By Gemma Simpson, 20 November 2006 16:55
NEWS
Second Life had to close its cyber gates for a short time on Sunday after a 'grey goo' virus attacked the virtual world.
On Sunday the official Linden Lab blog warned that the attack of "self-replicators" was causing a heavy load on the database, slowing down in-world activity.
Second Life and big business
Click on the links below to see pictures of some of the real-world businesses that have set up in Second Life.
Adidas
Nissan
Sun Microsystems
Reebok
Penguin
American Apparel
Reuters
CNET Networks
PA Consulting
Yankee Stadium
Bartle Bogle Hegarty
The attack deposited spinning gold rings around the Second Life landscape.
The virtual world was closed for 21 minutes to all except Linden staff, who were busy tidying up the aftermath of the grey goo.
Another recent development that has some Second Life residents complaining is the release of a tool called CopyBot, which can be used to replicate people's virtual assets.
CopyBot was originally meant to be used to find and fix vulnerabilities in the Second Life landscape but it has since been adapted and distributed to other users, some of whom have used it to make unauthorised duplicates. Linden said the use of such a tool in this way violates its terms of service.
Comments
There are 3 comments. Join the discussion
1. anonymous
Has anybody else noticed that the BBC seems to be plugging Second Life?
I have seen two articles about Second Life, one on the BBC breakfast programme and one on the six o'clock new. Both followed the news of problems with Second Life, but made no mention of the problems.
Does the BBC have any financial interest in Second Life?
2. Is It Just Me?
2nd life? Get a life.
Are we really all so bored with real life that we care about video game denial of service events.
While 2nd life was getting goo'd, back in the real world: my uncle had just been admitted to hospital, my employer was frantic over rising software costs, my toddler needed new shoes, an old army buddy was preping for another overseas tour.
Some things matter. 2nd life, doesn't.
3. anonymous
And still we take the time to respond to this article...