First, an introduction to the terminology:

MUD : Multi User Domain (aka Multi User Dungeon, Multi User Dominion)

MOO : MUD Object Oriented

MAUD : Multi Academic User Domain

Next, an outline:

MUDs, MOOs and MAUDs are server programs which run on the internet. 
They allow multiple user access via telnet. For example, to access 
the Painted Porch MAUD, one would telnet to maud.cariboo.bc.ca port 
4000.

Most MUDs and MOOs are run as games. There are several hundred games 
currently running on the internet. In these games, players travel 
from 'room' to 'room'. In these rooms, players may encounter objects, 
monsters, or other players. They can take the objects, kill the 
monsters, and chat with the other players.

Players also have the option of sending mail to each other or posting 
notes on bulletin boards.

MUDs are similar to IRCs (Inter Relay Chat) in that they allow 
players to chat with each other. However, MUDs also allow players to 
express emotions with a single command (eg. if a player types 'smile' 
other players receive the message ('So-and-so smiles happily'). Every 
emotion you can think of is supported by the MUD.

MUDS, MOOS and MAUDs have been used for academic purposes over the 
last two years or so. They eprmit an ideal academic environment to be 
constructed because they enable real-time (synchronious) and delayed 
(asynchronious) communication between instructor and student and 
between students. Also, because they run on the internet, they are 
especially useful for distance education.

The MAUD mentioned above is an academic MUD. All members of the 
cyberphil list are encouraged to telnet to maud.cariboo.bc.ca:4000 
and take a look.

Stephen Downes

--------------------=========******========---------------------------
Stephen Downes      Distance Education Instructional Design Specialist
                    Assiniboine Community College, Brandon Manitoba 
                    email: downes@adminnet.assiniboinec.mb.ca
--------------------=========******========---------------------------

Subject: MOOs, MUDs & MAUDs - what they are
To: cyberphil@carins.cariboo.bc.ca
Reply-To: istvan@psych.ualberta.ca
Mime-Version: 1.0
Status:   

Hi there,
A number of people have asked what MUDs and MOOs are on this list.
I thought that I should try to explain a little.

A MUD is a 'Multi-User Domain', a MOO is a 'Mud Object Oriented' and
a MAUD is a Multi Academic User Domain. All these things are tools
which create internet accessible spaces (accesible, usually via
telnet) which incorporate communications and other functions.
In practice, what this amounts to is a resource which people can
telnet into. Once connection is established the user is then presented
with a login screen similar. From this screen the user can create
themselves an ID on the system, login to a pre-existing ID or access
the system using a guest ID.

Once the user has entered the system, they are presented with a
description of their location which includes the directions which
they can move in order to move to other locations. Thus the user
can negotiate the various logical spaces which constitute the system.
The locations also often contain objects which the user can interact
with. For example, if there is a sign present at a location, the
user can type <look at sign> or <read sign> and thereby access the 
information on the sign. One of the most important features of MUDs
is that they implement commands in a manner which is significantly
similar to the actions which would be performed in the real world.

MUDs also provide numerous functions for interaction between users.
Users which are in the same location can chat to one another using
the <say> command. Such conversations occur in real time. In addition,
MUDs usually contain internal mailing systems and bulletin board facilities.
There are also commands (e.g. <shout>) which enable users to communicate
with all other users on the MUD. There are often also specialised
chat lines which permit users with shared interests and goals to 
directly communicate with one another (these are known as 'chat-lines').

Although MUDs were originally developed in order to facilitate the
playing of D&D type games, these systems are now being developed 
for academic uses such as distance education and virtual conferencing.
MAUDs are systems whyich are dedicated to these uses.

Probably the best way to get an idea of what a MUD really is, is to
visit one. Lists of MUDs are available on the various rec.games.mud.*
newsgroups. However, a good place to try is the MAUD which is associated
with this news group. To access this MAUD, telnet to maud.cariboo.bc.ca 4000
and follow the directions. I hope this helps answer peoples questions.

Istvan
(aka Nomad).

-- 
Istvan S. N. Berkeley,                  email: istvan@psych.ualberta.ca
Biological Computation Project &
Department of Philosophy,
c/o 4-108 Humanities Center
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta                       Tel:  +1 403 492 4106
T6G 2E5, Canada                         Fax:  +1 403 492 9160