[plamzi]

What exactly about Linux does the OP want to avoid? If it's just a matter of being able to access the mud files locally under Windows, then running a CircleMUD under cygwin is pretty straightforward, although it will require basic Linux skills for running scripts and compiling.

OSX is another option but of course that requires either an Apple machine or a hackintosh, and the OS can be unwelcoming to someone who has only used Windows. And, you'd still have to go into the terminal/shell for some things. At the end of the day, OSX + a C codebase will not feel much different than Windows + a C codebase under cygwin.

Finally, any remote or local server can be set up fairly easily so that the code of the mud is made accessible, e. g. via FTP. That means you can always code 'locally' with whatever editor you prefer.

And really finally, don't fear Linux.