Using Computers

In general, using a computer requires the Computer operation skill. An untrained character can perform basic tasks (word processing, playing a game, etc.) without knowing computer technology per se. Anything more complicate requires the use of a specific skill.

Computer operation represents a character's ability to effectively use and operate a computer including manipulating programs and infiltrating networks.

Cybernetic systems allows a character to use and operate cybernetic computers.

Programming allows a character to write computer codes and modify existing programs to achieve a desired effect.

Hardware is the character's expertise in repair and maintenance of computers.

Computer engineering represents a character's knowledge and proficiency with the physical components that make up a computer including designing and building his own computer.
 

Computer characteristics

Computers have two main stats, CPU and Storage Memory (MEM). These two stats are expressed in Data Units (DU). Huge means a computer can store or run one Huge program and an unlimited number of programs lighter than 100 DU. Unlmt means the computer can store/run an unlimited number of programs.

CPU determines the number of programs that can be in use at a given time.

Storage Memory determines the number of programs that can be stored in the computer data banks.
 

Computer descriptions

Computers came in several aspects:

• Datapad: a flatscreen fitting in the palm of the hand. Cost: 500 Cr.

 

TL	CPU	MEM
6	2	2
7	5	5
8	10	10
9	20	20
10	50	50

• Notebook: a portable personal computer with a flip-up display screen. Cost: 2000 Cr.

 

TL	CPU	MEM
5	2	25
6	5	Huge
7	10	Huge
8	25	Huge
9	50	Huge
10	100	Huge

• Desktop: a personal computer bulkier than a notebook coming with a separate display (a monitor or an holographic viewer). Cost: 3000 Cr.

 

TL	CPU	MEM
5	5	Huge
6	10	Huge
7	25	Huge
8	50	Unlmt
9	100	Unlmt
10	Huge	Unlmt

• Mainframe: a sophisticated computer mounted in a large bay. Cost: 25000 Cr.

 

TL	CPU	MEM
5	10	Huge
6	20	Huge
7	50	Unlmt
8	100	Unlmt
9	Huge	Unlmt
10	Huge	Unlmt

• Supercomputer: as large as a mainframe these rare computers have the best hardware available and a huge processing power. Cost: 500000 Cr.

 

TL	CPU	MEM
7-8	Huge	Unlmt
9-10	Unlmt	Unlmt

• Nanocomputer: a small cybernetic processor implanted inside the user's head. Cost: 2500 Cr.

 

TL	CPU	MEM
9	10	10
10	20	20


 

A vast range of programs are available. They are rated in terms of DU of capacity required to store them in CPU and Storage memory. The number of programs that may be run simultaneously in the CPU is equal to the CPU's capacity. Attempting to cover every program type is impossible, instead here are some typical programs. The GM is free to create his own programs.

Programs came in three quality: Average, Good and Excellent. Based on the quality, their performance will vary.
For programs that give a bonus to a skill, Average quality will give a +1 bonus, Good a +2 and Excellent a +3.
Good quality programs have a x1.5 Cost modifier, and Excellent a x2 Cost modifier.
 

Title	Size	Cost
General Library	5	500
Research Library	10	1000
Engineering Library	10	1000
Technical Library	2	500
Recreational	1	50
Network protocol	1	400
Assist	10	1000
Archive	Huge/Unlmt	N/A
Datascan	1	200

• General Library: an encyclopedic database. Include very basic information on a race general history, science, arts, literature, etc.. Bonus to Education, History and Geography. Bonus are given only on a successful Computer operation action and for skilled character (even with the best nuclear physics database
• Research Library: a research reference for a specific scientific field. Bonus to a specific scientific skill.
• Engineering Library: bonus to a specific engineering skill.
• Technical Library: bonus to a specific technology skill.
• Recreational: a movie, game or any entertainment program.
• Network protocol: allows to run one or more programs on a remote computer. Average quality allows a maximum of one remote running program, Good quality, two programs and Excellent quality, three programs. Network protocol must also run on the remote computer. Only one Network connection program can be active on one computer. A remote program will use the remote computer's CPU and MEM. Of course a network connection should be available between these two computers.

Network protocol allows also data downloading between two computers at a certain rate determined by the quality of program: Average (1 DU/ round), Good (2 DU/round), Excellent (3 DU/round). For network transfers Huge programs weight 1000 DU and Unlmt 10000 DU.
• Assist: provides expert assistance to the untrained. Assist programs are rarely used  in personal computers, but they can be found in vehicle computers, nanocomputers or in computers that might have to be used by untrained operators.

Assist programs allow an untrained character to attempt to use a skill as if he has it.
Average quality program gives an AV of 4+1d10, Good quality an AV of 6+1d10 and Excellent an AV of 8+1d10.
• Archive: a very big database of some sort. Private databases (corporate data records, governement databases...) are considered as Huge, and Public system (mainly a WideNet node, ie a world's public network) are considered as Unlmt.
• Datascan: allows to examine data banks for specific files or programs. On a successful Computer operation action the user will get the list of wanted files or informations.

Using a datascan will take a certain number of phases determined by the quality of program and the storage memory of the computer scanned: Average (1 DU/phase), Good (2 DU/phase), Excellent (3 DU/phase). Let assume for datascans that Huge programs weight 250 DU, and Unlmt weight 500 DU.

Peripherals
 

• Magnetic disk: a removable TL 5 storage device. MEM: 5 DU. Cost: 10 Cr.
• Optical disk: a removable TL 6 storage device. MEM: 10 DU. Cost: 20 Cr.
• Crystal holostorage: a removable TL 7-9  storage device. MEM: 50 DU. Cost: 30 Cr.
• Holochip: a removable TL 9-10 storage device. The standard storage device for a small WideNet node backup. Bigger WideNet nodes will need several Holochips for a full backup. MEM: Huge DU. Cost: 100 Cr.

Computers and TL

In order to use a program created at a certain TL, you need a computer of the same or higher TL. For example, a TL 7 program won't run on TL 6 computer.
A program works most efficiently when the computer matches the program TL. For every TL level of difference, the user will get a -2 penalty to any action involving this outdated program.
 

Specific rules

Here are optional and more detailed rules for computers.
 

• Computer security
• Artificial intelligence
• Vehicle computers
• Cybernetic computers