I remember the day when I first touch a computer network.

The operating system was NOVELL, a close friend of UNIX (see LINUX). There was a line command that when you type something like this you can send a message to someone in the network:

send username messsage

All in text. Black and white. Big blank screen with nothing else besides your message.

It was the very first social networking tool I used.

Time pass. I had a crush with IRC. It was before Yahoo Messenger. IRC is Another text based communication tools. It forms by a network of servers serving thousands of chat rooms. I can connect to one of the server network and join my favorite room to meet people.
I was still facing a screen with text. Only this time, it was colorful. Somethings are automated. I can see other people’s username in my screen. This is the beginning of my social networking on the net.

Fast forward, time brings new communication tools. I became a user of Yahoo Messenger, Windows Messenger, Skype and many other online social networking tools.

The next thing you know, Social Networking Sites are popping up. Friendster, MySpace, Mixi (in Japan) etc.

Now the next generation of social networking tool: Second Life emerged. The concept is still the same with IRC. Provide people a place to communicate.

What makes Second Life new is the fact that it gives you a lot more freeom to express yourself. The platform gives you 3D ways to shine in the system.

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