Editing Ship's Computer

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[[Ship’s Computer]]: The [[computer]] installed on a [[ship]] controls all activity within, and is especially used to enhance [[weapon]]s fire and defensive activity. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=38|version=Classic Traveller}} 

Almost all are designed to use lower technology repair components in most functionalities. For this reason, ship’s computers tend to be much larger and more voluminous than strictly function-based [[microelectronics]]. The simple hardiness of ship’s computers makes them extremely durable.{{Unpublished cite|author= Maksim-Smelchak }} 
 
== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
A ''Ship’s Computer'' controls the [[Maneuver Drive|maneuver]] and [[jump drive]]s, and conducts the routine operation of all [[ship]] systems. What the computer actually does is based on the [[program]]s actually installed and operating at any one time. 

=== Selected Ship's Computer Types ===
# [[Model/1 Computer]] (including the [[Model/1fib Computer|Model/1fib]] and the [[Model/1bis Computer|Model/1bis]])
# [[Model/2 Computer]] (including the [[Model/2fib Computer|Model/2fib]] and the [[Model/2fib Computer|Model/2bis]])
# [[Model/3 Computer]] (including the [[Model/3fib Computer|Model/3fib]])
# [[Model/4 Computer]] (including the [[Model/4fib Computer|Model/4fib]])
# [[Model/5 Computer]] (including the [[Model/5fib Computer|Model/5fib]])
# [[Model/6 Computer]] (including the [[Model/6fib Computer|Model/6fib]])
# [[Model/7 Computer]] (including the [[Model/7fib Computer|Model/7fib]])
# [[Model/8 Computer]] (including the [[Model/8fib Computer|Model/8fib]])
# [[Model/9 Computer]] (including the [[Model/9fib Computer|Model/9fib]])

=== Selected Ship's Computer Modifiers ===
* [[bis]] - From the old [[Terra (world)|Terran]] French word ''bis'', which translates as "again". 
** It is functionally an enhanced computer.
* [[fib]] - A contraction of [[Fibre Optic Computer]]. 
** It is functionally a computer protected against [[EMP]] or excess [[radiation]].
* [[flt]] - A contract of [[Flight Computer]]
** It is a lighter computer used on [[smallcraft]], [[bigcraft]], [[boat]]s, [[non-starship]]s, [[aircraft]], [[Spaceplane]]s, [[spacecraft]], [[system craft]], and smaller craft that do not require the massive computing power needed to make [[Jump Drive]] astrogation plotting.

=== Computer Control Standards ===
''[[Computer Control]]s:'' In almost all cases where the [[ship's computer]] can control a given ship function ([[gravity]], doors, etc.), orders fed in at the central [[bridge]] computer take precedence over those fed in at local controls. Only if the computer is inoperative will a [[computer override]] be ineffective.{{Page cite|name= Adventure Class Ships Volume 1 |page= 6 |article= Book 2 |version= Classic Traveller}} Some [[ship]]s have been known to be built with a different system set-up, but this arrangement is commonplace on most [[vessel]]s within [[Charted Space]]. {{Unpublished cite|author= Maksim-Smelchak }}

=== Computer Overview ===
One overall [[Ship's Computer|computer]] for the [[ship]] must be specified; the basic requirement for this computer is based on the [[ton]]nage of the ship. The catalogued computer models indicate the model number, price, tonnage, [[CPU]], and storage minimum ship size, [[energy point]] requirement, and [[tech level]]. {{Page cite|name= High Guard |page= 28 |version=Classic Traveller}} 
* ''Model number'' is the relative size of the computer, and corresponds to the computer model numbers in earlier ship catalogues. 
** [[Model/1]] [[fib]] is the same computer with a [[fiber optic back-up system]] to resist radiation damage.
** [[Model/1]] [[bis]] is an improved version of the standard model with greater [[program]] handling capacity.
* ''Prices'' are given in [[megacredit]]s.
* ''[[Ton]]nage'' is the number of interior [[ton]]s required for the installation of the computer.
* ''[[CPU]] and storage capacity'' are included for use regarding [[computer programming]].
* ''Ship size'' shows the hull tonnage code which requires a certain computer as a minimum. For instance, a 10,000 ton ship has hull code K, and requires at least a [[Model/4]] computer to be installed.
* ''[[Tech level]]'' shows the minimum expected [[tech level]] required to build the indicated computer.
* ''[[Energy point]]'' requirement is the number of [[energy point]]s which must be committed to powering the computer.

''Computer model'' also indicates the size of the jump which the [[Ship's Computer|computer]] can safely control.{{Page cite|name= High Guard |page= 28 |version=Classic Traveller}} 
*  A [[Model/1]] computer is required on a ship which makes a Jump-1 trip, a [[Model/5]] computer is required on a ship which makes a Jump-5 trip.
* Computer models greater than [[Model/6]] do not allow greater jumps, and in any case, the ship would require the appropriate jump drive.

== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
''Ship’s Computers'' within [[Charted Space]] are intentionally built to work under a number of different operating systems, different [[technology level]]s of [[computer]]s, and to be extensively toughened for use under hard [[vacuum]] and heavy exposure to cosmic radiation if necessary. {{Unpublished cite|author= Maksim-Smelchak }}
 
=== Expected Computer Development Sequence ===
MACRO LEVEL:
* [[Compass]] → [[Astrolabe]] → [[Sextant]] → [[Analog Computer]] → [[Electromechanical Computer]] → [[Computer|Electronic Computer]] → [[Positronic Computer]] → [[Psychotronic Computer]]

MICRO LEVEL:
* [[Computer]] 》 [[Flight Computer]] 》 [[Ship's Computer]] 》 [[Astrogation Computer]] 》 [[Ship Brain]] 》 [[Ship Mind]]

=== Technological Overview of Computers ===
''[[Tech Epoch|Epochal Technological Development]]:'' [[Information Technology]] is at its earliest conceptual state and slowly grows into mechanical calculative devices to early [[electronics]] to the first true computers and beyond. 

=== Information Age Societies ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- 
!colspan="3"| [[Technological Period]]: [[TL:1-9]] and ''[[Tech]]-Name:'' [[Ur-Tech]]
|-
|colspan="3"| ''Common Characteristics:'' Digital Networks, High scarcity, Prototype Nanotech, Calculative ("Calculating machines"), [[Automaton]]s, [[Low Autonomous Robot]]s, [[etc.]] 
|-
! [[Tech Epoch]]
! [[TL]]-Range
! Remarks
|-
| [[Tool Making Epoch]] 
| [[TL:1-3]]
| COMPUTERS: The abacus and the quipu represent early calculating tech. they are simple, mechanical processors that help a sophont keep large numbers of calculations in memory. Mathematics makes great leaps forward with the development of algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.
|-
| [[Division of Labor Epoch]]  
| [[TL:4-6]]
| COMPUTERS: The first analog computers and calculators greatly enhance business and academic endeavors. Mechanical and early [[electronic]] [[calculator]]s become fixtures. Electric devices, polymers, and early electronics fuel continuing progress. Designers use classic Lovelacian programming and aspire to build the first Babbage machines. Many [[sophont]] [[societies]] can build [[processor]]s that meet the Imperial standards for [[Model/1]] and [[Model/1]] [[bis]] processors.  
|-
| [[Processor Epoch]] 
| [[TL:7-9]]
| COMPUTERS: Programmable computers come into vogue as the analog is replaced by the digital. Transistors make way for microchips; desktop processors soon become a feature of home, business, and school. Massive parallel processors fill entire rooms and supersede earlier technologies. The first supercomputers can often beat even expert humans at games like chess due to phenomenal calculating abilities and vast memory banks. Photonic and gravitic energy transmission as well as bio-computing replace many of the earlier generations of electronics. Voice-activated processors are more user-friendly than ever before. Many societies can build processors that meet the Imperial standards for [[Model/2]], [[Model/2]] [[bis]], and even [[Model/3]] processors.
|-
|}
'''[[TL:1-3]]:''' <br>
COMPUTERS: The abacus and the quipu represent early calculating tech. they are simple, mechanical processors that help a sophont keep large numbers of calculations in memory. Mathematics makes great leaps forward with the development of algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.

'''[[TL:4-6]]:''' <br>
COMPUTERS: The first analog computers and calculators greatly enhance business and academic endeavors. Mechanical and early [[electronic]] [[calculator]]s become fixtures. Electric devices, polymers, and early electronics fuel continuing progress. Designers use classic Lovelacian programming and aspire to build the first Babbage machines. Many [[sophont]] [[societies]] can build [[processor]]s that meet the Imperial standards for [[Model/1]] and [[Model/1]] [[bis]] processors.  

'''[[TL:7-9]]:''' <br>
COMPUTERS: Programmable computers come into vogue as the analog is replaced by the digital. Transistors make way for microchips; desktop processors soon become a feature of home, business, and school. Massive parallel processors fill entire rooms and supersede earlier technologies. The first supercomputers can often beat even expert humans at games like chess due to phenomenal calculating abilities and vast memory banks. Photonic and gravitic energy transmission as well as bio-computing replace many of the earlier generations of electronics. Voice-activated processors are more user-friendly than ever before. Many societies can build processors that meet the Imperial standards for [[Model/2]], [[Model/2]] [[bis]], and even [[Model/3]] processors.

=== Bright Age Societies ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- 
!colspan="3"| [[Technological Period]]: [[TL:10-18]] and ''[[Tech]]-Name:'' [[Stell-Tech]]
|-
|colspan="3"| ''Common Characteristics:'' [[Intelligent Network]]s, Low Scarcity, Weak nanotech, Synaptic processors, [[Positronic Brain]]s, Cognitive ("Thinking machines"), [[High Autonomous Robot]]s, [[etc.]]
|-
! [[Tech Epoch]]
! [[TL]]-Range
! Remarks
|-
| [[Gravitics Epoch]] 
| [[TL:10-12]]
| COMPUTERS: Synaptic processors and [[positronic brain]]s are vastly more capable than earlier generations of processor technology. Some advanced [[robot]]s can fool inexpert humans. Expert [[roboticist]]s call these low autonomous robots. Still, a well-trained expert sophont can often outthink and outperform advanced thinking machines from this [[Tech Epoch|epoch]]. Fluidic and magnetic energy transmission increase processing speed. Semi-organic facility and early [[ship brain]]s become common. Many societies can build processors that meet the Imperial standards for [[Model/4]], [[Model/5]], and [[Model/6]] processors.
|-
| [[Biologicals Epoch]]
| [[TL:13-15]]
| COMPUTERS: [[High autonomous robot]]s outperform many educated experts across many fields. They still can’t match the apex professors, but they can perform perfectly well at the professional level. [[Holocrystal]]s and advanced bio-compumetrics are increasing functioning to billions of actions per nanosecond. Computer brain implants allow complete rehabilitation and restoration of function to almost all individuals who were formerly handicapped. [[Infomorph]]s and downloadable brains supplement [[wafertech]]. Pseudoreality simulators show amazing promise. Many societies can build processors that meet the Imperial standards for [[Model/7]], [[Model/8]], and [[Model/9]] processors.
|-
| [[Artificials Epoch]] 
| [[TL:16-18]]
| COMPUTERS: [[High autonomous robot]]s outperform many educated experts across many fields. They still can’t match the apex professors, but they can perform perfectly well at the professional level. [[Holocrystal]]s and advanced bio-compumetrics are increasing functioning to billions of actions per nanosecond. Computer brain implants allow complete rehabilitation and restoration of function to almost all individuals who were formerly handicapped. [[Infomorph]]s and downloadable brains supplement [[wafertech]]. Pseudoreality simulators show amazing promise. Many societies can build processors that meet the Imperial standards for [[Model/7]], [[Model/8]], and [[Model/9]] processors. [[Hop Drive]]s begin to use more advanced [[Ship's Computer]]s.
|-
|}

=== Brilliant Age Societies ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- 
!colspan="3"| [[Technological Period]]: [[TL:19-27]] and ''[[Tech]]-Name:'' [[Ultra-Tech]]
|-
|colspan="3"| ''Common Characteristics:'' Delegative Rule (AI), Post-Scarcity, Strong nanotech, Emotive ("Dreaming or Feeling machines"), [[Self-Aware Robot]]s, [[etc.]]
|-
! [[Tech Period]]
! [[TL]]-Range
! Remarks
|-
| [[Ultra Period]]
| [[TL:19-21]], [[TL:22-24]], and [[TL:25-27]]
| It is projected that greater capacity [[drive]]s will require greater [[processor]]s. Additionally, ship's computers are projected to become self-repairing at this point requiring only minimal input from the [[crew]]. Many [[technologist]]s believe that these ships will be able to be managed almost entirely by voice command or [[psionics]].
* It is projected that true [[Artificial Intelligence]] will be achieved by this [[tech epoch]], meaning thinking, feeling computers that can match or exceed [[human]] or other organic sophont intelligence.
|-
|}
== See also ==
{{:Referral-Tree-C-Cognitive-Technology}}
{{Referral-Tree-E-Education}}
{{:Referral-Tree-I-Information-Technology}}

== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
{{metadata}}
{{Intermediate}}
{{Sources
 | {{Ludography cite|name= Starships |page=22,38|version=Classic Traveller}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= High Guard |page=26,28|version=Classic Traveller}}
 | [[Don McKinney]], {{CT}} Consolidated Errata, 14, 15
 | {{Ludography cite|name=Referee's Manual|page=81|version=MegaTraveller}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name=The Traveller's Handbook|page=263}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= Starships|version=Traveller 5th|page=250}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= High Guard |page=55-56|version=Mongoose Traveller}}
 | Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology [[Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]] 
}}
{{LE|Computer|Electronics|Summary page article}}