Keypad Usage
The advice given here is rather specifically aimed at MUSH users. You can try adapting it to other systems like ZMUD but I have no idea how successful this would be.
The numeric keypad can be used for quick access to commands. Even in the basic Java applet on the main Discworld site the keypad has its uses. On the Java version however you can use it for little more than just movement in the various directions. With MUSH you can set the keys up to perform whatever commands you desire. In theory you could even set it up so that it is no longer used for walking about. This idea sounds a bit daft though.
The important bit to realise is that you can also set up the functions of keys to do something different if they are pressed while the "Ctrl" or "Control" key is held down. For example, I still have the 8 key set up to walk north. If I do Ctrl+8 though then my character will look north instead. This is handy if I am not sure if I wish to go there and want to check it out safely first.
Let's take a look at how mine is set up before discussing it further.
Without Control Held
With Control Held
The character before each direction in the grid for "With Control Held" is a lower case "L" and not a one. Also note that I have easy access to "gp" to check my guild points report and that "map" is ont the same button as look. Look around will spot any players nearby (allegedly, it certainly doesn't spot NPCs).
This set up comes in very handy in terrain areas. By holding control and pressing directions I can quickly spot any decent kills around me and head in that direction rather than aimless wandering. This is not possible at night of course.
To see your own current settings do the following. First, click the small keyboard icon in the toolbar of MUSH (or alt+0 if you can't see it). Now click once on the word "Keypad" in the tree diagram on the left. This is your keypad layout. Just type the commands you want into the fields for each key. Also note the tick box labeled "Show Contents If CTRL Held Down". By ticking this box you can enter your alternative commands. You may tick and untick the box to switch views. Press OK when done. The option to save these settings will appear automatically on closing MUSH.
The grids above are just an example of how I use this feature. Feel free to copy my settings if you wish. A better idea might be to come up with your own uses for the keypad though that suit your character better. For example, why would you need the map command on a shortcut if you never enter the terrains? Experiment and have fun.