Aisling's Second Life

The Problem With Your Original SL Profile Picture

Is exactly that: It’s your original profile picture. Huh? WHAT? Let me explain.

This was my original profile picture:

And here we have my current picture:

See the difference? New hair, new skin, new lipstick, different eyes. If I didn’t know better, I’d say they’re both different people—and yet they’re both ME!

Look, I know we all like profile pictures. After all, we all want attention. But as you change, evolve, make sure your profile picture is current.

My New Computer Is A Chromebook

Specifically, an HP Chromebook

Maybe yours should be, too.

My old Windows laptop is 5 years old, and in the Windows world, that’s ancient. What was once a blazingly-fast machine has slowed to the point that from a cold start, it takes 4 minutes 50 seconds before I can do anything on it.

So while I’m waiting for my MacBook Air next pandemic check, I decided I needed something to bridge the gap. So like any good consumer (I’ve been in the PC dodge since 1980, and worked for several tech companies you’d recognize), I did my research.

Right from the start I ruled out Windows computers and tablets. I was already familiar with that operating system’s drawbacks. The Mac OS was also out of the question: too expensive. But I’m not ruling it out in the future.

That left the Android OS.

And since I wanted a full computer (as opposed to a tablet), that meant a Chromebook.

I set a budget at less than $300 and, armed with my new knowledge, set off to my local Best Buy.*

I saw what was on offer and, based on my budget, opted for a HP Chromebook. It, as well as a cordless mouse (I never could get the hang of trackpads) and a carrying bag, ended up costing me $425.

Why The Android OS Anyway?

Because it already had most of the software I wanted right out of the box. You need to understand that when Google created the Android OS in the first place, they were trying to break into the education marketplace. And with apps like Google Docs, they already had a reasonably-priced word processor.

Did I say, “reasonably-priced”? Try FREE!

In fact, the OS came with most of Google’s free apps, like Google Calc, Google Photos, and GMail.

And battery life? I opened my Chromebook at 4:20 pm today and the battery monitor said I still had 10 hours before I’d need to charge it.

All in all, the Chromebook, whatever the brand, is a great bargain.

(*-DISCLAIMER: I get nothing in return for mentioning Best Buy. They just happen to be the only game in my town.)

They’re Everywhere! Everywhere!

Christmas lights, that is. Well, okay, probably not in Mecca, but still.

Hair Lights

New / upgraded in the Alli&Ali Designs Mainstore. On the Action wall for only 90 L$ , with group title active, 50% back.

Why should your tree be the center of attention? Hey! It’s your party; own it, girlfriends!

And remember: It is our ability to accessorize which separates us from the lower animals!

Narja Hair, Sachi Hair

Hey, we’ve got a twofer this week, and neither are where you might expect them: Alli&Ali Designs Mainstore.

Instead, TP yourself to Scoopwing and find them there.

But be quick: Narja disappears on January 8! But until then She’s on sale for $250. Its permissions are: COPY, MOD, NO TRANS.

Sachi is a little different; she also disappears on 8 January, but until then, you can find her via the same link as Narja. Oh, and did I mention she’s free? HINT: Click on the wrapped present!

What The Heck Is An “Alt”?

And Why Would I Want To Use One?

Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers who legend tells us created Rome.

If you haven’t noticed by now, Linden Labs (LL) has filled Second Life with of TLAs: Three Letter Acronyms. I swear, they’re worse than the government. Then again, at least when we’re inside SL, they are the government.

One you’ll run into is “ALT,” “Alt,” or “alt.” This stands for “Alternate.” Sometimes members wish to create an alternate identity, perhaps to explore things their main character wouldn’t do. Think of it as a pen name for a writer. Authors sometimes wish to write outside of a genre they’ve been known for. Take Nora Charles, for a famous example. Ms. Charles also writes under the name J. D. Robb.

Maybe you’ve been in SL long enough to get bored. And maybe you have a lot of friends you care about. So keep your original account and continue to use it. But add a new account, so your new self can start an entirely new story. Use it when you get bored with your first account again.

And now you know all about Alts.