.

Once the browser is installed, you will need to start it by clicking on the agape icon that will appear on your desktop. A screen will come up the first time you use the software asking for internet settings, input them and click enter. You will then reach a logon screen, where you need to use your citizen credentials or login as a tourist.

Tourist access
Tourist access allows visitors to access the virtual worlds without an account. You will need to enter a pseudonym and your email address to log in. Once you are in the world, you will notice that you don't have access to some features of the software, like messaging and contacts. However, you will be able to move around in the worlds freely and use the instant chat field (similar to IRC). Your pseudonym will be shaded in gray and have apostrophes around it to signify your status as a tourist.

Citizen access
Citizenship is the active worlds term for user accounts. As a stand alone galaxy, AWF is authorized to have its own citizenship database. These citizenships are only usable in the AWF universe, but offer access to all the features of the software. You will need to request a citizenship, which will be created by an administrator shortly thereafter. You can request your own username, within reason. They will forward you the account details which you can use to access the universe and unlock full features.