User:MSB/VirtualHWR

= Welcome = This page is a general information and help source for all issues related to the virtual courses being taughed in Second Life® at HWR Berlin. ( Siehe auch hier).

= Second Life =

Download
Download Second Life from the official website. Please use the english version (this makes it easier for me to help you and tell you where to click). https://join.secondlife.com/?lang=en-US

System Requirements
Obviously, a modern computer and a good internet connection is required to use SecondLife. Additionally, you MUST purchase and use a headset. Most modern laptops nowadays have an internal microphone. However, in contrast to Skype, it is not sufficient to only use this microphone, because when communicating in a group this may cause echoes, disturbing everybody. It can be possible to just use headphones, but a proper headset is recommended.

Find the official SecondLife system requirements here.

Known technical issues and solutions
Many students encounter problems with secondlife. So problems are normal and you shouldn't be frustrated about it. Mostly, it helps to restart the client and reconnect. If it doesn't, the following explanations go in further detail.

A good general solution can be to use an alternative client, especially with older computers. A list of alternative clients can be found here. I can recommend Firestorm.

SL does not start
This is a rare problem and usually only happens with very old computers. But if that happens you should update your drivers, especially the graphics card. If that does not help, it can help to use an alternative client (see above).

SL does not connect
If SecondLife does not connect, it's usually a problem with a firewall or a company network, which is blocking required ports. The most common problem is that the user didn't notice that the Windows firewall is blocking the access to SecondLife (and this message can also reappear after an update). Make sure SL (including SL_voice) is not blocked, guide here

SL is very slow
If SL is very slow, it can be because the graphics card/CPU is not fast enough. See this guide

Sound problems
The most common problems in SecondLife are related to sound. Variations:

1) User does not hear anybody, but can hear In-World Sounds (like gesture sounds or clicking sounds).

Reason: You are not connected to the Voice server. This can be seen, when you see the list of users around you, users who are not connected to the voice server do not have a green dot next to them. If you attempt to call them, a "mailbox" is answering, that voice is not available.

Solution: usually it helps to reconnect. If the problem persists, the internet connection is not fast enough.

2) User does hear others but can't speak.

Reason: The microphone is not connected properly, the wrong microphone is selected or the mic is muted in windows/mac osx.

Solutions: 1) Unmute sound, see these screenshots: 2) Make sure the right microphone is selected in Second Life (go to preferences: CTRL+P, "Sound and Media", "Input Devices".
 * Windwows XP
 * Windows 7
 * Mac 10.6