realflow is a very nice , but expensive particle system that is great for simulating liguids.
mental ray is 3dsmax default renderer from memory.  

Sorry but second life is a bit old news too.   

I stopped keeping track a few years ago, cause there is just no spare cash to buy stuff with.

I use Lightwave 8 for modelling and animation and some higher end rendering.
I have a copy of realflow from a magazine cover that I play with if I am really bored
and use a mix of carrara and Poser for my own entertainment mainly.