Using the IBM Virtual World

This file provides the information you need to know to install
and use the IBM Virtual World. The IBM Virtual World can be used
on your PC in single-user mode or, if you connect to an IBM
server, in interactive, multiple-user mode.

Notice: All use of the IBM Virtual World must be in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the Temporary Use License for
the IBM Virtual World.


Hardware and Software Requirements

The IBM Virtual World, whether it is used in single- or
multiple-user mode, requires a PC with a 486/66 or higher
processor and a minimum of 12 MBs RAM. The Client World, which
is the portion of the IBM Virtual World that you download and
install on your PC, runs only in the OS/2 Windows environment or
under Microsoft Windows 3.1 or Microsoft Windows 95. Under OS/2,
you must run the Client World from a full screen WIN-OS/2 window.
You will also need a WINSOCK TCP stack and a TCP/IP connection to
connect to an IBM Virtual World server for multiple-user mode.
(Some online service providers, such as Prodigy, do not offer a
TCP/IP connection at this time.) Also, you must have Netscape
installed to link from the "hot" posters in the IBM Solution Center
to the related IBM WWW pages. (Clicking on the posters launches
Netscape, if installed.) Your PC must be set to 256-color mode.
The IBM Virtual World is designed for a 16-bit sound card, so
the audio portion of the IBM Virtual World may not be fully
effective if you have an 8-bit card.


Downloading and Installing the IBM Virtual World

You will be prompted through the download process after you accept
the IBM Virtual World license and submit the registration form.
If you use a 14.4 kbps modem, downloading the Client World
(which is approx. 6MB in size) will take about one hour;
using a faster modem or an ISDN line will appreciably shorten
the download time. The name of the downloaded file is IBMVW.EXE.

After you have downloaded the IBMVW.EXE file, run it by using
the "Run" command under the "File" menu bar pulldown in the
Windows Program Manager. A self-extracting utility will unpack
the file and prompt you to identify an installation directory.
You can choose to install the Client World by the express or
custom setup processes. The express setup process is recommended
because it automatically installs Microsoft's WinG high
performance graphics libraries and temporarily reconfigures your
system for better performance. If you do not want these
libraries installed, choose the custom setup process and follow
the installation instructions.

The installation processes will add an IBM Virtual World icon to
your desktop. Click on the icon to access the IBM Virtual World.


Logging on to an IBM Virtual World Server for Multiple-User Mode

To use the IBM Virtual World in interactive, multiple-user mode,
you must have an active Internet TCP/IP connection and you must
log on to an IBM Virtual World server. (See the information
below if you are accessing the IBM server through a firewall.)
When you start the IBM Virtual World, you will be asked to enter
a user name from 2 to 10 characters in length and to select the
Digital Actor (or "avatar") that will represent you.  The name
you choose will be saved so that you can use it again.  After you
select an avatar, the Client World will automatically attempt to
connect you to an IBM server.

If you do not have an active TCP/IP connection, or if the number
of users exceeds server capacity, or if the connection cannot be
made due to Internet traffic, you will not be connected to the
IBM server and you will only be able to use the IBM Virtual
World in single-user mode. If you are having trouble connecting
to an IBM server, try connecting at another time of the day. You
can also use the Help information provided with the IBM Virtual
World by clicking on the "Help" button. If you are not able to
connect to an IBM server, send a message describing the problem
to IBM Virtual World service at saborilh@vnet.ibm.com.


Accessing an IBM Virtual World Server Through a Firewall

If your PC accesses the Internet through a server with a firewall
(a security measure which is in place on many corporate LANS),
you must obtain "socks" software that allows the Client World
to connect through the firewall to an IBM Virtual World Server.

One place that you can obtain information about software that
provides this capability is an NEC WWW site:
http//www.socks.nec.com/SocksCap.html.

If you download a personal-use copy of the software from this
site, it is subject to the terms and conditions between the user
and NEC.  IBM makes no representations as to the suitability of
such software and assumes no responsibility for its use.

All contents of the IBM Virtual World Copyright (C) 1995
International Business Machines Corporation and Worlds, Inc.
All rights reserved. Worlds, Inc. and Digital Actor are
registered trademarks of Worlds, Inc. OS/2 and IBM are registered
trademarks of the International Business Machines Corporation.
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or
service marks of others.