OpenSim Installation (part two)

Ok, we’ve downloaded the OpenSim sources and build the C# solution, it’s time for the configuration! First we’ll set the OpenSim configuration through a ini file. Then we’ll configure our new grid.

Although we opted for the MS SQL version, out of the box OpenSim doesn’t (yet) run fully on MS SQL. Therefore in initial configuration we’ll choose the SQL Lite version and later on manually switch it over to MS SQL. Be sure to keep an eye on the OpenSimulator Database support page.

The basic configuration elements of OpenSim are stored in the file named OpenSim.ini which is located in the bin directory. Since we’re starting clean, lets copy the OpenSim.ini.example to OpenSim.ini. Open the new configuration file in your favorite text editor and let’s comment out some options.

• Add a ; to the start of the line
  storage_plugin = “OpenSim.Data.Null.dll”
• Remove the ; from the following line
  ;storage_plugin = “OpenSim.Data.SQLite.dll”
• Remove the ; from the following line
  ;physics = OpenDynamicsEngine

That’s it! The first two lines will make sure whatever we edit inworld will be stored into the SQLite database. The last line ensures that our objects (prims) inworld are not ‘phantom’, No they’re not ‘physical’ yet, just solid for now.

Ok, one remark before we’ll start the configuration process. You can use your default client(viewer program) like the normal Second Life^® Viewer to access an OpenSim. Because the SL™ Client stores information by avatar name it’s best to use different names for different installations. One good practice is to use the grid’s name as the avatars lastname. This will ensure that avatar settings aren’t cluttered amongst grids.

Now let’s get started on our new grid! Run the OpenSim.exe which is located in the bin directory.  (ahhh nostalgic isn’t it…) After some loading OpenSim needs to configure your grid. You can basically select all the default answers except for these:

• Region Name
  This will be your Sim name.
• Internal IP
  127.0.0.1 for now, we will edit it later.
• External Host Name
  127.0.0.1 for now, we will edit it later.
• First, Last Name and Password
  These are the login creditentials of your admin avatar.

Wait…. wait… that’s it – you’re up and running your own OpenSim server. Congratulations. If everything went right you’ll see a nice dos box filled with messages, comparable to this one.

Now let’s connect our viewer. I’m guessing you have the actual SL™ client installed locally right? Ok, let’s copy-paste it’s shortcut. Right-click and select Properties. The shortcut target line will read like this:

 ”C:\Program Files\SecondLife\SecondLife.exe”   -set SystemLanguage en-us

Add behind it the following:

-loginuri http://127.0.0.1:9000/ -loginpage http://127.0.0.1:9000/?method=login

This will tell the Second Life^® client not to connect to it’s regular gridnode but instead connect to our local OpenSim server. Now go and enjoy your ruthed new av!

In the next post we’ll make the OpenSim accessible for remote clients.