Computer Systems are programmable systems that are used to store, organize, and retrieve information and to process commands given by a user. Computer Systems are essential components of any spaceborne installation.
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Computer Core
Bio-neural Computer Core
The Bio-neural Computer Core was designed to replace isolinear circuitry as the primary computer system in Starfleet and was first utilized in 2370 on the Intrepid Class. The system consisted of bio-neural fibers that were able to make billions of connections to process information more efficiently and therefore speed up computer response time. While highly advanced, Bio-neural technology was vulnerable to infection by viruses, damage from radiation, and other infectious agents; further they were incredibly difficult to replace due to their inability to be replicated. While still utilized by some galactic powers, the Federation replaced this technology with Positronic Systems.
Duotronic Computer Core
Designed by Doctor Richard Daystrom in the 2240s, a Duotronic Computer Core was one of the earliest computer systems employed by Starfleet on its vessels. While advanced for its time the system was eventually replaced by the Multitronic Circuit, also developed by Richard Daystrom. While not currently utilized by the Federation, the technology is still utilized by some galactic powers.
Isolinear Computer Core
The Isolinear Computer Core was introduced in the 24th Century as a replacement for the Duotronics Processor developed a century earlier. Featuring on board nanotech processors to aid in memory access as well as computational ability, isolinear circuits were unique in that they employed holographic technology to store data three-dimensionally throughout the unit. Each chip has a maximum capacity of 2.15 kiloquads of data. Surprisingly isolinear systems were easily corrupted by the environment and had to be coated with an advanced polymer in order to remain functional - any person handling the unprotected chips had to utilize special equipment to prevent damage. Because of its portability the Isolinear Chip became the dominant form of computer technology in the United Federation of Planets for most of the 24th Century, but became less common following the development of Bioneural Technology in the 2370s. It is not uncommon for some Federation and Starfleet facilities to still employ this technology as well as other galactic powers.
Multitronic Computer Core
Designed by Doctor Richard Daystrom in the 2260s, Multritronic Computer Systems were intended to replace Duotronics and the computer systems utilized by the Federation. Five prototypes were developed by Dr. Daystrom himself and were highly adaptive units which were able to think and reason for themselves; however, each unit was a failure with the fifth causing the deaths of the crew of the Starship Excalibur. The program was revisited by Starfleet in the late 23rd Century and was successful, but later replaced by the development of Isolinear Circuitry. Some Starfleet technology still employs Multitronics including the Emergency Medical Holographic Program.
Optolythic Computer Core
Considered one of the most secure ways to store data, Optolythic Circuitry is a technology that was utilized by the Cardassian Union prior to their development of Isolinear Circuitry. What makes Optolythic Circuitry unique is that information could only be stored on them once and then could not be altered for any reason. While few groups utilize this technology (the Federation never developed it), the Cardassians continue to utilize these circuits for highly sensitive data.
Positronic Computer Core
The Positronic Computer Core is an advanced computer processing device based on the Positronic Brain developed by Doctor Noonien Soong in the 2330s. Perfected by Captain Bruce Maddox, the Positronic Computer Core is an artificial neural network that was designed to imitate the processes of the brain and is able to process and store data at a rate far surpassing all other processing mediums thanks to the positronic matrix. Each Positronic Computer Chip has a storage capacity of eight hundred quadrillion bits (Approximately 100,000 Terabytes) and a total linear computational speed rated at sixty trillion operations per second. When working in concert with other Positronic equipment the computer system's operations are nearly limitless. Currently the United Federation of Planets utilizes this technology and is refitting all vessels to support this technology due to the advanced nature of the technology and limited vulnerabilities. Other powers, including the Klingon Empire, are believed to be in the process of developing this technology.
Computer Hardware
Computer Core
Core Processor
The Computer Core Processor is a component of all computer systems and performs computations of data.
Core Co-Processor
The Computer Core Co-Processor is a computer component that monitors security functions of the Main Computer core in an effort to remove security threats.
Core Command Processor
The Command Processor is a component of a Computer Core that controls and coordinates the operation of systems and equipment.
Core Image Processor
The Core Image Processor is a Computer Core Component that is utilized to process visual information and data received and stored by a computer system.
Core Secondary Command Processors
Secondary Command Processors are a component part of the Main Computer Core that are utilized to coordinate secondary operations that are viewed as nonessential.
Core Subprocessor
A Computer Core Subprocessor is a backup system to the Core Processor and implements instructions sent from user terminals.
Memory Bank
The Core Memory Bank is a collection of data storage nodes that store information. Data is then broken down between the various memory banks inside the computer, clustering data to allow for efficient access.
Positronic Matrix
Exclusive to Positronic Computer Systems, the Positronic Matrix is a processing medium for vessels equipped with this technology.
Storage Assembly
The Storage Assembly is a hardware component that holds multiple banks of data storage mediums.
Data Storage
Bio-neural gel pack
Bio-neural gel packs were designed by Starfleet to be a replacement for the Optical Chip in the early 2370s. The packs were composed of neural fibers surrounded in biomimetic gel that could store more information and operate at faster speeds than Optical Chips. While highly advanced Starfleet utilized these devices in only limited numbers due to their susceptibility to bacteria and viruses as well as their inability to be replicated.
Data Crystal
A Data Crystal is a small, highly sophisticated information repository most commonly used by the Dominion. Capable of storing vast amounts of data, some intelligence agencies will utilize data crystals to maintain the memories of operatives due to the extensive amount of information that they can maintain.
Data Node
More commonly utilized by the Borg Collective a data node is a storage and processing device used to process information. Extremely portable and adaptable, Data Nodes utilized by the Borg can interface with any computer system currently known and can subvert the system they are attempting to interface with.
Microtape
Utilized with Starfleet computer systems of the 22nd and 23rd Centuries, the Microtape was used to store information on a wide variety of topics under both Duotronic and Multitronic computer systems. With the emergence of the Isolinear Computer Systems in the 24th Century the microtape became obsolete but they are still utilized by some species.
Mnemonic Memory Circuit
A Mnemonic Memory Circuit is an archaic form of computer storage technology that was utilized by Starfleet in the early 22nd Century.
Multiprocessor Chip
A Multiprocessor Chip is an enhanced computer storage medium that is roughly the size of a molecule.
Optical Chip
An Optical Chip is a key component of the computer system of most races and consists of a linear memory crystal - an optically refractive material that allows for data storage. In the Federation and most neighboring powers the Optical Chip replaced Duotronic Enhancers as they are a more efficient means of computer operation. Initially designed for Isolinear Circuitry, the Optical Chips have been modified to also support the positronic matrix. While they are commonly identified as being chips, they can come in multiple varieties and are rod shaped in the Cardassian Union and Promellian units were coil shaped.
Optical Data Network
The Optical Data Network is a system of cables and associated technology that allows for data transfer from the main computer to terminals attached to it.
ODN Matrix
The ODN Matrix is a component part of an Optical Data Network that connects all systems to the computer operating system.
ODN Relay
An ODN Relay is a section of the Optical Data Network that links the ODN systems to the main computer and act as a backup system for computer access.
Opticable
Opticable is a fiber-optic cable used in computer systems by the optical data network to transmit data and interpret commands from interfaces.
Positronic Link
Positronic Links are a component of the ODN system for vessels and bases that utilize Positronic Computer Cores and are similar in purpose to humanoid neural pathways.
Computer Interface
Artificial Intelligence Monitoring System
Developed alongside the Positronic Computer Core, the Artificial Intelligence Monitoring System (also known as AIMS) is an artificial intelligence program that has been designed to enhance computational and operations ability on Federation Starfleet installations. While subservient to the crew of a vessel, in the event of an emergency in which the crew became incapacitated the AIMS program could take control of the vessel with all command codes transferred to the system. It is only available to platforms featuring a Positronic Core and features a holographic avatar that represents the needs of the Federation.
Dataport
A Dataport, like a neural interface, is a specialized computer interface that allows a user to a computer system or even to other minds. Consisting of three components, the dataport is usually surgically implanted behind the user's ear and has a secondary component that is attached to a target computer. Dataports are not illegal, but are frequently used by members of the underworld to bypass security systems.
Library Computer Access and Retrieval System
The Library Computer Access and Retrieval System (also known as LCARS) is the operating system used by the Federation aboard Starfleet duty stations and technology. Accessible by both voice and keypad commands, LCARS uses advanced subroutines to understand and execute commands given verbally. Tactile, touch sensitive graphical interfaces allow for workstations to be quickly configured for their users and enabled complex operations to be completed by inputting simple sequences. While LCARS is exclusive to Starfleet, other galactic powers are known to use a similar system.
Neural Interface
A Neural Interface is a specialized computer interface that allows a user to directly communicate with a computer system via thought. Unlike a dataport a Neural Interface does not require a secondary component to be attached to the computer as all interaction occurs via the neural interface directly allowing for instantaneous control over the computer system. While traditionally avoided in the past, Starfleet has begun a program of connecting their Captain's to the computer systems of their assignment through a synaptic transceiver.
Temporal Computer Access and Retrieval System
The Temporal Computer Access and Retrieval System (also known as TCARS) is operating system used by the United Federation of Planets' Department of Temporal Investigations and aboard Starfleet duty stations assigned to this division. Similar to LCARS, the TCARS system is utilized to oversee normal computer operations and monitors the timeline for potential incursions requiring intervention. The system utilizes a chroniton integrator to maintain data and file integrity in the event of a temporal incursion that significantly alters the past.
Real World
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