OpenSim App

Like virtual worlds? Would you like to simulate a Second Life like environment on your computer? How about the ability to load virtual worlds at a whim (think the Matrix)? If you said yes, then this project may be for you.

I am working to provide a ready to run OS X and Linux version of the Open Simulator project. It is still pretty rough around the edges at the moment but it will get better with every revision. This isn’t for newbies as it requires a bit of work at the command line. Nothing to hard though. Here are the basic steps to get it working on your computer.

OS X Directions

1. Get and install Mono. This is a free download. I have done the clicking for you and linked the download you need here. In non-technical terms Mono provides the environment to make this application work.

2. Get and install the latest Second Life viewer. I am now recommending the Meerkat Viewer or the Hippo Viewer. Each is automatically configured to work with a local standalone install of OpenSim. Each has its own reasons to use it. If you want the ability to import your Second Life builds use Meerkat. If you want a tab more stability and the ability to play media in world us Hippo. I use both, because I am that hardcore.

3. Download my version of OpenSim (currently version 0.6.6 for OS X). Uncompress the zip file. Copy both the “opensim66″ folder and the “Start OpenSim.command” file to you home directory. The top level of your home directory.

4. To start the OpenSim program I have provided a script to make things easier. Just double-click the “Start Opensim.command” file in the OpenSim folder. It should open a Terminal window and start your opensim environment. You are now ready to connect to your local virtual world (see step 5). To close the program, type “quit” at the prompt and close the terminal window.

5a. Open Meerkat or Hippo. In the Grid dropdown choose “localhost”. Log in with First name: Test, Last Name: User, Password: test. Click log in.

5b. (This step is for those using the Linden Labs viewer. Skip it if you are using Meerkat.) To connect to your newly started virtual world I have also created a script for ease. Double-click the “Connect to OpenSim.command” file in the OpenSim folder. It should open your Second Life viewer with a red bar across the top (this tells you that you are not connecting to the Second Life grid). Log in with First name: Test, Last Name: User, Password: test. Click log in.

Linux Directions

I suggest Ubuntu 9.10, but it will run on any distro as long as mono is installed. Luckily Mono is already installed on the default install of Ubuntu.

1. Get and install the latest Second Life viewer. I am now recommending the Meerkat Viewer or the Hippo Viewer. Each is automatically configured to work with a local standalone install of OpenSim. Each has its own reasons to use it. If you want the ability to import your Second Life builds use Meerkat. If you want a tab more stability and the ability to play media in world us Hippo. I use both, because I am that hardcore.

2. Download my version of OpenSim (currently version 0.6.7). Uncompress the zip file. Copy both the “opensim67″ folder and the “Start OpenSim.sh” file to your home directory. The top level of your home directory.

3. To start the OpenSim program I have provided a script to make things easier. Just double-click the “Start Opensim.sh” file in the OpenSim folder. It should prompt you to Run in Termianl, Display, Cancel, or Run. Choose Run in Terminal. It will open a Terminal window and start OpenSim.You are now ready to connect to your local virtual world (see step 4). To close the program, type “quit” at the prompt and close the terminal window.

4. Open Meerkat or Hippo. In the Grid dropdown choose “localhost” or “local”. Log in with First name: Test, Last Name: User, Password: test. Click log in.

5. Have fun. I will be posting videos, howtos, and links to virtual worlds you can load here in the future. Stay tuned.

Windows Directions

I haven’t built a version for Windows yet. However, the Opensimulator project does provide an installer. You can get that here. You then use Meerkat or Hippo to connect like above.