Sim-on-a-Stick 0.7.3.1 faqs

Thanks for trying out sim-on-a-stick.

1. what is a virtual world?
• A three dimensional computer programme typically allowing a user to use an avatar to interact with a simulated 3D environment. In this case, it is a server-side application that allows for a user to create a 3D environment.
2. what is OpenSim?
• An open source multi-platform, multi-user 3D application server that can be used to create a virtual world. It is accessed client software - typically called a "viewer".
3. what is sim-on-a-stick?
• A standalone, single user Windows package of OpenSim that runs on a USB flash drive or any other convenient location. In addition to the OpenSimulator server, it contains the Apache web server, MySQL, and PHP in order to create a "portable" server.
• SoaS can run on a USB stick or PC and be used at home and one the road.
• It does not allow visitors and is not connected to any outside grid, although there have been hacks for both which you can read about on the SoaS blog posts.
4. what's the difference in the zip and the install?
• Both have the same OpenSim and same base setup. The zipped files are for users that want to place the folders anywehere they like and not use an executable installer. The installer version uses the same files and folders but automates the process for you - you can still decide where you want the files installed, like on a USB drive, or let it install it in a default location. The installer version may be easier for some people to use and it checks for .NET 3.5 which is needed for OpenbSim. It also creates an uninstall entry for later removal.
5. what do i need to be able to use this?
• Windows operating system such as XP, Vista 32-bit and 64-bit, and Windows 7 with .NET 3.51 and at least a two core processor, 2 gigs of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card. For more on hardware, see this OpenSimulator web page.
• Patience and enthusiasm. OpenSim is alpha software and running it as sim-on-a-stick adds complexity - this may or may not run for you.
6. does it install anything permanent on my computer or change my registry?
• The zipped set of folders can be copied over and over without installing anything onto the machine running it. The installer places the same files and folders onto your machine, or location you choose, plus creates desktop shortcuts and an uninstall entry in Add/Remove programs.
7. do you track any information?
• I use actively use Google Analytics for this website but do not track anything in the zipped files or the installer, only traffic to this site.
8. what's my first step?
• Download the zipped file or installer executable to a convenient location, it does not have to run on a USB thumb drive and can be placed anywhere on your PC.
9. where do i unzip this to? does it have to be a stick?
• No, it can be saved to any location that you can read and write to.
10. how do i start it up?
• Read the text file included in the zip.
• There are two main components for the OpenSim server to run - first start MoWeS by double-clicking mowes.exe in the root of the soas folder. Allow access for any Windows dialogues that may appear. Once MoWeS is started, go into the bin folder inside of the diva folder and double click OpenSim.exe. Allow access for any Windows dialogues that may appear.
11. how do i access my virtual world?
• You use client-side software called a viewer. There are many viewers available, including the Imprudence 1.3.2 viewer that you can download from this site which is configured to access sim-on-a-stick. For more on viewers, see this web page.
• If you use another viewer, configure localhost to use port 9100 rather than the default 9000.
12. how do i log in?
• Once your viewer is open, log in with a first name of Simona, last name of Stick, and password of 123.
13. do i have to be a girl avatar?
• No, you can use the Diva Wifi admin panel to create another avatar. To launch that page, use the shortcut in the root soas folder or point your browser to http://127.0.0.1:9100/wifi. Sim-on-a-stick must be running.
14. how do i close or exit sim-on-a-stick?
• Go to the OpenSim command console window and type q or quit into the command console window. You may need to press enter first.
• Once the console closes, go to the MoWeS window and click End .
15. can i share this with others?
• This is distributed as a convenience and "AS IS". The sim-on-a-stick zipped file is a collection of several softwares, each with their own licenses that must be read and understood . Their licenses allow for redistribution under specific circumstances - if you meet these circumstances, then you may redistribute them. Caveat emptor.
• Please feel free to link to this site. This site's original content (graphics and text) are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.
16. it doesn't work, what now?
• Delete it and try again or read more online starting with sim-on-a-stick specific posts. Other software can cause issues, for example, Skype caused older versions of sim-on-a-stick to fail, even if Skype was not running. The "port 9100" fix alleviated that issue.
• Hardware is also a factor and this is a 3D application that is resource intensive by nature.
17. why is this free?
• I believe in giving back to the community and this is one way that I am able to.
• I believe that creativity is important and that creative thinking can make the world a better place.
• This domain and its hosting is paid for by the generosity of subQuark, my raison d'être.

There is more information available from the sim-on-a-stick specific posts on the iliveisl blog.

Thanks, good luck, and be creative! =)