Copyright: Worlds Ultimate 3D Chat Help, BowieWorld - Getting Started ,v932, Copyright © Worlds, Inc. 1998


What is Worlds 3DCD?
What is BowieWorld ™?

BowieWorld ™ lets you enter, explore, chat and interact in the coolest 3D music sites on the Internet. While listening to this CD at home by yourself is OK, wouldn't it be more fun to do so in Cyberspace in the company of people from all around the world?!

When you enter BowieWorld ™, you assume a persona by "wearing" an avatar (a 3D visual image representing you). You can be a penguin, a monster, a funky girl or any other image our artists conjured up. You can then walk around the worlds, explore amazing spaces, see and chat with people, send email, shop, listen to music,  - all in 3D!

As a BowieWorld member, you can become a VIP and unlock the program's full potential: You gain privileges such as voice chat, animated avatars so you can really get expressive with gestures and animations like happy and mad, a wave, a funky dance or the Macarena, and entrance to VIP Only spaces. You can even get creative and build your own custom avatar! You get to explore VIP only spaces, save you chat logs, and much more.

BowieWorld is one of many virtual 3D worlds created by Worlds Inc. If you would like to explore more worlds, check out Worlds web site at www.worlds.com. Worlds Ultimate 3D Chat features numerous worlds, including a space station, FunWorld, MusicChat world, Meteor, GardenWorld and many, many more.

Note: This Windows Help file is limited in scope. For the complete BowieWorld ™ Help file, choose Help Contents from the help menu.

The techy details, or, how BowieWorld ™ works:

BowieWorld ™ (Worlds Ultimate 3D Chat) is a browser for the interactive, 3D, music related content web sites served by Worlds, Inc. Once you've connected to the Internet and start BowieWorld ™, you login to Worlds' servers. These servers track your position in the worlds, relay your chat messages to the other users that are logged in at the same time and theirs to you, facilitate secured e-commerce transactions at the Worlds Store, and handle email and voice communication. To accommodate thousands of users simultaneously, BowieWorld's WorldServers are scaled so that when you login you enter a 'channel' or 'dimension' that is not too crowded. This CD includes the customized version of  BowieWorld ™ browser - BowieWorld ™, and the artwork for the World. BowieWorld ™ allows you to update the software at the click of a button.


System Requirements

•	The minimum configuration is a 90 MHz processor with 24MB of memory.

•	The recommended platform is 133 MHz or faster processor, with 32MB of memory or more.

•	Windows 95, 98 or NT

•	8 or 16 Bit Color mode

•	30 MB free hard disk space

•	Active Internet connection

NOTE: Starting BowieWorld ™ without an active Internet connection will put you in single user mode: You will not be able to see or chat with others.

Enhancing Performance

BowieWorld ™'s software performance can be greatly improved by following these guidelines:

•	Minimize the number of applications running at the same time as BowieWorld ™, especially large applications such as MS Word.

•	Run in a smaller window.

•	Stay away from crowded areas in the world.

•	Make sure you have lots of free hard disk space available for virtual memory.


Installing Worlds 3DCD
Installing BowieWorld ™

1.	Insert the BowieWorld ™ CD in the CD-ROM drive.  From the Start menu, choose Run, type in D:\setup (where D is your CD-ROM drive) and click OK.

2.	Follow the instructions on the screen.

3.	When the installation is complete, BowieWorld ™ will launch and the login window will appear.

4.	Click "I want to obtain a new account" and click Next.

5.	Click the "Apply for a Registration Number" button. You will be connected to Worlds web site and the registration form will appear.

6.	Fill out the registration form as instructed, and click OK to submit.

You MUST enter your E-mail address so that we may E-mail your Registration number. Your E-mail address will be kept confidential.

The member profile fields are optional: This information will be displayed in your 'Personal Info' and will be available to other users. You can earn bonus points that you can use to buy merchandise at Worlds store by filling out this info!

7.	Check your E-mail for a response from Worlds containing your Registration number. This E-mail also contains a VIP PIN number which will enable you to upgrade your membership to VIP status. The Registration number is sent immediately, but it may take a few moments to get to you.

8.	Enter the Registration number in the Registration Number field, and click Next.

9.	In the Username field, type in a username that is 2 to 12 characters long. This username will be your unique name in BowieWorld, and will display to others above your avatar.

1.	Click the TAB key to move to the Password field.

2.	In the Password field, type in a password that is 4 to 12 characters long. Be sure and remember this password!

NEVER GIVE YOUR PASSWORD OUT TO ANYONE! NOT EVEN IF THEY CLAIM TO BE WORLDS EMPLOYEES!

12.	Tab to the password confirmation field and retype the password.

13.	Click Finish to log in.

If you want BowieWorld ™ to remember your password, check the "Remember my password" button.

If you want BowieWorld ™ to automatically sign-in, check "Automatically login at startup" button.

Next, you'll want to become a VIP:

1.	Click on the VIP button and choose Become a VIP.

2.	Your Web browser will launch, and a VIP registration page will display. Choose "I have a VIP Number".

3.	Enter the VIP pin number you received in your registration E-mail, and click Subscribe.

4.	You must now either restart the program, or choose Sign-out from the Options menu, and then choose Sign-in from the Options menu.

You will now have the word VIP next to your name, and you will be able to enjoy BowieWorld's full potential.

When you enter BowieWorld you will appear as the default Penguin avatar: be sure and go to the Avatar Gallery and try one of the many avatars available.

Have fun!

 Note: If the Email containing your Registration number is delayed, you can click Cancel and use BowieWorld ™ in a single user mode, while you wait; however, you will not be able to see or chat with anyone. When you get the Email, click the Options button, select Sign-in, and follow the login instructions from step#8 above.


Starting Worlds 3DCD
Starting BowieWorld ™

1.	Establish Internet connection.

2.	From the Start menu, select Programs, Worlds, BowieWorld ™, or double click on the BowieWorld ™ desktop icon.

3.	From the drop down list in the Login window, choose the user name that you want to sign-in with.

4.	Click the Tab key to move to the Password field and enter your password.

5.	Click Next.

You will enter BowieWorld. Have fun!


Upgrading Worlds 3DCD
Upgrading BowieWorld ™

BowieWorld ™ is an evolving technology. New features are regularly added and new worlds are created. When you start BowieWorld ™, the program checks in on a weekly basis with Worlds' server to see if an upgrade is available. If an upgrade is available, you will be prompted to upgrade. You can continue to use BowieWorld ™ while the update is downloaded in the background.

•	If you choose to upgrade, simply follow the instructions on the screen.

•	If you prefer to upgrade at a different time, click No-Upgrade Later.

When you are ready to upgrade, choose Upgrade Now from the Options menu. Make sure that you are connected to the Internet.

NOTE: Do not modify any of BowieWorld ™'s files, or its directory structure, unless instructed to do so by Worlds technical support staff. Any such changes may prevent automatic updates.


Command Quick Reference

The following table briefly describes the BowieWorld ™ menu commands.  As this is an evolving technology, new features will be added through upgrades. Therefore, beyond using this table as a quick reference, we recommend  that you refer to the Help Contents file on our Web site.

Help Menu

Getting Started

Displays this Windows Help window.

Help Contents

Launches a Web browser and displays the main Help Web pages.

Latest Info

Displays version changes & miscellaneous info.

About BowieWorld ™

Provides version information about BowieWorld ™.

Options Menu

Edit Friends

Displays a window in which you can add/delete names to/from your Friends List. When people who are on your Friends list log in, their name will display on your Friends Online list.

Edit Mute List

Displays a window in which you can add/delete someone to/from your mute list. Once muted, you will no longer see or 'hear' this person.

Change Avatar View

Toggles your viewpoint between First person, Low first person, Waist, Shoulder, Head Overhead and Behind. Sets the camera speed to Slow, Medium or Fast.

Check Account Info

Launches a web browser and displays your Worlds Account Information page, from which you can review and update your account information and Personal Info.

Upgrade Now

Launches the auto upgrade process.

Sign-in/Sign-out

Toggles you between Multi and Single user modes. Use this command to login again.

Music

Displays a control panel from which you can play the music tracks of this CD, and allows you to set your CD & MIDI listening preferences.

Volume control

Launches Windows 95 volume control utility.

WorldsMail Menu

Launches the e-mail system.

WorldsMark Menu

Add new WorldsMark

Adds your current location to the WorldsMark list, much like a bookmark or favorite in your browser.

Delete a WorldsMark

Deletes the selected location from the WorldsMark list, much like a bookmark or favorite in your browser.

Edit WorldsMarks List

Displays a dialog from which you can add, delete and edit your WorldsMarks list.

WorldsMarks

Displays a list of your WorldsMarks on which you can click to go there instantly.

Lets Go…  Menu

Back

Lists a history of the places you've visited during this session. Click on any WorldsMark under this heading to go back to a previous stop.

WorldsMarks

Click on any of the permanent WorldsMarks on this list to go there instantly.

Actions Menu

Displays a list of all actions (animations) related to the selected avatar. Only articulated avatars have multiple actions, and you must be a VIP to use articulated avatars. Holographic avatars can 'sleep' only. To trigger an action you can choose it from the actions window, or press ctrl + first letter of action, such as ctrl + w to wave.

VIP Menu

Become a VIP

Launches the Web browser and displays a page from which you can sign up as a Worlds VIP.

Choose Avatar

Displays an alphabetical list of holographic and articulated avatars from which you can choose and changes your avatar instantly. This option is available to VIPs only.

Customize Avatar

Displays a window from which you can customize your own unique avatar. Whatever avatar you are using at the time will be the base figure, and you can change all it's different body parts and clothing. This option is available to VIPs only.

View Chat Logs

Displays a list of general chat and whisper chat sessions, from which you can choose. Choose a chat session to view it in your Web browser. This option is available to VIPs only.

Reject Voice Calls

Check this option if you do not wish to receive voice communications, or if your system is not set up for voice chat. Voice Chat is available to VIPs only.

Avatar Menu (click on an avatar to display this menu)

Add ... to Friends List

Adds the selected avatar to the Friends List. Once someone is on the friends list, his/her name will display in the Friends Online list. You can then click on the friend's name and Go There to join him, or send an e-mail, mute, whisper or look up personal info for the friend.

Email

Displays the e-mail window from which you can send a message to the selected avatar.

Mute

Mutes the selected avatar so that you no longer see it or get it's messages.

Whisper

Sends a private message to the selected avatar.

Personal Info

Displays personal information about the selected avatar.

Quit

Exits the program.


Getting Help

This Windows Help file contains basic information to get you started with this version of the product. Because the 3DCD technology evolves and upgrades are continually added, the main Help system resides on line on the BowieWorld (Worlds Ultimate 3D Chat ™) web site, allowing for dynamic, up to date information.

To access the complete on-line Help, click the Help button and choose Help Contents. Your Web browser will launch and display the Help pages, containing all you need to know to use BowieWorld (Worlds Ultimate 3D Chat ™), FAQs, and how to reach Worlds, Inc.

To access the on-line Latest Information page, click the Help button and choose Latest Info. Your Web browser will launch and display the Latest Info page, which lists all that is different in the latest version upgrade.


Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting & FAQ

Unable to launch Web browser

BowieWorld ™ sometimes needs to launch your regular Web browser (such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer) to display HTML pages such as the Help Contents, VIP Registration, Worlds Store, and more. If BowieWorld ™ is unable to automatically launch the browser, your browser is most likely mis-configured.

You can test your browser's configuration by going to a DOS prompt and typing: start http://www.3DCD.com.

•	If your browser fails to launch from the DOS prompt, it is mis-configured and your best bet is to re-install your HTML browser.

•	If you are able to launch the browser from the DOS prompt, please contact our support staff at support@3dcd.com.

You may also manually load the required pages:

1.	Open your HTML browser manually.

2.	Copy the URL from the error message in the dialog box into the location box in your Web browser. For example, if you were trying to open the BowieWorld ™ Help Contents file and got the message "Unable to launch  http://www.worlds.net/3DCDup/help/help.html", copy 'http://www.worlds.net/3DCDup/help/help.html' into the location box of the Web browser.

3.	Press ENTER.

Unable to connect to BowieWorld ™ Server

BowieWorld ™ requires an active Internet connection to work in multi-user mode (interactive mode). If when you start Worlds Ultimate 3D Chat ™ the program is unable to connect to the server, it may be due to one of the following reasons:

Possible Problem	Solution
You do not have an Internet connection.	You must arrange for an ISP (Internet Service Provider).
Your Internet connection isn't turned on.	Activate your Internet connection.
The route from your Internet Service Provider to Worlds' is down.	Wait a few moments and try again.
Worlds BowieWorld server is full.	Wait a few moments and try again. If the problem persists, contact customer support at support@3dcd.com.


Support & Feedback

A complete Help file is available by clicking Help Contents from the Help menu.  It includes a troubleshooting and FAQ section.

You can submit support questions and general feedback and suggestions in one of the following ways:

•	Fill out our web Feedback Form at www.3dcd.com/feedback.html

•	Review our BowieWorld ™(Worlds Ultimate 3D Chat) customer support pages at www.worlds.com.

•	E-mail us at support @3dcd.com. If you are reporting a problem, please include information about your system configuration (processor speed & RAM), and a detailed description of the problem.

•	If your BowieWorld ™ software exits unexpectedly, you may get an automatic feedback dialog the next time you start the program. Please fill it out and click Send.

We will process your feedback and respond as needed ASAP. If your problem is serious and you would like technical support, please be sure and include information of how and when we can best reach you.

A note on proper online behavior:

To keep BowieWorld ™ a pleasant environment for all, we ask that you treat your virtual neighbors with respect, and refrain from using offensive language and tactics. Worlds Inc. reserves the right to discontinue service to anyone who fails to meet Worlds' standards for appropriate online behavior. A Worlds Inc. monitor will issue a single warning to anyone who fails to meet these standards. If, in Worlds sole opinion, the user continues to behave inappropriately, Worlds Inc. will terminate his/her account, and no refund will be issued. Worlds Inc. also reserves the right to take any appropriate legal action against anyone who uses its services for what Worlds deems inappropriate behavior.