Im very new to the dungeon and dragon world. I played two "rounds" id guess you called them that was one day a week for a couple of months with 4 of my close friends and man it was fun. They stopped playing and I moved so now im out of luck. Im wondering if the game has moved online? I know I can play risk online so why not D&D? What do you guys suggest I do? I downloaded D&D Online Eberron unlimited but its the usual MMORPG Scene. Im looking for something a little bit oldschool.
There are some gametable programs, providing you with a chat, dice rolling tools, character sheets, map sharing tools, and so on. You can combine it with a Voice software like TeamSpeak or Ventrilo.
There is a pretty nice gametable software supposed to be added to the DnD Insider...
But in my opinion this is not more than an emergency solution. No online tool can "simulate" the atmosphere you have at a real gametable.
Plus, these gametable programs all require some time to learn how the tools work...
If you want to try, Maptool (www.rptools.net/) supposed to be quite good
Yeah, I just downloaded some of the maptool stuff. It seems pretty cool stuff to be able to make a map and what not. Alot of the components are WAAAAAAAY to technical for me to learn on short notice. Id like to be able to play with a group locally but its hard to do any networking when you moved to an area where you dont know anyone. What do you suggest in terms of finding a game locally? Also, do i need to buy the books for DnD to play using maptools?
Depends...if you want to DM a game, you should own the books. If you want to play in an existing group, you may want to own the books 
But there is also a great online compendium, at least if you subscribe for DnD Insider. Don't know wheter there is a free online compendium, too
You're going to want at least the PHB (Player's Handbook)... from there you may decide to pick up a few more depending on the group with which you decide to play.
Though its harder to find games to play in, iTableTop (www.itabletop) will feel the most like a 'real game' becuase of the video/voice integration. There isn't much to learn either - it works just like any IM (Instant Messanger), but its made for RPGs.
As for real life games, I'm on the move constantly - this year I live in Brazil. Two years ago, China... my only chance to keep a game group together is virtually. You may find that virtual gaming is more stable over time, than your OTB (RL) groups.
Good luck find your games! Savoy
PS: If you are interested in seeing a VT (virtual table) game in action, just PM me... I'm sure my group wouldn't mind having you lurke one of our games.
Yeah, I just downloaded some of the maptool stuff. It seems pretty cool stuff to be able to make a map and what not. Alot of the components are WAAAAAAAY to technical for me to learn on short notice. Id like to be able to play with a group locally but its hard to do any networking when you moved to an area where you dont know anyone. What do you suggest in terms of finding a game locally? Also, do i need to buy the books for DnD to play using maptools?
If you are finding RPtools too much to learn, look for an online "whiteboard".
most of these whiteboards include a chatroom for typing and dice rollers are either included or can be installed via addon, add in a ventrillo or teamspeak service and your set. I forget what the name of the one I use is, I'll post it when I get home, but only one person needs the software, everyone else goes to a web address to join.
Go to meetup.com or penandpapergames.com and you can find groups that meet regularly in your area.
games.groups.yahoo.com/group/RPGA_Group/
Online LFR yahoo group. We use Fantasygrounds to play.
Alternately, you could use the Wizards store locator to find a friendly local gaming store (FLGS) who runs Living Forgotten Realms (LFR) in your area. It's the next best thing to having a regular home campaign...
There are also a number of play by post groups here in the community - several of which have been here for years.
Real Adventures has games starting frequently and so does the PbP Haven. The Core Coliseum features tactical fights among players and a number of other PbP groups might have something that would speak to you.
In any case - the links for them all are in my signature. If you have any questions - feel free to send me a PM.