Information Technology and Computers

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High-Tech

The power of words and ideas differs from that of the mysterious energy locked within an atomic nucleus or that of solar photons striking a photovoltaic cell...but it can be mighty indeed. "Information technology" encompasses the numerous ways to store, project, and exhibit that power – from carbon paper to the Internet.

The Printed Page

TODO

Office Technology

TODO

Computers

TODO

Computer Networks

TODO

Bio-Tech

TODO

Ultra-Tech

Computers are a vital part of most ultra-tech societies. It's possible that general-purpose programmable computers will still be common. Alternatively, most computers may be simple terminals connecting to networks, or dedicated special-purpose systems.

Hardware

Every computer has a "Complexity" rating. This is an abstract measure of processing power. Each Complexity level represents a tenfold increase in overall capability over the previous level. A contemporary (mid-TL8) desktop system is Complexity 3-4.

A computer's Complexity determines what programs it can run, and may be a prerequisite for certain options, such as Sentient. Software also has a Complexity rating, and can only run on a computer of that Complexity level or higher; e.g., a Complexity 2 program requires a Complexity 2 computer or better.

Complexity determines how many programs a computer can run simultaneously. It can run two programs of its own Complexity, 20 programs of one Complexity level less, 200 programs of two Complexity levels less, and so on. For instance, a Complexity 2 computer could run two Complexity 2 programs or 20 Complexity 1 programs – or one Complexity 2 program and 10 Complexity 1 programs. Computers are also rated for their data storage (hard drive space, etc.) in terabytes (TB). A terabyte is a thousand gigabytes or a trillion bytes.

Computer Models

These are standard sizes of "ordinary" computer that lack any sort of self-awareness. With various options (see below) they can represent numerous types and models. These systems include the processor, the power supply, the casing, and a storage system, plus an operating system. Computers may also have a cable jack and microcommunicator at no extra cost, although these may also be omitted in order to isolate the computer for security purposes.

Displays and controls are not included. Even so, the computer can be used "as is" via a neural interface, or installed into a robot body or vehicle. Also, if the computer is equipped with AI software, users can interact with it just by talking to it. Otherwise, they should be equipped with a terminal or a communicator.

Tiny Computer (TL9)

The smallest multi-purpose computer in regular use. It's used as a wearable computer or implant, or built into gadgets or robots. It is Complexity 3 and stores 1 TB (at TL9). $50, 0.05 lbs., 2A/20 hr. LC4.

Small Computer (TL9)

This is used as a notebook or wearable computer, or the brain of a small robot. It has Complexity 4 and stores 10 TB (at TL9). $100, 0.5 lbs., 2B/20 hr. LC4.

Personal Computer (TL9)

A workhorse system. Almost every middle-class household may have a system like this, serving as the "house brain." Small businesses and departments of large businesses also use them, as do many vehicles and robots. A personal computer is Complexity 5 and stores 100 TB data (at TL9). $1,000, 5 lbs., 2C/20 hr or external power. LC4.

Microframe (TL9)

A high-end cabinet-sized machine, common in labs, large vehicles, as a network server, or on an office floor (often with several terminals networked to it). Other applications include commercial spacecraft, mobile asteroid-mining complexes, university learning centers, and so on. Merchant ships use a microframe as the ship's main computer. Large warships frequently use microframes as the backup control systems of fighting, damage control, maneuvering and tactical-planning stations. A microframe is Complexity 6 and stores 1,000 TB (at TL9). $10,000, 40 lbs., external power. LC3.

Mainframe (TL9)

These powerful computers are often used for control and systems-monitoring functions for a starship, major business, manufacturing complex, or laboratory. A mainframe is Complexity 7 and stores 10,000 TB (at TL9). $100,000, 400 lbs., external power. LC3.

Macroframe (TL9)

This size of computer is often found administering the traffic, sewage, power, maintenance, and bureaucracy functions for an entire city. They are also found as the main computer aboard large ships and used to run cutting-edge science projects. Macroframes are usually the property of government agencies or major corporations. They are Complexity 8 and store 100,000 TB (at TL9). $1,000,000, 4,000 lbs., external power. LC3.

Megacomputer (TL9)

This is a computer the size of an entire building! Systems this large may be placed in charge of running entire countries, although they're sometimes also installed in capital ships or giant cybertanks. They're often upgraded for even more performance – with a genius option, a megacomputer can cost billions! A megacomputer is Complexity 9 and stores 1,000,000 TB (at TL9). $10,000,000, 40,000 lbs., external power. LC2.

At TL10, add +2 to each model's Complexity. Each further TL adds +1 to Complexity (e.g., +2 at TL10, +3 at TL11, +4 at TL12). Each TL after TL9, multiply storage capacity by 1,000 (i.e., replace TB with petabytes at TL10, exabytes at TL11, zettabytes at TL12.)

Many items of equipment are also described as having integral computers. These use the device's power supply and operating duration rather than their own.

Customizing Hardware

Various options are available to customize computer hardware. Multiple options can be chosen, but each option can only be taken once. Modifiers to Complexity, cost, etc. apply to the hardware statistics. Cost and weight multipliers are multiplied together. For examples a computer that is Fast (which multiplies cost by 20) and Hardened (which doubles cost) is 40 times the normal cost. Complexity and LC modifiers are additive, but LC cannot go below LC0.

Compact (TL9): A lighter but more expensive computer. Double the cost, halve the weight. Halve the number of power cells and the operating duration.

Fast (TL9): A powerful computer, with capabilities equivalent to a system one size larger. This option may not be combined with Slow or Genius. +1 Complexity. Multiply the cost by 20.

Genius (TL9): The computer is on the cutting edge of processor design. This option may not be combined with Fast or Slow. Add +2 to Complexity. Multiply the cost by 500, and reduce LC by 1.

Hardened (TL9): The computer is designed to resist electromagnetic pulses, microwaves, and other attacks that target electrical gadgets. Add +3 to HT to resist these effects. Double the cost, double the weight.

High-Capacity (TL9): The computer can run 50% more programs simultaneously (three programs of its own Complexity, and so forth). Cost is 1.5 times normal.

Printed (TL9): The computer is printed on a flexible surface, such as fabric (so it can be rolled up) or even skin (a digital tattoo). It requires four square feet per pound of weight; an average person has about 20 square feet of skin across his body. It must use solar cells or flexible cells for power. Breaking the surface destroys the computer. This option is not compatible with quantum computers. -1 Complexity, and divide data storage by 1,000.

Quantum (TL9): A quantum computer drastically reduces the time required to perform certain processes; see Quantum Computers (below). Multiply the cost by 10, and double the weight. -1 LC.

Slow (TL9): The computer uses inexpensive processors and storage media, or it may be an older design. This option may not be combined with Fast or Genius. It is -1 Complexity and stores one-tenth the data. Divide cost by 20.

FTL (TL11^): The computer's processors operate at faster-than-light speeds. +1 Complexity; the computer is likely to have the Quantum option. Multiply the cost by 100, and double weight. -1 LC.

Data Storage: Additional built-in data storage can be purchased for $1 and 0.001 lb. per additional TB (at TL9). Multiply storage by 1,000 per TL after TL9.

Quantum Computers (TL9)

Quantum computers perform calculations using atoms in "up" or "down" spin states to represent bits of information. Due to quantum uncertainty effects, each atom does not simply represent one bit, as in a traditional computer. Instead, each "qubit" can be both up and down at once. This allows it to (in a sense) do all possible calculations at the same time until the act of measuring the qubits stops the calculating process.

Quantum computers provide quick solutions to mathematical problems that would tie up a conventional computer for years or centuries. This makes them useful for a wide range of activities, including code decryption, traffic control, and massive database searches. In these situations, the GM may wish to drastically reduce the time of the task (e.g., to the square root of the normal time), or increase the quantum computer's effective Complexity. See Encryption for an example. The GM may rule that some problems require quantum computers.

Terminals

A terminal is a device that lets a user communicate with a computer. Any terminal will have a way (typing, hand motions, speech) for the user to give input, and some way for the computer to respond to the user. Most computers use least one terminal, connected either directly or remotely. Often many terminals will be connected to a single computer. Some users may only own terminals, renting time as necessary on networked systems.

Terminals must be of at least the same TL as the computers and data storage systems they interface with. Higher TLs see steady improvements in video and sound quality, but terminals are often replaced by neural interfaces, neural input systems, or just building an AI into the computer and telling it what to do. Terminals may also have the compact, hardened, and printed computer hardware options.

The standard types of terminals are:

Datapad (TL9):

A tiny color video screen and touch-pad resembling a cell phone. It can be built into the computer or worn separately (e.g., as a wristwatch). It includes a microcommunicator, a cable jack, a speaker/microphone, and a mini-camera. Any tasks requiring use of the keyboard and screen for lengthy or complex periods are at -2 to skill. It has a datachip (p. 51) removable drive. $10, 0.05 lbs. 2A/20 hr. LC4.

Head-Up Display (HUD) (TL9):

This is a 3D video display integrated into glasses or a helmet visor, or designed to be projected onto a windscreen. A HUD can also be printed onto a flat surface. See Using a HUD (below). Many vehicles, suits, sensor goggles, and the like incorporate a HUD at no extra cost, and direct neural interfaces make a HUD unnecessary. If bought separately: $50, neg., uses external power. LC4.

Sleeve Display (TL9):

A square of touch-sensitive digital cloth woven into the fabric of clothing, uniforms, and body armor. It is equivalent to a datapad, except that at TL9, the user will need to rely on the computer's built-in sound system for a voice interface. At TL10+, the cloth incorporates a speaker. $50, neg. weight, A/10 hr. (uses flexible cells). LC4.

Portable Terminal (TL9):

A small but functional color video display and multi-system interface (keyboard, mouse, speakers, mike, video camera), typical of laptop computers. A portable terminal is also used as a remote control for many types of devices, such as sensors, communicators, and drones. It's adequate for most tasks, although the GM may rule that time-consuming or graphics-intensive tasks require a desktop workstation (see below) to avoid a -1 penalty. It has both datachip and removable drives. $50, 0.5 lbs., 2B/20 hr. LC4.

Workstation Terminal (TL9):

A complete desktop, vehicular console, or office system with the same capabilities as a portable terminal, It has a larger keyboard, a full-size 3D monitor, a document scanner/printer, and whatever other peripherals might be standard at higher TLs (GM's option). $500, 5 lbs., C/10 hr. or external power. LC4.

Computerized Crew Station (TL9):

A high-end workstation with controls that can be reconfigured, multi-function programmable displays, and a padded, adjustable seat. This sort of system may be required to control complex systems such as vehicles or power stations. $2,000, 50 lbs., uses external power. LC4.

Holographic Crew Station (TL9):

A computerized crew station (above) that uses holographic projection to immerse the user in 3D imagery. Vehicular versions may be designed to make the rest of the vehicle vanish, leaving the user "floating in air" except for his seat and controls. $10,000, 50 lbs., uses external power. LC4.

Multisensory Holographic Crew Station (TL10):

As above, but the controls and displays can be configured for nonhuman senses – for example, ultrasonic, infrared, or even olfactory outputs. $50,000, 100 lbs.; uses external power. LC4.

Holoprojection (TL10^):

Users might use a holoprojector (pp. 52-53) instead of a screen; even a wrist-size unit can produce a floating 3D image the size of a full-size computer monitor, with larger models typical of display systems built into homes and vehicles.

Using A HUD

The Head-Up Display, or HUD (above), is a nearly ubiquitous technology. It displays visual information (text, sensor views, suit or vehicle instrument readouts, a computer screen, targeting crosshairs, a web browser window, a video show, etc.) by projecting it directly onto the wearer's visor. Any piece of electronic equipment that uses a visual display screen may be connected to a HUD by a cable or a communicator.

A HUD also allows hands-free monitoring of devices. A HUD provides +1 to skill rolls when reacting quickly to information is important – maneuvering with a thruster pack, for example. Driving, Piloting, and Free-Fall skill rolls often benefit from a HUD.

Many wearable sensor devices and suits have a HUD built-in at no extra cost.

Software

A system can be programmed to do just about anything, but good programming is expensive at any TL. The GM should allow the creation of custom programs, but make them costly. Some programs are better than others, regardless of cost. A custom program is likely to have amusing or dangerous bugs when it is first used.

Programs

Programs are rated for their cost, their LC, and their Complexity, which determines what systems they can run on. Descriptions of programs are found in the relevant chapters. In particular, see Encryption, Sensies, Software Tools, Tactical Programs, and Virtual Reality.

The software cost may vary depending on the nature of the program and its provenance (shareware, pirated, demo copy, open-source, etc.). Many programs have free versions, not all of which are legal. Free programs often lack novice-friendly interfaces and manuals, so a Computer Operation roll may be required to find, install, or use them.

Software Cost

Computer programs have a base cost that depends on their Complexity and TL and drops at higher TLs. A Complexity 6 program that costs $3,000 at TL9 is only $3 at TL12, for example – see below.

Software costs a lot to develop, but very little to distribute. Prices listed assume professional and specialized software such as engineering programs, targeting systems, or AI programs for robots. Mass-market software, such as computer games or popular operating systems, will be cheaper, as development cost is spread over a huge user base. Such programs may be as little as 10% of the cost, or even available as freeware.

Software Cost Table

Complexity	TL9	TL10	TL11	TL12
Complexity 1	$10	$1	$0.10	$0.01
Complexity 2	$30	$3	$0.30	$0.03
Complexity 3	$100	$10	$1	$0.10
Complexity 4	$300	$30	$3	$0.30
Complexity 5	$1,000	$100	$10	$1
Complexity 6	$3,000	$300	$30	$3
Complexity 7	$10,000	$1,000	$100	$10
Complexity 8	$30,000	$3,000	$300	$30
Complexity 9	$100,000	$10,000	$1,000	$100
Complexity 10	$300,000	$30,000	$3,000	$300
Complexity 11	$1,000,000	$100,000	$10,000	$1,000
Complexity 12	unavailable	$300,000	$30,000	$3,000
Complexity 13	unavailable	$1,000,000	$100,000	$10,000
Complexity 14	unavailable	unavailable	$300,000	$30,000
Complexity 15	unavailable	unavailable	$1,000,000	$100,000

Software Tools

IQ-based technological skills used at TL9 and up nor- mally require software to function at full effectiveness when performing any task involving research, analysis, or invention. Software tools are also appropriate for a number of other skills at TL9+, such as Accounting, Artillery, Market Analysis, Strategy, Tactics, and Writing.

Basic programs are incorporated into dedicated systems integrated into the devices used to perform the skill, and provide no bonus.

Good-quality programs give a +1 bonus. These are Complexity 4 for Easy skills, Complexity 5 for Average, Hard, or Very Hard skills.

Fine-quality programs give a +2 bonus. These are Complexity 6 for Easy skills, Complexity 7 for Average, Hard, or Very Hard skills.

Artificial Intelligences

An artificial intelligence (AI) is a sentient or sapient computer system. AIs can range from barely-sentient insect-level intelligences to godlike minds, but most systems used in ultra-tech robots are sapient (capable of tool use and language).

Sapient AIs are also classed as dedicated, non-volitional, or volitional.

Dedicated AI: This is a simple AI program that lacks initiative or personality. It is incapable of learning...it is a "smart tool." Its Complexity is (IQ/2)+1. LC4.

Non-Volitional AI: This program is capable of understanding natural speech, learning technological skills, and learning by itself. However, it lacks initiative and is essentially an automaton. Few societies consider a non-volitional AI to be a person. Its Complexity is (IQ/2)+2. These AIs are LC4, or LC3 if IQ 15+.

Volitional AI: This is a "strong AI" program with just as much initiative and creativity as a living creature of equivalent intelligence. Its Complexity is (IQ/2)+3. A volitional AI is LC4 if IQ 6-8, LC3 if [[IQ]9 9-14, or LC2 if IQ 15-19, or LC1 if IQ 20+.

See Machine Intelligence Lenses for appropriate character traits and lenses for AIs.

AI: Hardware or Software?

Ultra-Tech book assumes that artificial intelligence is a software-based phenomena; the only hardware requirement is the necessary Complexity to run the computer software described in Artificial Intelligence. However, this isn't the only option.

Neural Net: A Volitional AI program may be incapable of running on normal machines. It may require a machine specifically dedicated to cognition, e.g., a neural net similar to the human brain. If so, double the cost of the AI's computer hardware.

Quantum Thinkers: In some universes, the human mind – and by extension, machines that can duplicate it – requires more than just good software. If thought involves quantum mechanical effects, then volitional AI will only run on a quantum computer (which will significantly increase its expense).

Databases

A database is a collection of information in computer-readable form. Any database has its own built-in search and indexing programs. For any database of a given size, the wider the subject it covers, the fewer details it has. The cost of a database can range from free information bundled with any system to millions of dollars for proprietary data, secrets, specialized information, or information that costs lives or money to gather. An encyclopedia might be free for download, or cost from $1 to $100. Like programs, cost does not necessarily correlate with size, but with quality of the information, copyright, supply, and demand.

Ubiquitous Computing

Sensors, microcommunicators radio frequency tags, and tiny flexible power cells are inexpensive, and can be integrated or imprinted onto most surfaces. These might be placed on everything from clothing to children. People may exist in an invisible web of infrared, laser, and radio signals. Material goods from shoes to bricks may exchange data with their surroundings and each other. Gadgets may report if they need maintenance or have suffered damage. The refrigerator may write your shopping list for you, or even order from the grocery store by itself.

If a society deploys this web of interconnected sensors and computers, it will add complications for many adventuring and criminal activities! It's hard to knock out a guard and sneak into a building when his vital signs are monitored by a central computer. Police work may be a lot less challenging when every significant possession and person has an implanted tracer. Of course, countermeasures will exist. Players and GMs who like working out all the implications may enjoy such a world, while others may prefer a less complicated future.

It's easy to imagine a future where ubiquitous computing doesn't exist. All of the above technologies bring up questions regarding personal privacy, data security, and resistance to computer viruses and breakdowns. A world where these concerns stifle ubiquitous computing (or limit it to specific enclaves and wealthy areas) is quite plausible