function Init ()

  print "Loading sockets library..."
  
  -- load  luasocket namespace
  socket = require("socket")
  print ("Socket library version:", socket._VERSION)
  
  -- table to map sockets to clients
  sockets = {}
  
  -- comms routines (read/write from sockets)
  dofile "comms.lua"

  -- stuff to handle new clients connecting
  dofile "logon.lua"
  
  -- assorted utilities
  dofile "utils.lua"
   
  -- player handling
  dofile "player.lua"
  
  -- commands
  dofile "commands.lua"
  
  print "Binding server port ..."
    
  -- create a TCP socket and bind it to the local host
  server = assert (socket.bind ("*", config.port))
  server:settimeout (0)  -- do not block waiting for client connections
  
  print ("MUD ready, on port", config.port)
  
end -- Init