Difference between revisions of "Linden Lab Official:Second Life Preview Grid FAQ"

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This article lists some frequently-asked questions that come up during tests of new Second Life server releases on the Preview Grid, before it becomes an official part of the Second Life Grid.

I can't log in; it's asking about checking my password for caps lock. What do I do?

First, make sure the creation date of your avatar is earlier than when the database snapshot was taken. This information will usually be published when the Preview Grid or a test grid opens to the public. Also, if you've changed your password since the database snapshot date, you'll need to use your old password from that date to log in.

I've logged on, but my clothes or skin don't look correct.

When first logging into a test grid, it's normal to have only your inventory items copied from the main grid up to that date, but the beta snapshot or database may have been copied weeks or months ago. Before reporting a bug, try changing to another skin and set of clothes so that your avatar is correctly updated. You may also find that the attachments you're wearing are from the date of the database copy, not the day you logged in.

I have lots of Linden Dollars here. Can I spend it how I like?

Yes. The Preview Grid is designed for testing and isn't connected to the main grid, so no Linden Dollars you spend here will reflect on your balance on the main grid. This also means you can't transfer L$ or any objects you create or buy on the test grid back to your main Second Life account. Also, third-party websites can't be used, nor network vendors.

Can I buy land on a test grid?

Sorry; due to the automated system for land buying, it's currently not possible to buy land on the Preview Grid. The transfer of land and other related functions are tested in-house. We usually try to provide enough free building space to test out various feature additions and bug fixes.

I think I found a bug but can't quite explain it; can you help?

Yes! Please do your best to fill out a bug report, but if you have special objects or a condition that you can't quite describe or want to pass on, you should contact a member of the Quality Assurance Team, who'll try to reproduce it and help file a report.

Will there be various tests provided that I can use to help test this new preview version?

Yes. We try to put out some scripts for tests before or just after the Preview Grid opens to the public. Apart from doing those tests, it's generally a good idea just to explore the new features for that beta and see if you find any other mistakes or bugs. This also goes for other areas of the Second Life client where bug fixes have taken place.

I have an idea for a new feature/Can you tell me about upcoming features?

Sorry! While we try to discuss and provide info on the features in the upcoming server release, we're simply not allowed to discuss (or are unaware of) upcoming feature plans now matter how nicely you ask. Also, we can't take new feature suggestions inworld. The best place to suggest a new feature to our development team is the Public Issue Tracker.

Can I buy more Linden Dollars using the currency exchange?

Sorry, but like land, this system is usually tested by in-house staff. We try to provide you with enough funds to do adequate testing of the features without needing any extra Linden Dollars.

I'm a Private Estate owner; is it possible to test using my region on the Preview Grid?

Yes, this is possible, but these types of tests are limited due to demand; a region may only be made available for a few days to share out resources. The contents and availability of the region are limited to the day the database snapshot was taken.

Are there other systems that won't work on the Preview Grid?

Yes. Features like the following are disabled:

  • XML-RPC
  • llEmail
  • Postcards to Email

This is to prevent them being used to transfer L$ or goods to the main grid using beta Linden Dollars. As such, inworld ATM's (as well as email network vendors) won't work. These functions will be tested by Lindens themselves.

The region I was in went down and hasn't come back up, what do I do?

While we try to maintain a core area of the Preview Grid, any region is subject to change. Sometimes regions will crash and may not come back up. Due to their beta nature, the regions may not be repaired until the next working day; in other cases, we may have to disable the regions to free up machines to test other features. This also goes for the availability of the Preview Grid: It may need to be taken down for testing or upgrades; these are usually done at short notice. As soon as possible, you may have to download a new version of the Second Life viewer to use the beta features being tested on the Preview Grid.

Are the release notes and known issues accurate for each beta build that's released on the Preview Grid?

Wherever possible, these will be accurate to a point. The release notes are written before the new version is built. While we believe a bug has been resolved when we list the issue as "Fixed", it is possible for the bug to manifest itself in a different way that has not been successfully fixed.

The list of known issues will include known bugs up to that build, but it won't include issues that occur in that build.

Do you read and reply to all bug reports?

We do appreciate and read every report we get in the Public Issue Tracker, and we do our best to reply to as many reports as possible even if it is just a simple thanks. Due to time constraints, a personal reply may not be possible, but we really do hope the Residents who report bugs know how valuable they are in making Second Life a better place!