This section describes how to get started using your Palace client:

• Requirements
• Logging on for the first time
• Installation
• Logging off

The Palace User Software has the following requirements:

Computer: Pentium processor running Windows 98, Windows ME, or Windows 2000/NT.

RAM: At least 32 megabytes.

Monitor: 16bit High color with 800x600+ support.

Disk space: At least 10 megabytes. If you plan on traveling to other Palace sites, be aware that many of these servers have their own original artwork and sounds. As you enter new rooms in these servers, you might need additional hard disk space to store these additional assets.

Connectivity: anything from 28.8kbps or up, DSL or cable modem connection to the Internet.

Browser: You need a Web browser to access user profile and Palace site pages. Either Netscape or Internet Explorer, version 4.x or better is required.

NOTE: Before using the Palace User Software client, you should obtain a registration code to unlock the full features of the software. This code is free. Be sure to register before you download; you can access the registration form at: register.palaceplanet.net

Don't give out your registration code! A Palace server does not allow two users with the same registration code to connect at the same time. This means if somebody else uses your code, you might be locked out of Palace sites all over the Internet.

The Palace client contains several related files including executable programs, graphics, sounds, prop files and script files. All of these assets are distributed in a single, self-extracting archive file.

To obtain the Palace client software, select it from the Downloads page at the Palace Planet website (downloads.palaceplanet.net). First time Palace users should also download the Palace UPGRADER to install immediately after the palace client. You can then click on the downloaded file to begin installation.

After the software installs, the Palace client launches automatically. At this point you should close the Palace Client and install the upgrader, it will replace several outdated files and update all broken menu links and bookmarks.
Te second time you start your Palace Client you can choose to enter your registration code at this time to become a full-fledged member. The registration code will be emailed to you after you completed the registration form online. It can take up to a day before you will recieve your code. If you choose not to register at this time, you can register later by selecting Enter Registration Code from the File menu.

Updating your software

As mentioned in the installation procedure: The Palace upgrader is released especially for PC users. Be sure to install the upgrader immediately after you installed your Palace Client.It will set up your Palace Client with working links and bookmarks and spare you hours of frustration and trying to find working Palaces.

You are now ready to log on to a Palace site and start socializing with other members! To log on, select Programs:The Palace:The Palace32 from your Windows Start menu. You access the Practice Palace as your first site, entering the Practice Palace gate as the first room.

To see a sample Palace room illustrating various parts of the user interface, see Elements of the main window.

NOTE: To bring up the Toolbox if it does not appear yet, press Control-T.

Learning on your own with the Practice Palace Gate

The Practice Palace gateway is your default entrypoint into the Palace. Any time you want to enter the Practice Palace when your Palace Client is already active, you can select "Practice Palace" from the Bookmarks menu

The Practice Palace gate is set up for all new user. You can use this room to get comfortable with the basic layout of the Palace software user interface.

The Practice Palace gate has several links:

• Avatar Dispenser
• Practice Palace Web page
• Tutorial PC&Mac Users
• Interlinks Palace

  NOTE: The Practice Palace gateway is your default entry to the Palace community until you change it. See Connecting to Palace Sites for information on bookmarking Palaces, connecting to new Palaces, and creating a Home Palace from the Edit:Preferences window.

Avatar Dispenser

In The Palace, your onscreen representation is referred to as your avatar. You first come into the Palace wearing a default avatar. Use the Avatar Dispenser to change your appearance.

To change your image, click on the Avatar Dispenser's Change your appearance button. The image that represents you will change. Continue clicking this button until you find an image that you like. The Dispenser will loop back to the beginning after displaying the final avatar.

If you would like to change your appearance again later, click the Dolls & Avatar link. This will bring you to a room with more Doll & Avatar links. Later when you get the basics down you can also look in the Palace Directory found in the Bookmarks

menu. There you can find many Doll & Avatar Palaces. The Avatar Palace in your bookmarks (only if you installed the UPGRADER, available from the quicklinks on this website) is a very popular place to get Dolls

Palace Web Page

Clicking this link opens a new browser window displaying the Practice Palace website with links to many files and user info. If you want to learn more about the Practice Palace, click this link.

Tutorials PC & Mac Users

Click this link to access the Practice Palace PC or MAC user Tutorials. These are Palace versions of this User Manual.

Interlinks Palace

A Linking Palace, it is a bit like the Palace Directory but in a Palace instead of a website. Many links there all categorised to make it easy.

NOTE: To make navigating through the Practice Palace easier, try turning on door outlines. This way, you won't "fall" through a door by mistake and end up in another room. Click the Show Doors image on the Toolbox to do this (if the Toolbox isn't showing, press Control-T.)

Talking, moving around, and other actions

Here is a list of some things you'll want to do next in the Palace. For other ideas, see the Quick Reference.

• To talk to people, click on the Input Box at the bottom of your screen (you may first have to press the Tab key activate the Input Box), type something, and press Enter. Your text will appear in a cartoon-balloon near your head. Talking and balloons is described in more detail in Talking to people.
• To move around, see Moving around.
• You can personalize some of your Palace settings; for example, you can automatically display user names and have tinted word balloons. Use the Edit:Preferences menu item to customize these session in your Preferences window (see Preferences).
• If you would like to get a new avatar look, you can visit the Avatars palace. Select Bookmarks:Avatars for this menu item.

There are several ways to leave your current Palace site:

• To go to another Palace, see Connecting to Palace Sites.
• To disconnect from any Palace site, but not shut down the Palace User Software, select Disconnect from the File menu. You are able to still access Palace features such as editing props.
• To disconnect and close the Palace User Software altogether, select Exit from the File menu.