Second Life is seen as a vision to connect us all to an online world that advances the human condition, so say the makers Linden Labs.

Started in 2003 by Linden Labs of San Francisco, Second Life is in a constant state of evolution because it is a 3-D virtual world entirely created by its residents. It's sustained growth now translates to almost 10 million residents.

I entered the world of Second Life in February 2006 as Avatar Dom Lindman and was setting out on the most exciting adventure in ages. From the moment I had decided on becoming a Resident my imagination was racing away. I pictured a cluster of cities and communities teaming with people, entertainment, experiences and opportunity.

I downloaded the installation software and I logged on for the first time to find myself in Orientation Island with a set of given skills and abilities to learn. A basic knowledge of these skills are of course needed to progress. One stage is to learn to change my appearance. This can be done endlessly with thousands of different facial and body appearances to generate. After getting a feel for walking, flying and communicating I was ready to progress.