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:
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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)
