Help
"No question is a dumb question unless the question is dumb." -a smart guy
This is a borderline help page that may or may not answer all of your questions on MUDs. It is basically just me rambling.
What is a MUD?
MUD stands for multi-user dungeons. It is an online text-based game. The precursor to MMORPGs if you will. If you played Zork, then picking up the commands for playing MUDs should be a snap. Even if you never played a text-based game, there should be no problems diving into MUDs.
What are the requirements?
First off, you need a computer with an online connection. You do not need to worry about system requirements, stores most likely do not carry any system that does not allow for MUD play. The speed of your online connection doesn't matter either. A dozen years ago, MUD was played on a 14.4k baud modem, 33.8k for the lucky ones. In fact, even if you don't have a computer, you can drop by your local library and use their lynx-based search terminals to play.
To connect to a MUD, you will need access to the telnet protocol. On Windows, this can be launched from the command line. For Macs, I don't have a clue. The command to connect to the MUD is 'telnet <mud address>:<port number>'. (ex: telnet chaosmud.com:1111).
No mouse needed.
What clients should I use?
MUD is not limited to telnet clients. A few people have created their own GUI interface to interact with MUDs. Personally, I use an old version of Zmud; but, I have seen others use CMUD or TinTin. Whichever one you feel comfortable with is the best, even if its the plain old telnet console.
These clients make playing multiple characters easier. They also have built-in scripting languages which allow players to automate some of the more tedious parts of MUD'ing. Of course, some MUDs do not allow for scripting as that would unbalance gameplay. You'll have to read the guidelines and bylaws for specifics.
Which MUD should I play?
Chaos MUD is hands down the best MUD out there--address is chaosmud.com:1111. A great community, active implementators, partial PK ability and there is random EQ drops similar to Diablo. I cannot stress the sheer awesomeness of the random EQ drops. It's awesome!
If Chaos MUD is not your cup of tea there are literally thousands of other MUDs to choose from. The MUD Connector has a list of most of them. And while you are on the site, throw a vote to Chaos MUD.