Computer Bytes - No. 31 If you've ever wanted to start your own business - no investment required, visit a haunted castle or solve a crime just like the crime shows on television, now you can. These activities and many more are available through various Avatar web sites accessible on line through your computer. The word 'Avatar' is taken from the ancient Sanskrit language but in modern terminology has come to mean 'an embodiment' or 'virtual person' that you create. Depending on the website, you can design yourself to be almost anything . . . right down to hair color and the clothes you wear. Different web sites offer a wide variety of Avatars. Some sites are three dimensional; some allow verbal communications through the use of a headset connected to your computer while others offer only written communications. The world of the Avatars is growing and you can do anything in this virtual world that you can do in reality and in some cases much more such as flying . . . airplane optional. You may have seen a virtual world as part of the CSI:New York television program not too long ago where half of the program was played out in an Avatar world which was used to help solve the real-life crime. The CBS network has a version of this game available on line at their web site (www.cbs.com). It is called Second Life and all you need to do is register and create your Avatar to join in on the fun of solving crimes. You can communicate with the other Avatars on line the same time as you advance through the ranks depending on your crime solving skills. Best thing is that it's free. There are also free web sites that allow you to create an Avatar where you can meet on line friends, build your own dream home, throw parties, and design products to sell in your own virtual store. You can also chat with other Avatars and join in group games. Some of the more popular on line group games relate to the military and are quite realistic. The Avatar world is growing daily and there are many worlds to choose from. You can visit a haunted castle, a lighthouse, a mansion, a palace in a wonderland or maybe visit one of the kid's nations set up for the younger set. If you think you would like to experience one of these virtual worlds, some of the sites to visit are www.weblo.com and http://secondlife.com. There are many sites available not only to join but also to simply create an Avatar for other purposes. Most of the sites we checked out were free. Read the Terms and Conditions beforehand, make sure the site is policed and monitored either by the players or by the site host. Also, make sure it does not allow inappropriate language or actions, particularly if you have younger family members participating. Moncrief Web2 Home Page Moncrief Web Design Computer Bytes Index < Web Design | Search Engine Optimization | Site Maintenance & Management | Request Information | About Us ~ Sample Sites Send Us an Email | Home Page Copyright 2007-2008. All rights reserved. Computer Bytes articles may not be reprinted, published, quoted, copied, or used in any manner whatsoever without the expressed written permission of David Moncrief.