Just last week I finally broke down and invested in a faster computer with a decent graphics card. Now I can tell you about the virtual social networking sites out there on the Web. Today I want to discuss how to get started with Second Life.

Download and install the software onto your computer. Then choose a name for your avatar and enter second life. You'll then be required to complete some tutorials before you can get off orientation island.

Orientation island is made up of four parts all designed to help you learn how to live in Second Life. Only one tutorial from each section is mandatory to move out of orientation island but all of them are a necessary part of living a fulfilling Second Life.

In the search section you'll learn how to find things in Second Life. Learn how to find communities to join things to do such as events going on in Second life, land for sale and more.

Change the way your avatar looks in the appearance section. Change everything about him or her. Hair, clothes, body shape and even facial features can be changed. In this section you'll also learn how to buy things for your avatar.

Learning to communicate with other members of Second Life is what it's all about. Learn to chat with the other people in Second Life so you can go out and make new friends. Also learn how to use gestures to wave, dance and much more.

In the move section you'll learn how to move around the streets of Second Life and even climb steps. Did you know you can drive in Second Life? Find out how you can drive a car to get around instead of walking everywhere. While we're on the subject of alternatives to walking, how about flying? Yes, you can even fly in Second Life. Don't forget teleporting, that's the fasted way to get around.

Once you finish your four basic level tutorials you'll be ready to move off orientation island and onto another part of the Second Life world. I do mean world too. Second Life is a big place.

You'll now start seeing signs around orientation island that say, "Exit to Second Life". Click on one and away you'll go.