Ok, so this is good unless hackers figure out how to modify the code to just perpetually make them Linden dollars. This isn't a combat game and position hacks really wouldn't do anything for you since you can fly anywhere in the game anyway. But I'm still a bit worried about people being able to look at the code of the client and abuse some action or property that is left responsible to the client and, in this manner, they gain an edge or amass Linden dollars
Essentially, he was saying that they are very security-minded (since hacks that create Linden dollars will lead to rampant inflation, which is no good for anyone). As such, most stuff is done by the server -- all the client can do is to make requests, and it's up to the server to validate, process and update the state of the world.
Slashdot Mirror
Philip Rosedale (Linden Lab CEO) gave an interesting presentation on the workings of Second Life about a year ago. It's available on Google TechTalks...
Essentially, he was saying that they are very security-minded (since hacks that create Linden dollars will lead to rampant inflation, which is no good for anyone). As such, most stuff is done by the server -- all the client can do is to make requests, and it's up to the server to validate, process and update the state of the world.