Second Life Wiki - User contributions [en]

Microsoft Windows Builds

2010-08-03T14:25:32Z

CentralProcessing Core: /* Getting other development tools */

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{{CompileNav}}

On Windows, there are several options on build (compile) environment of the Second Life.

This page explains how you can compile the Viewer on Microsoft Windows.

Currently, only 32 bit binary is tested. There seems to be several trials to produce 64 bit Windows .EXE of the Viewer. If you did, please write your experience on [[Talk:Microsoft Windows Builds|the discussion page]] (regardless it was successful or not!)

== Choosing and preparing a compiler ==

=== Linden-supported compilers ===

Supported compiler: '''Visual Studio .NET 2005 Professional'''

You need to setup the compiler and Microsoft Development tools as follows:
* Setup [[Microsoft Visual Studio]]

=== Community experimental compilers ===

If you don't have Visual Studio .NET 2005 Professional, you may wish to try one of the following alternatives.

* Visual C++ 2005 Express ([[Microsoft Visual Studio|instructions]], but the screenshots for [[Compiling the Viewer (MSVS2008)|VS2008]] are worth a glance too)
* Visual Studio 2008 ([[Compiling the Viewer (MSVS2008)|instructions]])
* Visual C++ 2008 Express ([[Compiling the Viewer (MSVS2008)|instructions]])

{{Warning|Boost support with Visual Studio 2008 is problematic as of this writing. Check {{jira|VWR-9541}} before continuing on this path.}}

NOTE: Make sure you install to paths without spaces in it.

== Getting other development tools ==

You will need to install the following tools to compile the Viewer:
* '''UniCode NSIS'''([http://www.scratchpaper.com/home/downloads download Unicode NSIS])
** This is the package installer used to build Setup.exe. <b>Note</b>: As of this writing the file is downloaded with an *.exec extension that needs renamed *.exe.--[[User:Nicky Perian|Nicky Perian]] 16:22, 30 March 2010 (UTC)
* '''CMake''' ([http://www.cmake.org/HTML/Download.html download CMake])
** As of this writing, the latest version is 2.6.2. <b>Note</b>: There are many known issues with CMake 2.6.0 and 2.6.1 in conjunction with building the Second Life Viewer. CMake 2.4.8 is supported for compiling the 1.21 version of the Second Life Viewer, but 2.6.2 is likely to become the new minimum requirement in the near future.
* '''Cygwin''' ([http://www.cygwin.com/ download Cygwin])
** When you run the cygwin setup utility make sure you have selected to install '''patchutils''', '''flex''', '''bison''', and '''zlib-devel'''(all located under "devel") which are not part of the default install. (If you missed one of these, the easiest thing to do is to re-run the entire installation.)
* '''Python''' (download either [http://www.python.org/download/ Python.org Standard Python] or [http://www.activestate.com/Products/ActivePython/?mp=1 ActivePython]
** 2.4.3 is the minimum required version.
** If you are using a version of Python newer than v2.5, you may need to change the Python.cmake file. See the [[Talk:CMake#CMake_and_Python_2.6|CMake discussion]] for details (this change was necessary as of 1.21-r99587 source branch). )
* '''The Windows Platform SDK'''
** Get the latest version (as of 23 March 2010) here: [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/confirmation.aspx?familyId=c17ba869-9671-4330-a63e-1fd44e0e2505&displayLang=en Windows SDK for Windows Server 2008 and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1] (If you use the web installer, you can choose only the "Development Tools" and cut the download size significantly.)
* '''DirectX 9.0 SDK'''
** Get the latest version (as of 29 Oct 2008) here: [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ea4894b5-e98d-44f6-842d-e32147237638&DisplayLang=en DirectX 9.0 SDK (August 2008)]

Verify that Cygwin, CMake, and Python are in the windows "PATH".

'''NOTE:''' '''DO NOT''' use the Cygwin version of CMake or Python. The Build will fail. (CMake specifically excludes the Cygwin version of Python, in the <code>'Python.cmake'</code> file)

== Downloading Source Code ==

You can download the Viewer source code on the [[source downloads]] page. You can also use a [[version control repository]]. If you're just starting out, it's probably best to get the latest Release version, rather than a Release Candidate, because the Release Candidates get updated quite often. But if you would rather work with the latest code, go for the [[version control repository]] "trunk". Don't forget to also download the artwork and library bundles relevant to the repository branch you're using as explained in [[Version_control_repository#Artwork_and_Library_Bundles|Artwork and Library Bundles]].

If you're downloading from the [[source downloads]] page, there are three packages to get: the source package, the artwork package, and the library package. In versions 1.20 and earlier, Linden packaged the library binaries in the Libs package. For 1.21 and beyond, the CMake develop.py script now downloads '''most''' of the libraries that were previously in the libs zip file. This saves developers who are tracking trunk from constantly downloading them every update and only downloads updated libraries. As of this writing, there are some pieces packages that still require downloading, so be sure to grab the library and artwork bundles from the [[source downloads]] page.

'''WARNING:'''
* If the directory path you keep the SL source in has a space in it, the batch file that copies message_template.msg will fail. So, if you unzip or checkout the source tree into, e.g., "C:\Projects\Dir with space in name\Etc\linden", it won't work!
* You should also avoid using non-ASCII (national) characters in the paths, although some localized versions of the tool puts some as a default...
* Unzip or checkout your source tree into a directory that has as short full pathname as possible, since long paths cause some unexpected trouble during the build.

In other words, the easiest way to get this working is to get '''source''', '''artwork''', and '''libs''' from the [[source downloads]] page and unpack them all into the same directory/folder, which ideally would be a folder in (or near) the root directory with a short name like '''sl_1_21_6'''.

== Installing libraries ==

SL Viewer depends on some third party libraries. Some of them are open source, some others are not.

=== Open source libraries ===

As of Viewer version 1.21, all open source libraries are automatically downloaded as part of the build script invoked by develop.py, unless you choose to configure a standalone build.

=== Proprietary libraries ===

Linden Lab does not provide proprietary libraries. You will need to follow the instructions here under to acquire and copy them to your source tree.

It's probably a good idea to build an empty directory tree for those files, copy the relevant proprietary files there and, once done, copy the whole to your source tree (like ''XCOPY OLIB SL_1_16_0_5 /S''). The reason is that these steps are cumbersome and will have to be repeated for each new release (at least if you keep the source for each release in its own folder). If you do not want to do this, you can just as well copy the files directly into the linden source paths.

rem OLIBS.CMD to build a folder tree for 3rd party libraries and includes
md olibs
md olibs\linden\
md olibs\linden\libraries
md olibs\linden\libraries\include
md olibs\linden\libraries\i686-win32
md olibs\linden\libraries\i686-win32\lib_release
md olibs\linden\libraries\i686-win32\lib_debug
md olibs\linden\libraries\i686-win32\include
md olibs\linden\libraries\i686-win32\include\GL
md olibs\linden\libraries\i686-win32\include\quicktime
md olibs\linden\indra
md olibs\linden\indra\newview

==== Fmod ====
* Download & extract [http://www.fmod.org/files/fmod3/fmodapi375win.zip FMOD3.75 API for Windows]. (later versions, like FMOD Ex, are incompatible).
* Copy "fmodapi375win\api\inc\fmod.h" to "linden\libraries\include"
* Copy "fmodapi375win\api\inc\fmod_errors.h" to "linden\libraries\include"
* Copy "fmodapi375win\api\inc\fmoddyn.h" to "linden\libraries\include"
* Copy "fmodapi375win\api\lib\fmodvc.lib" to "linden\libraries\i686-win32\lib_release" and to "linden\libraries\i686-win32\lib_debug"
(If using cmake, copy "fmodapi375win\api\lib\fmodvc.lib" to "linden\libraries\i686-win32\lib\release" and to "linden\libraries\i686-win32\lib\debug")
* Copy "fmodapi375win\api\fmod.dll" to "linden\indra\newview"

==== Quicktime ====

Currently - as of version 1.21 - CMake requires Quicktime to be installed.

'''Note:''' This download requires a registration at the Apple Quicktime website and take a bit of time. You can avoid using QuickTime if you want, see [[Compiling_older_Viewers_(1.20_and_earlier_with_MSVS)#QuickTime_removal|this]] for details. Remember that your Viewer '''can't play in-world movies''' if you do so.
* Download & install the [http://connect.apple.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MemberSite.woa/wo/12.1.17.2.1.3.3.1.0.1.1.0.3.11.3.3.1#main Quicktime SDK for Windows]
* Copy "QuicktimeSDK\Libraries\QTMLClient.lib" to "linden\libraries\i686-win32\lib_release" and to "linden\libraries\i686-win32\lib_debug".

(If using CMake, copy "QuicktimeSDK\Libraries\QTMLClient.lib" to "linden\libraries\i686-win32\lib\release" and to "linden\libraries\i686-win32\lib\debug" instead)

* Copy the contents of "QuicktimeSDK\CIncludes" into "linden\libraries\i686-win32\include\quicktime".

== Building the Viewer ==

At this point, you should be ready to use [[CMake]] to build the Visual Studio solution for the project.

'''NOTE''': CMake is only supported for Viewer versions 1.21 and beyond.

Before you first run a build, you'll need to configure things. It is recommended that you use the <code>develop.py</code> script that will create a default configuration for you.

You must make sure that cmake is registered in the Windows environment or you will get strange errors from develop.py. To ensure everything is correct, right click My Computer -> Properties -> Advanced -> Environment Variables -> Inside System Variables, choose PATH (case insensitive) and click Edit. Now in the value field, go to the end of the value and add a semicolon (;), and then the folder containing the CMake binaries (example: C:\Program Files\CMake 2.8\bin). This might already have been set by the CMake installer.

From the command line, navigate to the indra folder of your source tree and run:

python develop.py

CMake will pick the most recent version of Visual Studio we support. If you want to specify the version of Visual Studio to use.

* VisualStudio 2005:

python develop.py -G VC80

* VisualStudio 2008:

python develop.py -G VC90

'''NOTE:''' The above commands will configure a "non-standalone" version of the source code tree. This means that the required third party library packages (as built by Linden Lab) will be downloaded during the CMake process.

=== Finding your build directory ===

In the CMake world, we keep source and object files separate. The <code>develop.py</code> script did create and populate a build directory for you. It is in one of the following locations:
* VS 2005: <code>'indra/build-vc80'</code>
* VS 2008: <code>'indra/build-vc90'</code>

=== Compiling ===

To start a build, do one of the following:
* Run <code>python develop.py build</code> from the indra directory.
* Load the Visual Studio solution into your IDE. For MSVS VC++:
** Use "File -> Open -> Project/Solution", and open the linden/indra/build-VC80/SecondLife.sln (or build-VC90, as appropriate) solution file.
** In the MSVS toolbar, just to the right of the triangular "Start Debugging" arrow, is a text box whose tooltip is "Solution Configurations". Select RelWithDebugInfo.
** If ALL_BUILD is not set as your StartUp Project (the StartUp Project is displayed in bold font), right-click on ALL_BUILD and choose "Set as StartUp Project".
** Right-click on ALL_BUILD and choose "Properties". In "Configuration Properties -> Debugging", find "Working Directory" and navigate to "linden\indra\newview".
** (For Snowglobe 1.x) In the Solution Explorer pane, right-click on the project named "prepare" and select Project Only -> Build Only prepare. This downloads and installs precompiled libraries and only needs to be done when the source tree is clean or if libraries in the list included in the source tree get updated. Running this when not required is brief and causes no harm.
** Build -> Build Solution (F7)
** Debug -> "Start Debugging" or "Start without debugging".
** MSVC might not be able to find the executable. If not, point it to "linden\indra\build-VC80\newview\relwithdebinfo\secondlife-bin.exe", and try again.
** You may see an error due to not being able to find fmod.dll. If so, find a copy (remember, you copied this in a step above) and copy it into "indra\build-VC80\newview\relwithdebinfo". Try again.
** You may see an error due to not finding llkdu.dll. If so, find it in the normal installed version (make sure it's the same version as your source) and copy it into "indra\build-VC80\newview\relwithdebinfo". Try again.
** Good luck!

=== Where's the built Viewer? ===

On Windows, the built Viewer ought to run from VS2005.

To run outside MS VS, see Discussion tab:
[[Talk:Microsoft_Windows_Builds#Running_Viewer_outside_of_MS_VC]]

=== Build instructions for 1.20 and earlier ===

See [[Compiling older Viewers (1.20 and earlier with MSVS)]] if you'd like to compile a version of the Viewer older than 1.20.

== What to do if it doesn't work for you ==

* Ask for help on [[IRC]] (irc.freenode.net #opensl)
* Find someone on the [[OpenSource-Dev|OpenSource-Dev mailing list]]
* Fix it: [[Modifying CMake Files‎]] (and please, submit a patch!)

Please also see the (user contributed) instructions at [[User:Michelle2_Zenovka/cmake]]

[[Category:Compiling viewer]]

Downloads

2009-08-13T16:02:08Z

CentralProcessing Core: Removed some older viewers that are no longer supported by the server or that are no longer available to prevent confusion by users reading this page (Maybe a seperate page for discontinued viewers?)

{{old-info}}

{{Help|Viewer=*}}

Unofficial downloads page. Please see [http://secondlife.com/community/downloads.php the secondlife.com Community:Downloads page] for the latest versions.

For details on the GPLv2 licensed source code for the Second Life Viewer, visit the [[Open Source Portal]]. For the source code archives, read the [[Source downloads]] article.



== Linden Lab Viewer ==
* [http://secondlife.com/community/downloads.php Community:Downloads]
* [http://secondlife.com/community/firstlook.php Community:First Look]
* [http://secondlife.com/community/preview.php Community:Beta Test Grid]



== Third-party, Hybrid, and Homebrew Viewers ==
Third-party Viewers are those which have been created by developers not working for Linden Lab. These Viewers offer extra or altered functionality than is present in the official Second Life Viewer.

The [[Extended_FAQ|Extended FAQ]] states that it is okay to create and distribute third-party, hybrid, and homebrew viewers as long they adhere to the respective licenses for code usage and server usage.

The code itself is licensed under {{OSWebsite|gplv2|alt=the GNU General Public License (GPL)}}, which governs modification and redistribuition of the source code. Use of Linden Lab's servers will still be governed by [http://secondlife.com/corporate/tos.php the Second Life Terms of Service]].

'''<font-color="red"><big>Third-party, hybrid, and homebrew viewers are not associated with LindenLab, are governed by their own respective licenses. LindenLab is not responsible for any desired or undesired results in association with those viewers.</big></font>'''

''Note to authors: If you make a viewer available make sure to include platform, version numbers and dates.''

 
 
 

== Graphical Viewers ==
=== Greenlife Emerald Viewer ===

==== Description ====

This is a homebrewn viewer which adds new functionality to the viewer with the intent of easing the users interaction with the environment. It's developed by multiple people. Versions for Windows and Mac are released, an internal Linux version exists as well.

==== Extra Features ====
* Avatar Scanner
** Full sim range (detects over 1M in the air)
** Shows name, age, payment info, current activity.
** Land and estate commands for ejecting/banning multiple avatars at once
** Buttons to open profile, IM, teleport to or track selected avatars
** Ability to chat radar info (keys) to boost lsl radars
** Ability to display chat notifications for entering sim, exiting sim, entering chat range, exiting chat range, entering draw distance and exiting draw distance respectively.
* Different login page
* Ability to open and display the owner and location of objects that IM you
* Teleport to positions by double clicking
* Option to disabling progress screens (teleport, login, and logout respectively)
* Clothing layer protection (prevents sending of individual clothing textures to other clients, ensuring they can't copy the clothing)
* Customizeable IM Autoreponse system, including giving inventory in the response
* Fly can be set to always enabled, even with Admin menu closed
* Can turn your avatar 'visually phantom'
* Allows ground sit anywhere
* Can enable the attaching of objects in inventory by double-click
* Can block object sit-on-click
* Chatbar as a command line for rezzing platforms, teleporting to coordinates or sims, or teleporting to particular heights.
* Various crash fixes
* Free uploading of "temporary" textures (sim-local and disappear on relog)
* Notification when a friendship ends
* Detection of cooperating alternative viewers
* Shows object last owner in build floater
* Scripts are compiled to mono by default in agent inventory
* Inventory is fetched in background immediately on login
* Group info can be accessed in about land, even if group is not deeded
* Profiles show agent key
* More minimap dot colors, blue for lindens, grey for muted, and purple for friended lindens
* Build Floater Enhancements
** More object choices (from the drop down that lets you change a cube to a sphere)
** More precision information (5 decimal points)
** Ability to set all prim parameters without changing shape (easy prim torture)
** Ability to easily change skulpt stitching
** Can set transparency to 100%
** Can set texture repeats above 100
* Can turn of the typing sound
* Teleport History Floater
* Animation Info Floater
** Shows you all current animations being played on your avatar
** Allows you to stop, or revoke permissions of animations you do not want
** Ability to detect owner of the animations being played, as well as their name
* Included the 1.23 Bulk Permissions Setting
* Option to block the 1 click auto sit
* New custom skin

==== Links ====
* Website: http://www.modularsystems.sl
* Direct download link: http://tr.im/GreenLife
* Source code: http://tr.im/GreenLife

==== Version and timestamp ====

* Version : 1.23.439 (Win: 1.22.11.112ts, Mac: 1.22.11.112, Lin: 1.22.11.112ts), based on Second Life Open Source 1.23.4
* Date : 07/29/2009
* Status : Active + updated

 
 
 

=== Henri Beauchamp Edition ===

==== Description ====

This viewer, codename "'''Cool SL Viewer'''" combines elements of several of the other viewers, as well as some extra patches very carefully tested.

==== Extra Features ====
* Reverses many of the unpopular interface changes made in the transition to voice being standard (including reinstating the packet loss and bandwidth indicators, the old toolbar and buttons layouts, the old, more visible, status bar icons, and optionally reinstating the old, more visible, tracking dots in the mini-map).
* Implements the "Restrained Life" API discussed more fully in the Marine Edition client (switchable and disabled by default).
* Allows to configure the date and time formats to match your locale or personal preferences.
* Defines double-click default actions for many types of inventory.
* Allows to optionally prevent IMs to show in the main chat.
* Allows to optionally prevent notifications to show and be logged in the main chat.
* Allows to hide the "Release Keys" and/or the "Master volume" in the panel overlay.
* MUD/MUSH/MUCK/MU* style "poses" (i.e. you can type ":" instead of "/me " to emote), and OOC double parenthesis auto-close (i.e. you can type: "((phone, BRB" and it will show as "((phone, BRB))").
* Allows to build and TP over 768m of altitude (and up to 4096m).
* Allows to build large prims (up to 128m in any or all dimensions) on OpenSim (not on SL, because of server-side limitations).
* Allows to build flexible sculpties (BEWARE: flexible sculpties are laggy !... Please, use sparsely).
* Improved build tool floater (smaller increments in several parameters, extra "slice" parameter for some prims).
* Allows to bulk-set permissions in an object (handy for scripters/builders).
* Allows to export and import full permissions objects as XML files (for backup and restore purpose, or to transfer objects from one grid to another).
* Allows to connect to all existing grids (and not only LL's) from the login screen.
* Allows to save/compile scripts present in the inventory as Mono scripts.
* Implements a teleports history floater.
* Implenents in-world double-click to teleport.
* Implements a new "Worn" tab in the inventory floater.
* Implements various backports for the v1.19.0.5 version (Mono compilation support, security fixes, etc).
* Various patches by Nicholaz Beresford, Gigs Taggart, Blakar Ogre, McCabe Maxsted and others, fixing a lot of bugs and memory leaks.
* More minor features and improvements, to be discovered on the [http://sldev.free.fr/ website]...

==== Links ====
* Website: [http://sldev.free.fr/ The Cool SL Viewer homepage]
* Message board: [http://sldev.free.fr/forum/ Cool SL Viewer forum]
* Linux viewer: see the [http://sldev.free.fr/ The Cool SL Viewer homepage] for files and installation instructions.
* Windows viewer: see the [http://sldev.free.fr/ The Cool SL Viewer homepage] for files and installation instructions.
* MacOS X viewer: [http://hyangreflections.blogspot.com/ See Hyang Zhao's site] for files and instructions.
* Source code: The standard Linden codebase is used, with the addition of the patches listed and linked to on the homepage.

==== Version and timestamp ====

* Version : i686 1.19.0.5 CoolRelease 65 (stable viewer with legacy renderer)
* Date : 2009/08/05

* Version : i686 1.22.11.0 CoolRelease 11 (old stable viewer with Windlight renderer)
* Date : 2009/06/03

* Version : i686 1.23.4.0 CoolRelease 7 (new stable viewer with Windlight renderer)
* Date : 2009/08/05
 
 
* Status : All Active
 
 
 

=== Imprudence ===
==== Usability, Stability, Flexibility ====

The Second Life Viewer suffers from a stifling atmosphere of non-change. This atmosphere emanates from Linden Lab, whose attitudes and policies discourage all but the smallest and most superficial improvements. This is the result of the nature of Linden Lab as a corporation, thus rendering Linden Lab ineffectual at dealing with the fundamental usability problems that plague the Viewer.

==== Description ====

The primary goal of Imprudence is simple: to greatly improve the usability of the Viewer. In particular, there are 3 aspects of usability that we intend to address:

* Approachability. Improving comfort and ease of use, especially for new or non-technical users.
* Efficiency. Improving speed and ease of common tasks and workflows.
* Satisfaction. Improving the emotional effect of the software on the user.

This is not to minimize other aspects of usability, such as reliability, accessibility, or internationalization/localization. We recognize their importance, but lack the expertise to properly address them. We welcome people with such expertise to join the project and help.

Enhancing the flexibility of the viewer makes all other goals easier to achieve, and hence is a generic target. Client-side scripting is being investigated as an enabling technology in this area.

Note: This viewer is fully GPL compatible, so the Imprudence Project cannot ship the SLVoice module and its associated files. These can be added back from the official client for those needing voice. Check the Imprudence Project wiki for instructions.

==== Extra Features ====

* Hidden prim parameters are exposed - you can slice/dimple boxes, pyramids, and other non-spherical prims.
* Stability patches by Nicholaz.
* Invite button in the Groups list, Teleport button in the IM window.
* Inventory quickfilter and worn tab.
* Build window math.
* Many other usability improvements.
* Full comparison vs. SL 1.21.6: http://imprudenceviewer.org/wiki/Release_Notes
* Socket-connected plugins for [http://imprudenceviewer.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=79&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=40#p669 language-agnostic client-side scripting] are in the planning phase.

==== Links ====
* Website: http://imprudenceviewer.org/
* Download: http://imprudenceviewer.org/wiki/Downloads
* The Imprudence Manifesto: http://imprudenceviewer.org/wiki/Manifesto

==== Version and timestamp ====
* Version : 1.1.0
* Date : 06/07/2009
* Platform: Windows, Linux, Mac
* Status : Active

 
 
 

=== Marine Edition ===

==== Description ====

This viewer, codename "'''RestrainedLife'''" is an attempt at enhancing the experience of people who practice BDSM in Second Life. It is used jointly with simple scripts made to use its features in-world, such as making an attached object undetachable, preventing chat and such. An '''API''' (Application Programming Interface, a text file) is provided so that every content creator can create their own scripts to interface their own items to the viewer and use its features.

==== Extra Features ====
* Attachments can be made undetachable
* Chat and IM prevention on demand, with exceptions if needed
* Teleport and sit-tp prevention on demand, with exceptions if needed
* Editing and Rezzing prevention on demand
* Adding/Removing clothes on demand, + force remove clothes and force remove unlocked attachments
* Force sit and prevent stand up (even after a relog) on demand
* Manual (by IM) and automatic (by script) version checking
* Force attach objects and outfits
* API for content creators
* And more...

==== Links ====
* Website: [http://realrestraint.blogspot.com/ Marine Kelley's blog on Blogspot]
* Direct download link to the Windows viewer: [http://www.erestraint.com/realrestraint Download for Windows] (Executable and readme)
* Direct download link to the MacOS X viewer: [http://www.erestraint.com/realrestraint Download for MacOS X] (Executable and readme, courtesy of Mo Noel)
* Direct download link to the Linux viewer: [http://www.erestraint.com/realrestraint Download for Linux] (Executable and readme, courtesy of Loom Kish)
* Source code and text API : [http://www.erestraint.com/realrestraint Download] (Text files)
* API as a wiki page : [[LSL Protocol/RestrainedLifeAPI|API]] (Wiki format)
* Specification to interface cages and furnitures with the viewer through the use of a relay : [[LSL Protocol/Restrained Life Relay Specs|Relay Specs]] (Wiki format)

==== Version and timestamp ====

* Version : 1.16.1 , compiled on SL official viewer 1.22.11
* Date : 13/03/2009
* Status : Active

 
 
 

=== Meerkat ===

==== Goals ====

* To create a fully GPL viewer (no proprietary dependencies)
* To encourage a community of developers that will submit patches for prompt integration
* To have the freedom to make the sort of changes that Linden Lab has traditionally been unable to integrate (translation patches, refactoring, fixing intentionally crippled features, changes that touch many files)
* To retain compatibility with Linden Lab's grid and protocols, present and future
* To implement a loosely coupled cross-grid functionality that requires no central authentication authority.

==== Extra Features ====
* Log out and back in without quitting
* Loosely coupled intergrid teleport -- In Process
* Most of the other changes common to third party viewers

==== Links ====
* Website: [http://www.meerkatviewer.org/ Meerkat Viewer]
* Direct download link: [http://files.meerkatviewer.org/Meerkat-win-i686-8.9.0.0.zip Download versions of this viewer]
* Source code: svn co http://svn.meerkatviewer.org/svn/trunk/ meerkat

==== Version and timestamp ====

* Date : 010/2008
* Status : Active, but On-Hold Due to Funding Issues

 
 
 

=== MonoVida Studio ===

"Your Viewer; Your Imagination"

==== Description ====
MonoVida Studio is like an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_development_environment IDE] to virtual reality and your imagination. While it may seem like what was the regular Second Life viewer with its UI guts torn out and surgically replaced, it uses LL's code to render a scene and network with the grid as you expect, and everything else is the Studio, which constitutes your viewer. MonoVida Studio is built with .Net/Mono and Snowglobe, so you gain all those powerful development tools. Several namespaces exist, with widgets, gadgets, and classes, to help you build your desired component, your custom UI, and maybe your custom AI.

This visual, entitle [http://mono.dzonux.net/file/Your%20Viewer%20Your%20Imagination.png "Your Viewer; Your Imagination"], shows the different layers involved as the derived code is sliced into components, which are then integrated with G-Objects, which then is usable from various different languages.

==== Features ====

* Uses omvviewer as an upstream source for GPL goals.
* Purely based on Gnome (Gtk) (in source, llwindow/* has been removed, see also: [http://jira.dzonux.net:8080/browse/MVS-1 MVS-1])
* Universal/Metaversal object hierarchies. See here for further explanation: [http://jira.dzonux.net:8080/browse/MVS-32 MVS-32]
* Total rewrite of the UI (in progress): [http://jira.dzonux.net:8080/browse/MVS-2 MVS-2] (llui)
** And, rewrite of all Viewer Panels: [http://jira.dzonux.net:8080/browse/MVS-6 MVS-6]
** Like, the Communication Panels: [http://jira.dzonux.net:8080/browse/MVS-25 MVS-25]
*** They can be overlaid or detached from the main view.
* Skins: Several hundred skin themes available to choose from:
** Download & Install them: [http://linux.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Environment/Themes Softpedia's List of Gtk-Themes]
* Complete power of .NET/Mono
* Snowglobe DLL: The base code derived from LL's viewer made into a dynamically shared library.
** [http://library.gnome.org/devel/gobject/stable/pr01.html G-Objects] are used to export the API.
* Snowglobe-Sharp: The C# to Snowglobe DLL bridge
* Screenshots (of themes and work in progress): [http://mono.dzonux.net/file/MonoVida-20090521.png #1] [http://mono.dzonux.net/file/MonoVida-20090619a.png #2] [http://mono.dzonux.net/file/MonoVida-20090701a.png #3]

==== Links ====
* Website & Source code: [http://jira.dzonux.net:8080/browse/MVS Project page & source details]

==== Version and timestamp ====

* Date : 21/June/2009
* Version : (Front-end) Alpha, (Back-end) Snowglobe 0.8 (1.22.11)
* Status : Active

 
 
 

=== Nicholaz Edition ===

==== Description ====

These are Windows viewer based on SL builds with a focus on stability, usability and performance (see [http://www.blueflash.cc/users/nicholaz/EyeCandy/!!Installation.txt Installation.txt] for homebrew disclaimer). Mac and Linux variants are available through other open sourcers (links on the website).

==== Extra Features ====
* Improved stability
* Lower memory footprint
* GUI redesigns
* Workarounds for common annoyances (Group IM Filtering, "Release Key" button, etc.)
* see [http://nicholaz-beresford.blogspot.com/2008/05/version-overview.html this entry] for an overview of different versions

==== Links ====
* Website: [http://nicholaz-beresford.blogspot.com/ Nicholaz Beresford on Blogspot]
* Direct download link: [http://www.blueflash.cc/users/nicholaz Download versions of this viewer]
* Source code: Look at the [http://www.blueflash.cc/users/nicholaz download site] for the source-xxx-zip files in the respective folders and see the readme.txt inside the archives

==== Version and timestamp ====

* Date : 09/07/2009
* Status : Mostly discontinued - only occasional fixes

=== Onrez Viewer ===

==== Description ====

The Onrez viewer was made by the Onrez company in connection with a Second Life themed story on the high tech forensics based TV show "CSI: New York".

==== Extra Features ====
* A back and history button for teleports
* In-viewer web browsing.

==== Links ====
* http://viewer.onrez.com for the download

==== Comment ====
The source code for this viewer is closed source.

==== Version and timestamp ====
* Status : Discontinued ?

 
 
 

=== Rainbow Viewer / Cool Viewer ===

==== Description ====

Originally based on Henri Beauchamp's "Cool SL Viewer" both the Rainbow Viewer and Cool Viewer emerged as forks in reaction to avoid trademark infringement of the "SL" brand. Although similar in features they are not identical with Henri's viewer. A major improvement is an up-to-date OpenGL implementation that especially helps users plagued by ATI's Catalyst drivers but also leads to measurable improvements of overall graphics performance by 30...100% compared to the official viewer; depending on your system. Rainbow Viewer features the current user interface whereas Cool Viewer spots the leaner cleaner and more configurable legacy UI. It's all about choice :).

Available in versions for Windows and Linux (thanks Balp!).

==== Extra Features ====
* CV's legacy User interface with a clean, simple and userfriendly layout or Rainbow Viewers current official UI, you choose!
* Improved Graphics rendering, especially for ATI users (measured >1/3 faster than the official viewer)
* Marine Kelley's RestrainedLife (off per default)
* Bulk permission editing
* "Worn" tab in inventory
* Double click to wear attachments
* Enhanced building tools
* Flexible Sculpties
* Large Prims (currently only for Opensim grids due to SL limitations)
* Maximized Network Bandwidth
* Flexible Grid selection at login for SL and all OpenSims
* Teleport History
* Avatar UUID in profiles
* Cool Features in Preferences for easy switching of features
...and a large number of other goodies and stability fixes that improve your overall experience. Too many to mention here :). Please check the [http://coolviewer.googlecode.com/files/releasenotes.txt Release Notes] for details.

==== Links ====
* Website: [http://my.opera.com/boylane Cool Viewers for Virtual Worlds]
* Direct download link: [http://coolviewer.googlecode.com Binary versions and Sources on Google Code]

==== Version and timestamp ====

* Versions : RV: 1.22.11.0 R2, CV: 1.19.0.5 R59 / 1.22.11.0 R9

* Date : 03/06/2009
* Status : Active

 
 
 

=== RealXtend Edition ===

==== Description ====

The realXtend viewer is a heavily modified version of the Linden Lab's Second Life client by a partnership of two Finnish companies, ADMINO technologies and LudoCraft.

==== Extra Features ====
* Second life compatibility mode for use in SL and Opensim worlds
* Teleports between realXtend and Secondlife

==== Links ====
* Website: [http://www.realxtend.org/]
* Direct download link: http://www.realxtend.org/downloads.html
* Source code: http://sourceforge.net/projects/realxtendviewer/

==== Version and timestamp ====
* Version : 0.3
* Date : 07/28/2008
* Status : Active

=== omvviewer ===

==== Goals ====

* To create a fully GPL viewer (no proprietary dependencies)
* To enable easy building of the source code on various Linux distros including 64 bit distros
* To Get the viewer packaged with in Linux Distros

==== Packages available (32 and 64 bit) ====
* Debian Lenny
* Ubuntu Intrepid
* Arch
* Gentoo

==== Extra Features ====
Various extra features found in other viewers, UI changes are kept to a bare minimum as this is a packaging project not a code base fork. Stability fixes are given high priority.

==== Links ====
* Website: [http://omvviewer.byteme.org.uk/ Project page]
* Source code: [http://omvviewer.byteme.org.uk/source.shtml Source details]

==== Version and timestamp ====

* Date : 27/March/2009
* Version : 1.22.11
* Status : Active

=== Vertical Life Client ===

==== Description ====

This client is aimed mostly at SL Role Players and SL Military, but sports quite a few interesting improvements that make it worth taking a look at.

==== Extra Features ====
* Space Mode and Defer Sky Rendering; to remove atmosphere and replace with stars.
* Ability to easily activate and view who is using look-at and alt-cam. Useful for seeing who's spying on you or looking up your skirt.
* Colored minimap dots -- cool blue for Merczateers, red for enemies of the [[Iron Symphony]], cyan for friends, white for unrendered/unrezzed, and green for others.
* No teleport screens.
* Render avatar hitbox option.
* Forewarning of incoming IMs option (be told if someone is writing an IM before they even send it)
* Exclusive 'teleport' features: IM someone or a group, anyone using Vertical Life will receive a drop down allowing them to easily TP you without messing with profile buttons etc. Also shows up as a right click option on the mini-map or radial menu choice on an avatar right click.
* Hover over minimap dots to see name of avatars and their distance from you.
* Right click dots on minimap to see options such as "Mass TP" or to view an individual's profile.
* Free temporary texture uploads.
* Clean UI appearance.
* and more!

==== Links ====
* Website: [http://nexii.ordoimperialis.com/ Vertical Life Client]
* Direct download link: [http://nexii.ordoimperialis.com/client/Vertical%20Life%20v1.5.5%20Setup.exe Windows Version]
* Direct download link: [http://nexii.ordoimperialis.com/client/Vertical%20Life%20Source%20v1.5.5%20Setup.exe Source Code]

==== Version and timestamp ====

* Version: 1.5.7
* Date : 2009 July 13
* Status : Discontinued

 
 
 

==Text Viewers==
=== METAbolt ===
==== Text Based SL Viewer/Reader Edition ====

==== Description ====

METAbolt is a non-graphical (text based) viewer/reader. It is light weight and cross grid, which means it will work in Second Life as well as other grids that are based on OpenSIM. METAbolt is Open Source so it's free...it is built ground up using libopensv and it is '''not''' a modified version of the official SL viewer. Currently METAbolt is only available for Windows platforms.

METAbolt is ideal if:

* the graphical viewers are not allowed at your work place
* you have a low powered computer that has difficulty running the SL viewer
* you have a low speed internet connection e.g. dial up/ISDN
* you need to run multiple alts at the same time for land security, modelling, group management functions etc
* you can't or don't want to run the SL viewer all the time but need the ability to stay online for communications or other reasons

==== Extra Features ====
Too many to be listed here! Here are just a few:
* Ability to mass distribute products, objects, scripts etc
* Ability to start multiple instances for different alts from a command and/or batch file
* Auto log-in upon SL disconnect
* Built in Machine Translation with 16 language pairs
* Emoticons on chat & IM. Feature can be switched on/off
* Land monitor: monitor parcels that are for sale on a SIM
* Object Manager: Detailed object information & stats
* (optional) Group Manager plug-in for sending direct group invites
* Uses extremely low computing power and bandwidth
* Displays advertising from various partners
* One-to-One technical support via METAforums

==== Links ====
* Website: http://www.metabolt.net/
* Download: http://www.metabolt.net/download.asp

==== Version and timestamp ====
* Version : 0.9.2.4 BETA (at the time this page was prepared)
* Date : 05/30/2009
* Platform: Windows Only
* Status : Active

 
 
 

=== omvviewer-light ===

==== A Text client for the 3D Metaverse ====

==== Description ====
omvviewer-light is a text client for the 3D Metaverse including SecondLife, written from Scratch (but using the libomv library for protocol handling). It's GUI is created in Gtk# which is cross-platform making this the only current Text client that is still active and cross platform. Tested on Linux (32/64 bit) and Windows (not 64-bit windows).

==== Features ====
To many to list here in detail please see the project page below but in summary, Full inventory control, Full Chat/IM/Group IM's. Object search and interaction. Realtime local maps. Parcel displays. Read and Edit NoteCards and Scripts. View profiles. Friends Lists etc .....

==== Links ====
* Website: [http://omvviewer-light.byteme.org.uk/ Project page]
* Source code: [http://omvviewer-light.byteme.org.uk/source.shtml Source details]

==== Version and timestamp ====

* Date : 27/March/2009
* Version : 0.47
* Status : Active

 
 
 

=== SLiteChat ===

==== A Lite IM/Chat Text-only Client for Second Life ====

==== Description ====
SLiteChat (pronounced "slight-chat") is a completely open source text-only IM/chat client for use with Second Life. Use it to talk to your friends without having to load up all of those heavy graphic goodies. Useful for those at work times. :-)

==== Features ====
* Communicate in-world with people on your friends list. Full adding/removing and search for residents supported.
* Group chat is supported (however at this writing you cannot leave a group or search for to join).
* Local chat and IM history is supported.

==== Links ====
* Website: [http://slitechat.dooglio.net/ Project page]
* Source code: [http://slitechat.dooglio.net/download/ Source details]

==== Version and timestamp ====

* Date : 24/07/2009
* Version : 1.4.0
* Status : Active