Getting started in Second Life
Your Second Life will begin on an orientation island, where you will use a HUD (heads-up display) that teaches you the basics. Orientation islands are useful, but they are often crowded, which makes the software very slow. If you are having problems, you can remove the HUD and enter Second Life. Here are some useful references to help you learn on your own:
There are a number of videos that will give you an idea of Second Life:
The Basics: Watch This First
General Intro: Distance course at San Jose State
General intro: This one is a little silly, but cute
General Intro: SL Geography
How to change your appearance
How to create and send a notecard
How to organize your inventory
How to fill in your profile
How to send a postcard
How to create and join a group
Videos on other topics:
Second Life and social issues
Education in Second Life
Business in Second Life
Making a guitar for Suzanne Vega's concert in SL
The most beautiful video on SL I have seen
You can also attend free tutorials and workshops in Second Life:
Check our events schedule for tutorials on Minerva Island. Find Minerva by using the "search" feature of the big map (use the blue tab at the bottom of the SL screen)
Use the "search" menu within Second Life to find free beginner tutorials. Search terms: (NCI) New Citizens International, ASL (Academy of Second Life).
Articles on Second Life
Everything you ever wanted to know - Wikipedia