OpenSim (OS) is…

“…a 3D Application Server. It can be used to create a virtual world which can be accessed through a variety of clients, on multiple protocols.”
- OpenSimulator.org

Now, anyone with sufficient hardware can install and operate a virtual world (VW) simulation on their own computer. You can also port your own VW to the Internet, and even connect your VW to other VW simulators in a grid.

From the start, the OpenSim project proceeded from the idea that the Second Life® virtual world engine—as a development platform—can be done better. The folks working on the OS project are largely programmers who spent enough time in SL to first get frustrated, then look up and say “This is just wonky!”, and finally look around and say “We ought to do it right!” (Not just “hey! we can make something like this” or “we can make this too, and make it freely available”).

Anyone who is interested in learning more about the OpenSim project might find these links to be useful:

OpenSim

Official website of the OpenSimulator project

Realizing the Potential of Virtual Worlds

Blog post at UgoTrade (from ‘08) a thorough examination of of OpenSim

How to OpenSim DIY on Windows XP

Blog post by Vint Falken describing the installation of OpenSim (Yes! You can run a Virtual World on your own PC or Laptop – hardware permitting)

I have a “standalone” region in my PC (16,000 prims!). Eventually, I can port that OpenSim application to the Internet; then, I could invite you to come for a visit in my virtual world. Next, I might arrange for “HyperGrid-linking” to any of the grids that are starting up (see “Grid List” at the OpenSim project), and you and I could “hypergrid-teleport” from my “standalone” simulation to anyplace in the metaverse (eventually to include Second Life).

More Links

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Posts in this blog tagged with “OpenSim”

Greenbush Labs Blog

Posts at Rich White’s blog tagged with “OpenSim”