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Mainframe medium

A computer is a machine that manipulates data according to a set of instructions.

Background[]

Computer technology developed after the events of the Divergence followed a significantly different path than that seen in the real world. While both transistors and microchips were developed, computers remained large, bulky devices, reliant on text based interfaces. Both transistors and microchips were in use before the Great War in consumer household goods, prototype weapons, and advanced computers.[1][2][3][4]

Both desktops and networks exist throughout the series, working in conjunction with video screens, commonly referred to as terminals and terminal commands.[4] Computers were utilized as early as the 1960s, and terminals remained the most common method of using computers, with broken and functional terminals commonly found after the war.[5][6][7] In addition, radios could interface with some machines, so long as they did not use high-frequency bands utilized only by robots.[8]

Some computers are highly advanced, and certain mainframe computers and networks were utilized both before and after the war. For example, the Vault City central computer is capable of communication with voice commands and can reformat/update Pip-Boys via a slot designed for them. It also has the ability to produce cartoon animations with sound for its various computation events.[9] Even rarer, certain models used touchscreens as a part of a computer's interface.[10] Email and mail relay systems were common, and often can be utilized in the post war world through restored or intact terminals.[11] Many settlements and factions rely on restored or intact computer systems for maintaining pre-war systems, research, and day to day life.

Computer security[]

Main article: Hacking

Computers often feature security systems, with the most common being password protection, although some terminals can electrically shock unauthorized users.[12] Computer terminals are commonly used to control other security systems, such as spotlights, automated turrets, and magnetically locked security doors.[13] Due to a security flaw in the most common terminal programming language, RobCo Industries Termlink, skilled users can exploit a debug command to attempt to bypass security on a password locked terminal.

Artificial Intelligence[]

In colloquial parlance, artificial intelligence, sometimes referred to as "terminal programs,"[14][15] refers to a computer or a robot that is self-aware; it is capable of not only logical deduction, reasoning and speaking, but knows of its own existence,[16] the possibility of its own mortality (and immortality), and possesses creativity, desire, and, in many cases, emotion.[17] Artificial Intelligences were first created in the United States in 2059.[18] Some models of robot, notably Mr. Handy's, despite not being designed as artificial intelligence have gained self awareness in the years following the war.

Artificial Personality[]

Computer programming before the war was used to create increasingly advanced robots and computer personalities, reliant on artifical personality's. An artificial personality refers to a computer or a robot created with specific skills and having an automated personality able to speak but only on a preprogrammed set of responses. Research into artificial personalities and their interactions with humans was being conducted at Big MT before the war.[19]


List[]

Individual[]

Mainframe[]

Networks[]

Software[]

Gallery[]

References[]

  1. Listening Post Bravo terminal entries; Monitoring Terminal, LP Bravo Monitoring Report 010
  2. File:DenTheHoleDesktop.png
  3. Circuitry, AER14 prototype.png, scrap electronics, blue memory module, NavCom parts, plasma transformer, red memory module, Vault 15 computer parts, yellow memory module, grav-plates
  4. 4.0 4.1 The Courier: "You appear to be a computer, not a man."
    Robert House: "Don't let the video screens and computer terminals fool you. I'm flesh and blood, not silicon."
    (Robert House's dialogue)
  5. Cabot House terminal entries; terminal, 02/10/1968
  6. Cabot House terminal entries; terminal, 02/12/1968
  7. Vault 15 computer parts
  8. ROBCTRL.MSG: "{195}{}{This computer is not compatible with your radio. It uses a special high-frequency band for robotic use only.}"
  9. Vault City central computer's Vault City central computer information file
  10. Shi Emperor description: "{102}{}{You see a computer with a built-in touch screen for its interface. Engraved on the side is "Emperor v8.8 Computer Terminal".}"
    (Fsempter.msg)
  11. University Point terminal entries
  12. Reactor Maintenance and Repair Robot control terminal: "{370}{}{Accessing…Enclave Station Access denied.}"
    "{371}{}{Accessing…again… Enclave Station Access denied.}"
    "{372}{}{Accessing…yet again…persistent little cuss aren’t you? … Enclave Station Access denied.}"
    "{373}{}{Accessing…yet again…aren’t you getting tired of this yet?… Enclave Station Access denied.}"
    "{374}{}{Accessing…yet again…don’t you have anything better to do with your time?…Enclave Station Access denied.}"
    "{375}{}{That’s it. I’ve had enough of this constant prodding. If you try just one more time, you’re going to regret it.}"
    "{376}{}{Don’t say I didn’t warn you. (Just as you read this you feel a surge of electricity arcing through your fingers from the keyboard.)}"
  13. RobCo Trespasser Management System
  14. Vault Dweller: "There's an AI called SODUS. I think she's been trying to kill me."
    Leila Rahmani: "How exactly does a terminal program go about killing someone?"
  15. Daniel Shin: "It's unfortunate that even terminal programs turn to violence."
  16. The Chosen One: "{204}{}{Uh... What artificial intelligence?}"
    ACE: "{206}{}{It is a machine with the same free will and sense of 'I am' that a human has.}"
    (Fsface.msg)
  17. The Chosen One: "{205}{}{Is a true AI possible or are you the state of the art at this time?}"
    ACE: "{208}{}{A true artificial intelligence is possible. A few such systems were completed for military purposes. The project was discontinued.}"
    The Chosen One: "{209}{}{Why?}"
    ACE: "{210}{}{The suicide rate among true artificial intelligence machines was extremely high. When given full sensory capability the machines became depressed over their inability to go out into the world and experience it. When deprived of full sensory input the machines began to develop severe mental disorders similar to those among humans who are forced to endure sensory deprivation. The few machines that survived these difficulties became incredibly bored and began to create situations in the outside world for their amusement. It is theorized by some that this was the cause of the war that nearly destroyed mankind.}"
    The Chosen One: "{213}{}{Hmmm. So tell me, Ace. How do you feel?}"
    ACE: "{215}{}{I... I sometimes think that I understand the feeling you call loneliness. I find it very... disconcerting. I...}"
    The Chosen One: "{217}{}{I'm sorry, Ace. Let's change the subject.}"
    (Fsface.msg)
  18. Fallout Bible 0: "2059 The first artificial intelligence is born. Limited by memory constraints, its expansion is rapidly halted. The discovery paves the way for future AI research in laboratories throughout the United States."
  19. The Courier: "This chip looks like it was mass-produced. Are there other chips?"
    Klein: "[SUCCEEDED] ARE THERE OTHER CHIPS?"
    Doctor 0: "*Are you... echoing what he said, or... are you asking for real?*"
    Dala: "He's asking, yes. Dr. Klein, there are many other personalities. If you recall, you hurled them off the Sink balcony after your argument with Mobius."
    Klein: "IT IS NOT AN ARGUMENT IF ONE IS CLEARLY RIGHT AND THE OTHER IS CLEARLY WRONG! I REMEMBER NOW. YES, LOBOTOMITE, THERE ARE OTHER CHIPS. IF YOU WANT, FIND THEM. I BELIEVE THEY ARE STORED ON HOLOTAPES IN MANY OF OUR FACILITIES. BUT YOU SHOULD STAY OUT OF THOSE - NO EXPLORING AND DISCOVERING THINGS. THE SINK CENTRAL "INTELLIGENCE" SHOULD BE ENOUGH FOR YOUR... HEH... NEEDS."
    (Klein, 0, and Dala's dialogue)
  20. Megaton terminal entries; Moira's terminal
  21. MACHIV.MSG, MORPCOMP.MSG
  22. 22.0 22.1 The Lone Wanderer: "All of the robots are run off of a V-31 Mainframe?"
    Stiggs: "Huh. It's nice to finally meet someone who knows what the heck I'm talking about. It's actually a modified version of the V-29, but response/recall protocol is improved and the data transfer is much more secure. If you got into the mainframe, you could control all of the robots in the facility!"
    (Stiggs' dialogue)
  23. Central computer: "{140}{}{Thank you for accessing EnclaveNet. Logging off... }"
    (CCNCOMP.MSG)
  24. Hidden Valley bunker terminal entries
  25. Vault 22 terminal entries
  26. Crimson Caravan Company terminal entries
  27. Abandoned BoS bunker terminal entries
  28. Sierra Madre Casino terminal entries
  29. Sierra Madre vault terminal entries
  30. Villa police station terminal entries
  31. Villa clinic terminal entries
  32. Zion General Store terminal entries
  33. 33.0 33.1 33.2 X-8 research center terminal entries
  34. Forbidden Zone dome terminal entries
  35. Wilson Atomatoys corporate HQ terminal entries
  36. Suffolk County Charter School terminal entries
  37. Nahant Sherrif's Department terminal entries
  38. Underworld terminal entries; Azrukhal's terminal
  39. The Vessel terminal entries; missile status terminal
  40. 40.0 40.1 Camp Golf terminal entries
  41. Game designer brain: "I told them, "We have to optimize the graphics for Pip98"."
    (Game designer brain's dialogue)
  42. Spotlight override program
  43. Vault 106 terminal entries
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