Re: And what about computers anyway

> From: Anthony Neal [email removed]
> Subject: (2932) And what about computers anyway!
>
> 	Yeah, it's me again.
>
> 		After my last note, I thought about the system and the lack
> 	of development of computer equipment and the role of computers in the
> 	Traveller society. I mean, today we're pretty well swamped by these
> 	little technological pets as it is, what about 5000 years down the
> 	road? What programs are available and how good are they? What does
> 	the average Imperial citizen do per day that involves direct inter-
> 	action with computers.

  There are (presently) two different versions of how to use computers in the
future: The first is the classic cyberspace or matrix where you put the human
in the computer, the second is to put the computers in the environment.
  There is a good article in the September Scientific American (special
edition about networks and computers) on the second version. Xerox is as usual
doing interesting things at Palo Alto. I wonder how long until Apple steals it
and sues Xerox for it? :)

  In short the 'computers in the environment' idea is to computerize the
environment with computerized papers, notes and boards all networked togeather
with short range radio or ir links and all working transparantely.
  And since cyberpunk is more or less absent from Traveller, this might be a
way to explain it.

> 	The rules seem to treat them in the fashion of
> 	"Yeah, they're there, just don't ask me about them...".

  That is close to what 'computers in the environment' tries to do. There
would however be severe effects if someone who is trained to depend on
ubiquitous computers had to work without them. (That might be a rationalization
of the severe TL effects on skills...)

  But, read the Palo Alto article in Scientific American, I can infact recommend
that entire issue, even though I neither work for Xerox or Scientific American:)

> 							Anthony

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