Frequently Asked Questions
Search the Vizwoz FAQs
Is Vizwoz safe?
Vizwoz is a safe, friendly environment for kids to chat, hang out and make new friends.
Vizwoz is moderated throughout the day, the site discourages inappropriate or undesirable chat in favour of constructive and enjoyable fun. The moderation team ensures that users are behaving according to the site rules at all times and no unsavoury material can be circulated.
We use a bespoke designed swear filter, which denies users to not only swear, but share personal information (such as email and MSN accounts)
What is Vizwoz?
Vizwoz is a Virtual World for kids - a place to chat, play games and make new friends. Our aim is to provide a safe and secure environment for children online, where you can make new friends with similar interests, look cool with your personal avatar and express your personality through personalizing your MyPlace with hobbies, interests and music.
How do I register?
To register on Vizwoz simply fill in the form on the homepage. Once you have registered you will be able to enter the Vizwoz virtual world, play games and chat with other members.
Do I have to pay?
No, the site is free for anyone to use. You can add credits called Vizdollars (V$) to your account at any time. Adding Vizdollars will allow you to get the most out of Vizwoz. You will be able to get new clothes for your avatar, customise your MyPlace room and send gifts to other members.
How do I verify my email address?
When you become a member of Vizwoz or add an e-mail address to your account details, we will send you an email to that address. Inside this email there will be a link, click on this to verify the address & we will give you V$100 FREE for you to get started on Vizwoz!
How do I change my avatar?
Open the GUI* on the top right hand side of the screen, click the 'Your Character' button and you can change your character's look depending on you feel that day! Trendy, rocker, even fancy dress... we've got the clothes for you to look amazing online.
If you want to get your avatar new clothes, click the 'Buy Clothes' button. Here you can buy everything from new hair styles to trendy looking hoodies and clothes.
* GUI means Graphical User Interface, this is what you use to do everything from changing your avatar to sending messages, For the full list of technical terms, please look in the Technical Terms section
How can I get new clothes?
Open the GUI and click the 'Store' button. In here you will be able to pick clothes from any of the Vizwoz Stores and use your V$ to customise your avatar with everything from new hair styles to funky t-shirts.
What is MyPlace?
Every member has their own room called MyPlace, You can decorate your MyPlace to your own tastes, and invite your friends to hang out and chat. Your MyPlace room will be blank when you first see it but you can customise everything from floor to ceiling!
How do I get to my MyPlace?
There are two ways of getting you your MyPlace.
1. Click the house that says MyPlace on the map (next to the castle and tropical island)
2. Click the button on the bottom right of the screen that says MyPlace when your in any room (every room except the map screen)
I've got an idea for the site where do I send it?
You can let us know of your ideas for the site by filling in a feedback form, which can be found under the 'Contact Us' tab - or alternatively, you can tell everyone on site about your idea by posting on the Vizwoz forums, a great way to share your idea with other users and find out what they think!
Who moderates Vizwoz?
Vizwoz is moderated by VizCops - A friendly, dedicated team of moderate the site round the day and are responsible for ensuring users safety.
There are payments to Vizwoz on my phone bill/credit card, what are they?
Payment for V$ is taken from your phone bill/credit card if V$ have been ordered
We clearly state that users need to get the bill payers permission before buying Vizdollars.
We are unable to make refunds.
How can I get in touch if I have a problem?
For queries and questions you can use the 'Contact' link in the page footer to get to our Contact form.
Who are the Vizcops?
The Vizcops are responsible for moderating the site and watching out for users safety. They can remove users who are bullying others or causing trouble, and can easily reached by site users to answer queries and help with problems on-site.
How can I help my child stay safe online?
Make sure your child knows that people may not always be who they say they are, and the dangers inherent in sharing personal information such as phone numbers, home addresses and MSN/email addresses and what school they attend. The Vizcops will block these messages and when they see them they will talk with users about the dangers of sharing their information.
Someone asked me for my password, what should I do?
You should never give out your password if someone asks, even if they promise to give you money or clothes - it is more likely they will just steal your account! If you are asked, let a Vizcop know as soon as possible. You can do this discreetly by using the 'Report Abuse' tab in your GUI. Make sure you know the user name of whoever asked you and we can deal with the problem instantly and effectively.
How do I make my password super secure?
Try using a mix of numbers and letters to make your password more secure. Remember the password in your head rather than writing it down if you can.
Someone asked me where I'm from, is it OK to tell them?
General information, such as which country or town you live in, is OK as long as you are comfortable with it. We would ask that you do not give any more specific details such as which school you attend or which road you live, this is for your own safety!
What should I do if someone asks me for personal details?
If someone is hassling you for personal information and making you feel uncomfortable you should let a Vizcop know so they can deal with the problem right away. We will explain to users why they should not share information and the dangers they run in doing so. If someone persists in hassling other users after having been warned they may be removed form the site for their safety and that of other users.
How do I change my password?
You can change your password in your 'Account Details' page.
You will have to enter your current password before you create a new password.
How come I have to enter my current password if I want to change it?
The reason you have to enter your old password is, quite simply, so we know it is you trying to change the information and not someone trying to steal your account.
How do I change my email address?
You can change your email in your 'Account Details' page.
Can I delete my account?
If you wish to delete your account you can also do that from your account details, but only delete your account if you never want it back.
Accounts cannot be recovered after deletion.
What software do I need to play Vizwoz?
You will need Flash Player 9 (or higher) installed on your computer to access the virtual world.
You can use the HTML pages of Vizwoz with no special software.
Do I need to download anything?
If you haven't got its already installed, you will need to install Flash Player.
You just need to go to this site - http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ and click on 'Agree and install now'
Save it to your desktop and then double click on it when it's finished installing... It should all work fine.
I can't connect to Vizwoz, what should I do?
The first thing to do is check your internet connection. If you cannot access other sites there may be something wrong with your connection which you will need to get fixed.
It is also possible you are behind a firewall or the firewall settings on your computer aren't allowing you to connect. You should (if you can) enable tcp communication on port 1935 - which allows your computer to contact Vizwoz servers.
Other reasons could include a poor internet connection, or your ISP won't allow a connection to certain websites (this is often the case inside schools).
What do the error messages mean?
'There has been a problem contacting the server' means that there has been a problem with the server connection which may be due to high demand or a loss of your connection at home. Try closing the page and then loading the site again; if you still have problems try accessing other sites - if these don't work there may be a problem with your connection.
What browser does Vizwoz support?
Vizwoz supports all of the main browsers, including Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 and 8, Google Chrome, Opera and Safari for Mac users.
What is a browser?
A browser is the programme you use to surf the internet - the most common browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. If you are in doubt, look at the top of this very page - the browser programme you are using will be shown there.
Can I access Vizwoz from my games console?
Vizwoz is currently supported on PCs and accessible from Windows, Macintosh and Some variations of Linux. We don't specifically release versions for games consoles such as Xbox, PS3 and Wii, as they require up-to-date versions of Flash. We also use some features that aren't available on games consoles.
I need other technical help, how do I get in touch?
You can use the 'Contact Us' tab on the Vizwoz homepage to ask a technical question or mail details of the problem to help@vizwoz.com
I found a glitch, who should I send it to?
You can make the technical team aware of the problem by mailing the help@vizwoz.com address. The Vizcops can pass problems on to the technical team as well.
Technical Terms
Administrator: A person who has administrative access to the computer you are using, or the ISP administrator.
Bandwidth: This is the rate of data transfer that your internet connection uses. The more bandwidth you have, often the quicker your internet experience is.
Browser: You're using it to read this! There are several popular web browsers including MS Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Safari and a few others.
Cache: Web browsers store temporary data and files in a cache. A cache is used by a browser to prevent having to download the same things multiple times and make your browsing experience more efficient. Sometimes however, it stores things you don't want it to.
Firewall: A firewall's basic task is to protect computers and protect them from the outside world and the rest of the internet. Often, they also stop you from accessing specific services on remote computer and ports. Sometimes, this includes TCP port 1935 which Vizwoz uses for communicating with you which you are playing on Vizwoz.
Flash: Flash is the interactive web technology that Vizwoz use to help create Vizwoz. The default version that you need to use Vizwoz is v8 or above.
ISP: An ISP is an Internet Service Provider. ISPs provide dialup, broadband and other high-speed products to connect to the internet.
Platform:Your computer platform you use to access the web. Likely to be either PC, Mac or Linux. Other platform can access the internet - for example: games consoles, mobile phones.
Server: A server (in the case of Vizwoz) is a computer that serves/helps serve a website to users.
TCP Port: TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a protocol developed for the internet to get data from one network device to another. TCP uses a retransmission strategy to ensure that data will not be lost in transmission. The TCP port is the connection point through which TCP data is transmitted.
Can I become a Vizcop?
We do not hire site users to be Vizcops for a number of reasons.
Firstly, being a Vizcop is a full-time job - all the Vizcops are over 18 and work from the Vizwoz Head Office in Birmingham. It is not a job that could be done from home.
Secondly, hiring site users would create more problems then it solves, as users would already have friends on the site which could potential lead to conflicts of interest. If you want to get involved, users can apply for membership of the V Krew (see below).
Are Vizcops real?
Yes, Vizcops are very real and would be upset if you suggested otherwise! If you are still doubtful, look out for the odd spelling error to prove their humanity.
What are the V-Krew?
The V-Krew are site users who help by organising activities on the site and showing new users around the site and the features they can use. You can spot them easily because they will be dressed in a white T-shirt marked 'V-Krew'. If you want to find one their H.Q. is located in Fame World!
How do I become a member of V-Krew?
You can apply to become a VKJ member by clicking here, or by clicking the link in the website.
There are two forms; one is for the site user to complete and the other is for their parents, parent or guardian to fill in. The reason we ask parents and guardians to fill in a form is for safety reasons - so we can be surer the applicant is who they say they are! Please note that applicants must have been site users for at least thirty days to be considered and their behaviour record on the site will be taken into account.
What are the benefits of becoming a member of the V-Krew?
There are several benefits to becoming a V-Krew member. You will receive v$1000 each week on your VKJ account to spend on gifts for other members and gain access to the exclusive V-Krew staff room! V-Krew members will also get to test new site functions and features before regular members.
How do I find songs?
Simply use the search feature to find your favourite songs and as long as the player can find them they will start playing them.
How do I add favorites?
You can add favourites by clicking the favourite tab and adding it to your playlist of favourite tunes ready to go whenever you need cheering up!
There are several reasons to add favourites. Some MyPlace applications use your favourites and play them back into your MyPlace room. Your MyPlace will also show up in other areas of the site.
Do I have to pay?
No, Vizwoz is free to use, but to get the most out of Vizwoz, you will need to buy Vizdollars or become Vizwoz Unlmited.
How do I get Vizdollars (V$)?
You can buy V$ by several methods. Firstly, you can use your mobile phone to text in for V$. You will receive a reply to your phone containing a code which you enter into the site which will give you your V$! Please note you can only use the text service in the UK.
You can also use your home phone to order V$. If you are not the billpayer, PLEASE ensure you have the billpayer's permission before sending in for Vizdollars.
All the details on how to get V$ can be found here - http://www.vizwoz.com/purchase
What different ways can I get Vizdollars?
Aside from the methods detailed above you can also earn V$ by joining the V-Krew. You will get V$100 a month as well as many other benefits (please see above). You can also earn V$ by inviting your friends to join the site - simply click the 'Invite Friends' tab and import your contacts list. You will receive V$50 for each friend who joins the site.
What is an SMS code?
An SMS code refers to the code in the reply text when you text us for V$. It is called an SMS code because it will arrive in a text message, otherwise known as Short Message Service - hence SMS! Your SMS code is NOT your phone number and is unique, meaning it can only be used once - so don't give it out to anyone!
I've text in and I haven't been given a code yet.
If you have not received a code within 10-15 minutes of texting in then please do not text again - this will not hurry things up and may result in you being billed more than expected. Instead, contact the site using the help@vizwoz.com address or from the 'Contact Us' tab on the homepage and we will get the problem solved as soon as possible for you. Please remember the text messaging service only works in the UK at the present time so please don't attempt it from outside the UK!
Can I have some free V$?
There are a number of ways of getting Vizdollars for Free.
1. Verify you email address - You will get V$100 for FREE!
2. Get some friends to join Vizwoz - Each friend you get to join you will get V$50 for FREE! You can invite your friends by clicking here
3. Become a VKJ member - When you are a VKJ member, you will get V$1000 each week on your VKJ account and another V$100 on your normal account each month.
What can I spend my credits on?
You can spend your V$ on clothes for your avatar so you always look fresh, and you can also decorate your MyPlace so it is the envy of all your friends! If you are feeling generous or want to say thankyou to a good friend you can also treat other users to various presents and gifts.
How do I get to someone's MyPlace?
To get to someone's MyPlace first you need to be their friend - you wouldn't let a stranger into your house after all!
Once you are on someone's friend list, you can visit their MyPlace by clicking the MyPlace button next to their name in your friend list, or by clicking on them in the Virtual World and clicking the MyPlace button.
Once you are someone's friend you can get to their MyPlace at any time, even if they are offline.
How do I use the GUI?
The GUI is your control centre on Vizwoz. This is what you use to do everything from changing your avatar to sending messages
Here is a list of all the button and what they do.
Home button.The home button returns you to the home screen for the GUI no matter where you are.
Your Character. Fancy a change of haircut or a new look? Want to change your shirt? Need to glam up and wear a new skirt? You can create your very own look here in the character editor.
Game Scores. Want to compare game scores against your mates? Want to see who has the highest score on the site for Ankh? Look no further. Find out your scores, your friends scores and the best scores on the site for all our single player games!
Buy Clothes. You can shop until you drop in our virtual mall. Buy that new look, get that footie top you've always wanted!
Bank. Keep track of your Viz Dollas here - see a statement of all money you have earned and spent on Vizwoz.
Report Abuse. Here at VizWoz we want you to play safely. We don't tolerate bullying, racism, swearing or any other anti social behaviour. If you see anyone breaking our rules, then click here to report them.
Change Settings. Change all your personal settings here - turn sound on and off, change the colour of your Control Centre, improve the performance of the site.
Games. This is where you access all our cool games. They get over ten thousand plays every day so you obviously like them, which is just as well as we're always adding more!
Music Player. The Vizwoz Media Player where you can play music and watch videos for FREE!
Messages. Check for new messages, send a message and check out old messages from friends! When you message someone that is offline we send them an email so they know!
Friends. The quickest, simplest way to hook up with your friends on VizWoz. . If they are online you can click the GoTo button and be taken directly to them. You can also send them private messages from this screen.
Invite Friends. Imagine how cool it would be if all your mates were on VizWoz? Well, we've made it easy for you to invite them. Here, you can send them emails, or even send them text messages telling them to get online!
Who moderates Vizwoz and what do they do?
The moderation team are known as Vizcops and watch the site at all times to ensure that users are behaving according to site rules and that no users are being bullied or made uncomfortable.
Vizcops can be contacted in the virtual world by using the Report Abuse button in the menu, and in the forums by pressing the Report button next to a post.
The Vizcops are easily recognisable by their blue police style uniforms and stylish sunglasses. Please remember the VCs are watching the whole site and may be helping other users when you call - we know waiting can be frustrating, but remember we have lots of members to look after!
What is the media player and how do I get to it?
The Vizwoz Media Player is a FREE way to access music and videos. You can open Media Player at any time and listen to music or search videos. Just click the Music Player button in the GUI.
Do you advertise on Vizwoz?
At Vizwoz, we have been lucky enough to work with a wide range of clients.
We offer a range of integrated advertising solutions incuding video streaming, games design, custom rooms plus much more.
We have a highly skilled and creative team who love working on projects to suit all budgets and time frames.
If you would like to know more please contact us by clicking here.
How do I clear my browser cache?
Web browsers store temporary data and files in a cache. A cache is used by a browser to prevent having to download the same things multiple times and make your browsing experience more efficient. Sometimes however, it stores things you don't want it to.
How to clear your cache depends on which web browser you are using.
Mozilla Firefox:
Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete at the same time to bring up the 'Clear Private Data' window.
Make sure the box next 'Cache' is ticked, and then press the 'Clear Private Data Now' button.
Google Chrome:
Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete at the same time to bring up the 'Clear Browsing Data' window.
Make sure the box next 'Empty the cache' is ticked, and then press the 'Clear Browsing Data' button.
Internet Explorer:
Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete at the same time to bring up the 'Delete Browsing History' window.
Make sure the box next 'Temporary Internet files' is ticked, and then press the 'Delete' button.
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