Ship vs. Normal Computers

[Supergamera]

I'm a bit confused on the difference between the "normal" Intellect Program (pg 92) and the "ship" Intellect Program (pg 113). The ship version is far larger and more expensive, and the same page says that ships can run "normal" software.

So:

1. how is the "ship" Intellect different than the "normal" Intellect? (the best I can guess, it allows for the computer using any number of Expert programs, and includes Intelligent Interface)

2. can a ship use the "normal" Intellect and Intelligent Interface programs? If so, do they still allow for the ship to fly itself, and perform maintenance with Repair Drones, with the appropriate Expert Programs?

3. can a computer have multiple computer systems (ie. a Model/2 for Evasion, a Model/3 for Fire Control, a Model/2bis for Jump Control, a Model/3 for Expert Programs, etc.)?

 

[Xoph]

I actually find computers pretty confussing too. I understand the waffer jack, but i'd like to hear a clear explanation of computers and how they work with programs and such.

 

[SSWarlock]

I'm a bit confused on the difference between the "normal" Intellect Program (pg 92) and the "ship" Intellect Program (pg 113). The ship version is far larger and more expensive, and the same page says that ships can run "normal" software.

Ship computers are built by Apple and the "normal" Intellect Program requires Windows.

(grins, ducks, and runs for cover)

 

[aspqrz]

I'm a bit confused on the difference between the "normal" Intellect Program (pg 92) and the "ship" Intellect Program (pg 113). The ship version is far larger and more expensive, and the same page says that ships can run "normal" software.

Ship computers are built by Apple and the "normal" Intellect Program requires Windows.

(grins, ducks, and runs for cover)

Except for Free Traders. They have Amiga Computers and a support contract from Commodore 8)

Return to Base, of course.

Six Sectors over :wink:

Phil

 

[Ishmael]

and scouts have surplus s-100 bus z80b's, right?
running FORTH, naturally

 

[SSWarlock]

...running FORTH, naturally

And I thought RPG was bad.

GAH! (runs screaming from the room)

 

[Xoph]

Seriously, I like computer jokes as much as the next guys who started with an Apple C+, but is anyone going to answer these questions for real?

 

[Golan2072]

1. how is the "ship" Intellect different than the "normal" Intellect? (the best I can guess, it allows for the computer using any number of Expert programs, and includes Intelligent Interface)

From its description I get the feeling that it was actually less than a normal Intellect, as its description is "allows the ship to receive verbal commands" - I guess that it's just Intelligent Interface (i.e. high-end OS) at a ship scale.

2. can a ship use the "normal" Intellect and Intelligent Interface programs? If so, do they still allow for the ship to fly itself, and perform maintenance with Repair Drones, with the appropriate Expert Programs?

There is no reason why this shouldn't work - ships run normal programs as well. With "normal" Intellect I'd make the ship an NPC with Intelligence and Education - robots with Intellect/1 and two Expert programs could have human-level INT and EDU.

3. can a computer have multiple computer systems (ie. a Model/2 for Evasion, a Model/3 for Fire Control, a Model/2bis for Jump Control, a Model/3 for Expert Programs, etc.)?

Again, there is no reason why this shouldn't work - you'll just have to pay for each computer separately.

I actually find computers pretty confussing too. I understand the waffer jack, but i'd like to hear a clear explanation of computers and how they work with programs and such.

The computer model number is its processing power; the software rating is its complexity. A computer could run one program of its rating, two programs of one rating lower, four programs of two ratings lower and so on. Any computer other than Computer/0 could run any number of rating-0 programs (Computer/0 could run only one rating-0 program). So, for example, a Computer/3 could run one rating-3 program, two rating-2 programs, four rating-1 programs or an indefinite number rating-0 programs.

 

[AKAramis]

Ships Computers have a capacity equal to 5x their model number...

Personal computers have a capacity equal to their model number.

Remember also, a Ship's intellect program is probably capable of holding multiple conversations at a time... possibly dozens... while a personal computing intellect is likely at most 2-3 conversations... (IE, translation capability).

 

[aspqrz]

Remember also, a Ship's intellect program is probably capable of holding multiple conversations at a time... possibly dozens... while a personal computing intellect is likely at most 2-3 conversations... (IE, translation capability).

Hmm.

... I can't let you do that AK ...

In Vilani, Solomani, Aslan, Hiver, K'Kree, assorted Vargr dialects, Vegan ...

Phil

 

[captainjack23]

Ships Computers have a capacity equal to 5x their model number...

Personal computers have a capacity equal to their model number.

Remember also, a Ship's intellect program is probably capable of holding multiple conversations at a time... possibly dozens... while a personal computing intellect is likely at most 2-3 conversations... (IE, translation capability).

Also, too, the level of decision making processing load for running a ship via voice command is probably several orders greater than simply responding to a request for looking up specs on an air/raft from a hand computer.

I like the idea that the ships intellect is just an Intelligent Interface - but it does require power beyond most small ships computers - so I'm not sure if it shouldn't be an actual intellect - I'd have the Interface version be a standard option .... and yes, I know that points one and two are a bit contradictory...I'm still mulling.