What does a computer really do for you?

[oneofmanynameless]

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?

[sir_pudding]

Accessory (Personal Computer) [1]

[ericthered]

Originally Posted by sir_pudding

Accessory (Personal Computer) [1]

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.

[oneofmanynameless]

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?

[jason taylor]

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).

[Gollum]

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
Back to home and having at last access to my books, I would use the High-Tech rules for Libraries, here (see High-Tech, page 17-18). The GM would choose between "Small Collection" (-2 or worse to the Research roll) to "Fine Library" (+2 to the Research roll), depending on the subject of the research. For a research about a very detailed and precise topic, for instance, the Web doesn't really give a lot of answers; as said by Jason Taylor, it is more an Agora than a Library; so I would use "Small Collection". But for a more broaden subject like "Where are the good restaurants in that town?", the web is perfect and, then, I would use "Fine Library".

[Gollum]

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
I would use +1 for good-quality equipment, or maybe +2 for fine-quality equipment (Basic Set, page 345), depending on how much the computer is already supposed to be required in the skill description ... Or, better, I would probably use the Complementary Skills rule in Action 2, Exploits (page 5). The player would make a Computer Operation roll and would have a +1 to his other skill for a success (+2 for a critical success, -1 for a failure and -2 for a critical failure).

[jason taylor]

Originally Posted by ericthered

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.

The internet is more like an agora then a library. Dead authors sadly do not talk to you and living ones often can only be talked to with the internet.

[David Johnston2]

Originally Posted by oneofmanynameless

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?

Oddly little. I mean there's a lot of stuff that you do with computers that simply isn't worth points. Graphic design? You don't pay points for having the correct tool to use a TL8 skill. Same thing with hacking into systems. It's just "having the right tool to use your skill". The internet connection is worth something