Changes: Computer

Revision as of 14:23, 1 February 2014

A Macintosh Plus computer (1986)

For the "role" played by Majel Barrett over the years, please see computer voice.

A computer was a programmable machine that stored, organized, and displayed information, calculated data, and processed commands input by sentient users.

By the 23rd century, Starfleet qualified Spock as an "A7 computer expert," and, along with Captain James T. Kirk, he was one of the most adept with the machines on the USS Enterprise. (TOS: "Court Martial", "The Ultimate Computer")

Early computers

Although mechanical computing devices had been employed on Earth since the 1600s, the earliest electronic computer technology was developed in the late 1940s, though the most basic components to create such computers were already available to the public as early as 1930. (TOS: "The City on the Edge of Forever")

Early computers did not have voice recognition: users required a keyboard and mouse to select the necessary program. (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home)

On the "desktop," different icons represented the different functions of the computer. Captain Janeway compared computers of this age to "stone knives and bearskins." (VOY: "Future's End")

Duotronic systems

The duotronic computer was invented by Doctor Richard Daystrom in 2243 and became the primary computing platform for all Starfleet vessels for the next eighty years. (TOS: "The Ultimate Computer")

Multitronic system

The M-series multitronic system, also invented by Dr. Richard Daystrom, was the first attempt at placing a fully independent artificial intelligence (AI) system on a starship. The first four multitronic units were failures, but the fifth generation (dubbed M-5) was the first considered advanced enough for actual field testing. Unfortunately, M-5's field test was a failure as well, and no further tests were conducted. The project was later abandoned. (TOS: "The Ultimate Computer")

Isolinear systems

In 2329, Starfleet began to adopt a new system of computing using isolinear optical chips. (TNG: "Relics")

Bioneural systems

In the 2370s, isolinear computer systems began to be enhanced by the inclusion of bio-neural circuitry, of which the bio-neural gel packs formed a huge part. (VOY: "Caretaker") Bio-neural circuitry is prone to certain bacterial and viral infections, along with subnucleonic radiation. (VOY: "Learning Curve", "Macrocosm", "One") USS Voyager's main computer processor was capable of sustaining over 575 trillion calculations per nanosecond, granting simultaneous access to 47 million data channels, and operating in conditions ranging from 10 to 1790 Kelvin. (VOY: "Concerning Flight")

Positronic systems

Positronics are used in advanced forms of computer systems. Their electromagnetic signature is only found in Soong-type androids.

Handheld devices

Software

External link

Computer at Wikipedia

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