Here's my video tutorial on the steps to download the Second Life program, create your account, and log in for the first time:
http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cjfFhKVYE


Sign up at http://www.secondlife.com

(here is some info from Murdoch University on signing up through Second Life's process: http://murdochsecondlife.pbwiki.com/Session+1+-+Creating+your+avatar)

or:

Recommended:

Sign up through the New Media Consortium (NMC), which offers a very accessible orientation http://sl.nmc.org/join/.

"Getting Started in Second Life" guide from NMC: http://sl.nmc.org/wiki/Getting_Started

"The NMC Campus is a virtual laboratory located in the virtual world of Second Life It has been carefully constructed to provide researchers and students dozens of prebuilt settings for experiments in social interaction in 3-D space."

Intro movie here: http://sl.nmc.org/2006/06/12/seriously-engaging-movie/

Basic startup information:

"What every Second Life newbie should know - 10 secret tips that will boost your experience..." (Not Possible IRL: http://npirl.blogspot.com/2007/12/what-every-second-life-newbie-should.html) Some good tips I wish I had known when I started.

"Natalia's Getting Started in Second Life Guide" (Mermaid Diaries, http://www.mermaiddiaries.com/2006/11/natalias-newbie-getting-started-guide.html) Clearly written basic info (with screenshots) about moving around the world, acquiring free clothing to customize your appearance, some cultural tips. Also includes links to Natalia's Movement, Camera Control, and Interaction Guide; Teleport, Finding Places, and Landmark Guide; and Inventory, Clothing, and Objects Guide

What do I do if my computer runs super-slowly with a lot of graphic lag or glitches?

See:
http://blog.secondlife.com/2007/11/22/tip-of-the-week-12-how-to-easily-boost-viewer-performance/

Demonstrates how to change your graphics options to maximize performance.

Long and detailed description of graphics options:
http://torley.vodpod.com/video/1085633-graphics-preferences-guide


Additional info (optional)

Video tutorials on many topics:
http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Video_Tutorials

Not Possible IRL: More advice for newbies
Link http://npirl.blogspot.com/2007/12/more-advice-for-newbies-but-first-time.html

Tech Soup's FAQ on Second Life for NonProfits
http://www.techsoup.org/community/Second%20Life/page4997.cfm
TechSoup invites you to its weekly meetings, Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. PST to plan events for the nonprofit community, brush up your scripting or video production skills in advance of a Second Lifeevent, or develop new tools for the nonprofit community.

Second Life in Education
http://sleducation.wikispaces.com/
Includes:

• Educational Uses of Second Life
  http://sleducation.wikispaces.com/educationaluses
• Educational Resources (in-world links, presentation notes, tutorials for new users, and more)
  http://sleducation.wikispaces.com/ourresources
• Second Life Resources
  http://sleducation.wikispaces.com/secondliferesources

Kossack Fullstop Part 1 How to Second Life Part 1 - Creating Kossack Fullstop

Kossack Fullstop Part 2 How to Second Life 2 - Kossack Fullstop at Orientation Island

Kossack Fullstop Part 3 How to Second Life 3 - Kossack Fullstop at the Optional Move Tutorials

Kossack Fullstop Part 4 How to Second Life 4 - Kossack Fullstop at Large

How to Second Life Part 5: Freebies with Kossack Fullstop

This program is made possible by a grant from the AALL/BNA Continuing Education Grants Program.