02-21-2018, 10:08 AM | #1 |
Join Date: May 2012
Location: New Hampshire, USA
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What does a computer really do for you?
So basically the question is: if you were to model all the benefits of a computer with advantages how would you do it? What advantages do they essentially give? I'm most interested in a high-functioning laptop (strong enough to do graphics, game development, programming/hacking, but still mobile.)
And, the big question, what if you add in the benefits of the internet? |
02-21-2018, 10:44 AM | #2 |
Wielder of Smart Pants
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Ventura CA
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Re: What does a computer really do for you?
Accessory (Personal Computer) [1]
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02-21-2018, 11:01 AM | #3 |
Hero of Democracy
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: far from the ocean
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Re: What does a computer really do for you?
thank you, wielder of smart pants!
Are we statting owning a computer, or being a computer? For being a computer, a good place to start is the AI and Automaton meta traits in basic page 263. However, many of those advantages are severely limited once you no longer have them as part of your "Brain". Sticking some sort of time limitation on them might help. And some will apply to just to computer, not the owner. I'm not sure how the internet changes things. In the end, its just a library. You could buy the contents of the library, but I don't think that would match well with the rest of the build. A couple of contact groups might be able to cover most of the internet's function.
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02-21-2018, 11:07 AM | #4 |
Join Date: May 2012
Location: New Hampshire, USA
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Re: What does a computer really do for you?
I was really thinking owning a computer, and stating it out as a set of related gadget limited advantages. I know that it's usually put on a character sheet as that accessory. But I've always noted that it includes some measure of telecommunications, as well as being able to run programs that functional give equipment bonuses to potentially countless skills.
Also, how would you model having access to a World Library in your pocket? |
02-21-2018, 11:14 AM | #5 |
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Portland, Oregon
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Re: What does a computer really do for you?
Efficient storage. Cheap access to informational materials(you can get a library worthy of Erasmus pretty cheaply and carry it around in your pocket). Versatility(it doubles as music and video player and can carry a lot of apps).
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"The navy could probably win a war without coffee but would prefer not to try"-Samuel Eliot Morrison |
02-21-2018, 11:16 AM | #6 | |
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Portland, Oregon
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Re: What does a computer really do for you?
Quote:
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"The navy could probably win a war without coffee but would prefer not to try"-Samuel Eliot Morrison |
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02-21-2018, 11:16 AM | #7 |
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: France
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Re: What does a computer really do for you?
If you have access to the web, the first advantage which comes to my mind with a computer is a permanent giant and universal library.
Thus, with a successful Research roll, you can find data on any subject you want. Unless they are protected of course. But here, Computer Hacking (or one of its more realistic incarnation) can help. Edit Last edited by Gollum; 02-21-2018 at 12:54 PM. |
02-21-2018, 11:29 AM | #8 |
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: France
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Re: What does a computer really do for you?
A second advantage which comes to my mind is that a computer, once you know how to use it (Computer Operation roll to find and use the good soft) is an amazing calculator. So, it can help for every skill which requires calculation: Mathematics, of course, but also Accounting, Astronomy, Physics, Engineering ...
In terms of rule, I would give a bonus to the skill roll for good equipment. Edit Last edited by Gollum; 02-21-2018 at 01:12 PM. |
02-21-2018, 01:06 PM | #9 | |
Join Date: Feb 2005
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Re: What does a computer really do for you?
With internet access I would allow a Research roll to give the benefits of the largest library within a few minutes, rather than hours or days.
If someone downloaded it in advance I’d allow the same benefit without access but you’d have to define better what areas of knowledge were saved and at what level. A downloaded encyclopedia would give almost instant access to basic facts without even a roll. Even with a smart phone you have maps, GPS guidance, calculators, digital still and video camera, sound recording, compass, flashlight, locator beacon, access to the internet knowledge library and a downloaded selection of books but somewhat more limited than an actual laptop. A sat phone has all that but isn’t limited to the cellular network. Quote:
Last edited by tanksoldier; 02-21-2018 at 01:12 PM. |
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02-21-2018, 01:29 PM | #10 |
GURPS Line Editor
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Montréal, Québec
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Re: What does a computer really do for you?
Arguably . . .
A computer connected to the Internet amounts to a way to let you use Computer Operation as a complimentary skill to gain +1 or +2 to just about any non-physical skill use for which you're taking enough extra time to get at least +1 in the first place: You can use search engines to find facts and "how to" advice on just about anything, things like Google Maps to help with Area Knowledge and Navigation, various on- and off-line checkers to help with Writing, ditto calculators with Mathematics, and so on. Some tools almost do the task for you, and could justify +1d/2 or even +1d on a success, automatically maxed out to +3 or +6 on a critical success. Good computers and/or software give such a high bonus to Computer Operation (at least +4) that even those without it can use IQ for the complimentary skill roll. It wouldn't be utter bunk to summarize all this as IQ +1d (No Per or Will bonus, -50%; Only with tasks a computer could help with, -40%) [14]. A computer not connected to the Internet is a lot more limited. It probably gives bonuses, too, but only if you have the right apps. You could treat each app as a perk. Computers might have Lightning Calculator, Photographic Memory, and so on, but that doesn't translate well into giving their users those traits. They also have a lot of disadvantages that their users don't inherit. Oh, and having a decent computer is probably a reasonable excuse to put Mitigator on a lot of mental disadvantages. You'd be surprised how many people can get around Shyness if they can interact virtually, Short Attention Span if they're glued to a screen, and so on.
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