Any opinions on the safety/security of Second Life?

I joined Second Life recently, and would like to know if there are any opinions about the security of one's computer while SL is running?

I know the basic rule of not to accept objects from strangers, but not much beyond that.

 

Thanks for all the good advice, Kestrel. I will heed it well.

 

I have another SL question.

How much information do land owners get when you visit their property?

For example, if someone owned an island that I visited, would they just be able to see my SL user name as a visitor or would they get more information, like my IP address?

Thanks.

 

There is nothing you get as an island owner that you can't get just from bumping into you anywhere.. such as a club or amusement park.. whatever. The programs that get you that sort of information have nothing to do with land ownership.

You can set a scanner on any land that allows object rezzing. Few people have interest in your IP address, but most could get it if they wanted it using widely available scanner tools. Other than giving a general idea of the area you live in, most people dont know what to do with it anyway.

The main thing I would be careful of, is to not trust objects given to you by people you dont know.

I wouldn't give any unknown object, such as gambling devices or whatever, access to my account. When the yellow window comes down and says this object wants to take lindens from your account, do you accept?... just say no- unless it's something you've bought for that purpose such as a payroll system, free money giver, whatever.

All in all, Second Life is very safe as long as you follow general internet rules, like not giving out personal info, or certainly, the password for your avatar.

One note, if you give people authority to mod your items... they can also TAKE any items that is transferable.

Private Islands are just like any other area of Second Life, so I wouldn't worry about visiting them. Most of the nicest places are privately owned islands.

Lastly, if you have ANY problems, file an abuse report. And have anyone else do it that witnessed the problem. The Lindens are fast to deal with problems, and I believe, quite fair.