Computers are everywhere in Cyberpunk 2020, but unless your Netrunner is raiding a datafortress they have next to no real use. Now as you sit there reading this on the net do you think that computers have no use? Admittedly knowing what software is on your computer isn't nearly as much fun in a roleplaying game, but it does add to the setting. In this new age of computers where directly wired interfaces are possible the age of the keyboard has passed. Most software is designed to allow your home computer to make use of the cyberdeck peripheral to give a true VR operating system. But what the hell does that mean? Well these programs are my attempt to show you what real people in 2020 are doing with their home computers.
For the modern Corp. in today's busy cut throat world. The latest project might be too covert to allow proper support staff, and what Corp. knows how to take notes? Or perhaps your department is so busy that the secretary can't take the time to type up you files?
The answer of course is a Virtual Office. This VR construct can be linked to the Net to allow full conferencing in its fully customizable conference room. Along with the latest version of Virtual Secretary this program provides each Copr. Exec. with all the functionality needed to perform any task. Prepare quality professional interactive presentations, collate company data.
Our latest Software package can tabulate stock figures, file and calculate payroll details, even put in a funding request. Take notes, send memoes, create presentations, cross reference the company database. The package is completely compataible with the all modern productivity software.
One of the strangest attitudes in CP2020 is that about the complexity of AI's. In Cyberpunk 2020 an AI is usually a very expensive and very complex blend of software and hardware. It is a fully sentient machine, capable of abstract thought and unlimited learning. And while these forms of AI are found on the net in 2020 they are by far the top extreme of the software that is called Artificial Intelligence. Just looking at software in the 1990's we see the phrase AI used a lot, especially in terms of video games. AI is also used to explain the software's ability to simulate a thinking opponent. It doesn't in any way shape or form, not like a fully realized AI but it does seem that way at times. This class of AI has grown into the Expert System of 2020, a program that simulates the interaction with a living being. This form of software is actually very common in 2020, after all as programs become more and more user friendly they are going to become more and more automated, till eventually the program does the work with input from the user. Programs like the Software Agent and VR Secretary are excellent examples of such software. They learn your expectations and adapt their own functioning to suit your needs, much like a pet perhaps? While they may never be truly intelligent, they do possess enough flexibility to seem that way.
The latest word in expert software. This module is designed to make your Virtual Office a truly useful and realistic extension of the real world. Using limited AI feedback learning routines the Secretary is able to learn your expectations and adapt its responces, making the entire package function better. Use the Secretary to automate many of those functions a real secretary would. But this one never needs a break, or a christmas present, and best of all she never calls your wife.
This program is designed to make your life easier, its acts to automate many of your daily tasks. Need to see that latest concert? The Software Agent can do your online shopping around, it never sleeps, and never gets bored. Looking for an article, send the Agent off to your account, it will cross reference and index on a vastly controllable series of parameters. And best of all the Agent learns to anticipate your needs making life that much easier.
Even in today's world the computer is rapidly developing into the center of electronic life. Microsoft has set the standards that will allow TV and the Web to eventually be combined. Imagine how much further this has gone by 2020. In a day and age when everything is found of a digital storage medium why do we need all the other toys that clutter the homes of technophiles everywhere? A computer with a cyberdeck peripheral is all you need to view a wide range of digital sources. Why bother with a badly soundproofed room to listen to music in, when you can simply plug the music directly into your brain? Is the lighting bad in your apartment, then maybe you need a virtual television? There are a wide range of VR based viewers available, cost is determined by functionailty, flexibility and features.
Hopefully overtime I will add to this page, reformatted December 17th, 2000