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What is a MUD?

 A MUD (Multi-User Domain) is a live, text-based, real-time interactive environment. MUDs combine features of games, simulations, and social activity. There are many types of MUD; each has a slightly different programming language. This list covers MUSHes (Multi-User Shared Hallucinations) and MOOs (MUDs Object Oriented).

 What do I need to access a MUD?

 A computer with Internet Telnet access is all you need, though some typing skills and a lively imagination are helpful.

 How can a MUD be used for education?

 

How do I log onto a MUD just to take a look around?

 Most MUDS have a "guest account" that you can use to explore, as well as a new user tutorial you can view. Later on, if you decide you like that particular MUD, you can create a permanent character. These details will be covered under the particular type of MUD, since the programming varies slightly.

 How do I access a MUD from my Garnet account?

 Use a normal connection, not Netscape. If you're using an IBM computer, once you're connected to ACNS, type rlogin -8 -l [youruserid]garnet, then your password. Once in your Garnet account, use the menu to select 1. Services, then 12. Telnet and type in the address of the MUD. If you don't use the menu, simply type telnet {MUD address} at the prompt. When you reach the MUD login screen either type {the Guest Account info}, create a character as described below, or connect {charactername} {password} to link to a character you've created previously. Unfortunately, direct connections to the server often have trouble with linewrap; you will have to experiment to see whether yours does. This problem is correctable in MOOS with @wrap on, then @linelength [number of characters your screen can handle].

 Once I connect to a MUD, what should I do?

 Here are some helpful commands:

If these commands don't work for you, check the online tutorial. Every MUD has individual variations.

I found a MUD I like! How do I create a permanent character?

 Look carefully at the MUD login screen. Most will either ask you to create {charactername} {password} or @create {charactername} {password}. You will only do this the first time you use the character; the rest of the time you'll use connect {charactername} {password}. Be sure to write your character name and password down somewhere! If the MUD has a theme, please try to conform to it. Please note that even "permanent" characters will be deleted if they're not used for a time, usually three months.

 Is there anything else I need to do for a new character?

 You need to decide what your character looks like, assign a gender, and type in a little miscellaneous programming:

 On a MOO, type @desc me as {what your character looks like} and @gender male, @gender female, or @gender neuter. It's also a good idea to type @lock me with me so no one can pick you up and carry you around.

 A MUSH is very similar: use @desc me={what you look like}, @sex me=male, @sex me=female, or @sex me=neuter; @lock me=me; and @set me=ENTER_OK.

 There are many other ways to customize your character and environment which you'll discover if you continue MUDding.

Where can I find out more about MUDs?

 

THE MUD LIST:

MUDS dedicated to general education or owned by educational corporations:

A Quickstart Guide to Educational MUDS/Nancy McCaskey/mccaskn@nettally.com

This file last updated May 5, 1998..