When a character buys a computer he actually is buying individual programs and the hardware needed to run them. For example, when a character buys a level 1 Analysis program (1 function point), he gets not only the program, but also a computer circuit module that can process a 1-function point program. A computer's level is determined by totaling all the function point requirements of the various programs and finding this number on the Computer list. If more programs are added to the computer later, its level may be raised.
EXAMPLE: A small inter-steller business run by "Slingshot'' Simmons buys a computer to keep track of its finances. Simmons buys a level 2 Analysis program (2 function points), a level 2 Commerce program (6 function points) and a level 1 Information Storage program (2 function points). The computer needs a total of 10 function points, making it a level 1 computer. It costs 10,000 Credits. If Simmons later adds a level 2 Robot Management program (4 function points), his computer has 14 function points, making it a level 2 computer.
Structure Points. A computer's weight in kilograms also is its number of structural points. Thus a level 4 computer that weighs 100 kg could take 100 points of damage before it stopped working.
Power Sources. Level 1 to level 4 computers are powered by parabatteries of the same type as the computer's level. Level 5 and 6 computers use power generators type 1 and 2, respectively. Computers will operate for at least one year before their batteries must be recharged. Power sources must be bought separately.
Computer Programs
The standard computer programs listed below can be purchased by anyone in any store that sells computers or computer parts and equipment. A program's cost is the number of function points it requires, multiplied by 1,000 Credits.
Analysis. An Analysis program allows a computer to perform mathematic calculations and computations. Level 1 is basically a sophisticated calculator. At level 3 the program can do advanced algebra and calculus. At level 6 it can do all known mathematical calculations, including theoretical math.
Bureaucracy. A Bureaucracy program coordinates other programs. For example, a city could use the Bureaucracy program to coordinate Commerce, Communication, Industry, Law Enforcement, Life Support, Maintenance and Transportation programs. A Bureaucracy program can coordinate a number of programs equal to its level x 3. It is not needed unless the programs being coordinated are level 3 or higher.
Commerce. A Commerce program enables a computer to handle business transactions. Commerce covers such areas as banking, stocks, market trends, bookkeeping, imports and exports. A level 1 program could be used by starship computers to record the cargo manifest, passenger records and ship's books. A level 6 program could be used to coordinate all commerce in a city.
Communication. A Communication program deals with all aspects of communication, including news, entertainment and public service announcements. It can control radio, holophones and holovision communication devices. Higher program levels can handle more complex systems. A level 1 communications program might be used to handle communication and to provide packaged entertainment on a starship. A level 6 program could monitor all communication in an entire city.
Computer Security. Computer Security programs protect a computer against both physical and program tampering. A Computer Security program must be defeated or bypassed before a computer specialist can change any programs or interface two computers. Computer Security programs can also control physical defenses guarding the computer. A level 1 Computer Security program is simple code words that lock other programs, plus a simple recognition code such as a fingerprint reader. A level 6 security program sets up a complex system of codes and special directions, and guards the computer with robots or remote guns.
Industry. An Industry program deals with turning raw materials into products. It can be used for both agriculture and manufacturing. At level 1 an Industry program could run a starship's hydroponics system and machine shop. At level 6 the program could coordinate many large factories and farms.
Information Storage. The Information Storage program is passive. It is simply a record-keeping system. A level 1 Information Storage program could be used by a business to record its yearly sales data. A level 6 program could store an entire university library.
Installation Security. An Installation Security program coordinates the defense of an area. Higher-level programs can defend larger areas. A level 1 Installation Security program could lock a building's doors at a certain time and call the police if an alarm sct off in the building. A level 3 installation Security program would not only lock the doors and call the police, but could control pressure plate sensors, I-R scanners, holovision cameras, special weapons, etc. At level 6, the program could defend an entire city or starport.
Language. The language program enables a computer to translate known languages into each other and, at higher levels, to translate unknown languages into known languages. Higher level programs can translate more languages. Translating an unknown language requires at least a level 3 program.
Law Enforcement. The law enforcement program is used to coordinate the efforts of all law enforcers in an area. Higher level programs can control a larger area. The program can handle police calls, schedule patrols, monitor trials, control riots and scan for developing crime trends. A level 1 program could monitor traffic flow and patrol routes in one precinct, while a level 6 program could run an entire city police department.
Life Support. The life support program controls lighting, temperature control, weather prediction, heating and power plant control. A level 1 program can control the life support system on a starship. A level 6 program could handle all the life suppport functions of an enclosed city.
Maintenance. The Maintenance program handles standard janitorial functions such as cleaning, painting and basic repair. It can also coordinate services such as garbage collection, fire inspection and sewage removal. A level 1 program could maintain a starship. A level 6 program could coordinate maintenance for an entire city.
Robot Management. The Robot Management program lets a computer control robots. Higher level programs can control more robots. This program often is used along with the Industry, Security, Law Enforcement and Maintenance programs. The Robot Management program must be a least as high a level as the robots it is controlling. The number of robots that a program can control equals its level multiplied by its number of function points.
Transportation. The transportation program allows a computer to control a mass transit system, including traffic control and distribution of products. A level 1 program could control mechanized sidewalks, elevators and escalators in a building. A level 6 program could run all of the monorails, buses, subways and traffic control signals in a city.
| Robot | Top Speed |
| cybot, heavy duty, service, brain maintenance security combat, warbot | 30 meters/turn 60 meters/turn 90 meters/turn 120 meters/turn |
Altered Movement. Robots with hover movement move the same as hover cars. Robots with rotor movement move the same as jetcopters and robots with rocket movement move the same as aircars.
Robot Levels
Robot levels are described in the Skills section under Robotics.
Customizing
A robot can be given additional arms and legs, a different means of movement, special equipment or special programs. Every two additions picked from the Special Program, Altered Movement or Extra Limbs tables increase the size and cost of the robot's body by 10%.
EXAMPLE: Sheeta Starfox is customizing a combat robot. Her standard combat robot has a standard body (2,000 Cr), the attack/defense special program (1,000 Cr) and is level 4 (2,000 Cr). It originally cost 5,000 Cr. Sheeta wants to add the Computer Link and Search and Destroy programs, rotor type movement and two additional pairs of standard limbs. The size and cost of the robot's body must be increased 30% (2,600 Cr). The Search and Destroy program costs 3,000 Cr and the Computer Link program costs 4,000 Cr. Rotor movement cost another 5,000 Cr and the additional arms cost 1,600 Cr. The customized robot will cost Sheeta 19,200 Cr (14,200 Cr more than the standard robot). The robot weighs 130 kg (without its battery), but still has only 100 Stamina points.
Robot Programs
Restrain. The robot can both defend itself and attack, but can not use any lethal weapon.
Self Defense. The robot can fight back if attacked in melee.
Attack/Defense. The robot can fight using the same type of weapons as a character, and can be equipped with an albedo suit and a screen (with its own power supply). The robot can use lethal weapons.
Search and Destroy. The robot can perform combat missions that include tracking down its target. A robot must have the Attack/Defense program to use this program.
Computer Link. This program enables a robot to communicate directly with a computer using a tight-beam long-range communicator. This gives it access to all the information in the computer.
Robot Attacks
A robot gets one melee attack for every pair of limbs it has. If the robot uses a weapon, it causes whatever damage is normal for that weapon. If the robot attacks without a weapon, standard and anthropomorphic limbs cause 2d10 points of damage and heavy duty limbs cause 6d10 points of damage.A robot using a ranged weapon is treated exactly the same as a character, and is subject to all the ranged combat rules.
A robot can not attack unless it has a restrain, self-defense or attack/defense program.
Standard Robots
Combat Robots. Combat robots have standard bodies and the anack/defense program. They are limited to levels 2 to 4. Combat robots serve as active combat soldiers.
Cybernetic Robots. Cybernetic robots (cybots) have both mechanical and organic parts. They can perform any job other robots of their level can perform. Cybots can have any body type, but usually are anthropomorphic. They are limited to levels 4 to 6.
Heavy Duty Robots. Heavy duty robots do heavy excavating, crop harvesting, rock quarrying, etc. They have heavy duty bodies and are limited to levels 1 to 4.
Maintenance Robots. Maintenance robots clean areas, oil machines, watch for breakdowns and malfunctions, etc. They use standard bodies and are limited to levels 1 to 4. They can not do actual repairs.
Robot Brains. Robot brains are robot managers. They usually command other types of robots. They have heavy duty bodies plus the computer link program. All robot brains are level 6.
Security Robots. Security robots serve as both guards and police. They have standard bodies and the restrain program. They are limited to levels 2 to 6.
Service Robots. Service robots are used as servants. They work as store clerks, information sources, gardeners, tailors etc. Service robots have anthropomorphic bodies modeled after whichever race they serve. They can not be mistaken for a living person, however. These robots are limited to levels 3 to 6.
Warbots. Warbots are intelligent war machines. They often command combat robots. They have heavy duty bodies and the attack/defense and search and destroy programs. They are limited to levels 5 to 6.