What Defines a Computer and Computer Programs?

• Tech Bonus – Tech Bonus is a rough estimate of ‘how advanced the technology that makes the computer work is.’ If the Primitive tech bonus represents silicon microcontrollers, and Basic represents optical circuits, then Moderate would represent early forays into quantum computing, and so on.  Mechnically, the Tech Bonus is added as a bonus to all Hackcraft and Use Computer checks made while using the computer, and it is also used to determine the Working Program Level of programs being run, the Maximum Program Level of programs that can be run, the Systems Management capacity of the computer, the Storage Capacity of the computer, the Processing Capacity of the computer, and the Cost of the computer.
• Grade – Grade represents the quality of the computer within a given Tech Bonus.  A Grade 1 computer represents more of an integrated automation circuit, while higher grades represent actual computational capacity.  A computer’s Grade is used to determine the Intelligence of the computer (Computer INT  = 9 + Computer Grade) for anything dependent on the computer’s Intelligence. It is also used to determine Maximum Program Level, Systems Management, Storage Capacity, Processing Capacity, and Cost.
• Program Level – This is how ‘advanced’ a piece of software is, ranging from 1 to any number above that.
• Working Program Level – Working program level represents how well a given program runs.  It is determined by adding the level of the program itself to one-half of the Tech Bonus of the computer (rounded up) that it is being run on.  For some programs this determines a bonus that the program provides, for others it has no effect.
• Maximum Program Level – This is the maximum working program level that a computer can support.  Hack Actions have a program level equal to the character level of the hacker using them, so hackers must continually upgrade their hardware as they advance in skill. Maximum Program Level is equal to (Grade x Tech Bonus) x 2 + (Grade / 2), rounded up.
• Systems Management – Systems Management represents the computer’s capacity to control and manage various peripheral devices. These are things like smartguns, drones, sensors,and integrated modules such as commlinks. Systems Management is equal to (Tech Bonus x Grade).
• Storage Capacity – Storage Capacity is the maximum total levels of all programs, hack actions, and data units that can be stored on the computer.  It is equal to 5 x ((Tech Bonus²) x (Grade²)).  Storage capacity can be expanded via supplemental storage media, with each piece of media weighing 0.01 kg and providing an amount of extra capacity equal to 5 x (Tech Bonus²) and costing 500 x (1 / Tech Bonus) of the same currency as the computer.  A device can have a number of supplemental storage media installed equal to its Grade.
• Processing Capacity – Processing Capacity is the maximum sum of all the levels of running programs and readied hack actions that the computer can handle at any given time. It is equal to 2 x ((Grade²) x Tech Bonus).
  
• Cost – Standard form-factor computers (AKA desktops and components) cost 500 x (Tech Bonus x Grade) of the currency of their manufacturer or the predominant currency of the area where they are being manufactured. Computers can be obtained by manufacturers from a given power with that power’s normal Tech Bonus at a 50% discount, or of a Tech Bonus one higher than normal for +50% of listed cost.  For example, a standard, run of the mill computer made by the Terran Alliance with Grade 4 costs 3,000 Terran Alliance Credits, while a Tech Bonus 4 computer of Grade 4 made by the Terran Alliance costs 12,000 Credits. Alternative form factor computers have additional cost modifiers, as detailed in their section below.
• Weight (for desktops and components): See the table below.  For alternative form factors, the weight is still based on the table below but is modified (see that section).

Grade	Primitive (+1 Tech Bonus)	Basic (+2 Tech Bonus)	Moderate (+3 Tech Bonus)	Advanced (+4 Tech Bonus)	Hypertech (+5 Tech Bonus)	Artifact (+6 Tech Bonus) [Weight varies heavily]
1	5 kg	0.5 kg	0.125 kg	0.021 kg	0.0026 kg	0.0003 kg
2	10 kg	1 kg	0.25 kg	0.42 kg	0.0052 kg	0.0005 kg
3	20 kg	2 kg	0.5 kg	0.83 kg	0.01 kg	0.001 kg
4	40 kg	4 kg	1 kg	0.167 kg	0.021 kg	0.0021 kg
5	80 kg	8 kg	2 kg	0.333 kg	0.042 kg	0.0042 kg
6	160 kg	16 kg	4 kg	0.667 kg	0.083 kg	0.0083 kg
7	320 kg	32 kg	8 kg	1.3 kg	0.167 kg	0.021 kg
8	640 kg	64 kg	16 kg	2.7 kg	0.333 kg	0.033 kg
9	1280 kg	128 kg	32 kg	5.3 kg	0.667 kg	0.067 kg
10	2560 kg	256 kg	64 kg	11 kg	1.3 kg	0.133 kg

“Normal” Computer Tech Levels (AKA the level that gets the 50% discount)
Primitive – Most Pre-FTL and Early FTL Civilizations
Basic – Calengil Dominion, Risanthan Spiritlands, Some Pre-FTL and Early FTL Civilizations
Moderate – Deep Ones Mining Union, Glorious Imperium, Speakers Consortium, Terran Alliance, The Unity, XTA Unified Cooperative, Yoitsuni
Advanced – Chrysoari Protectorate, Fost Peoples, JolKoar Empire, Lissonian Treeholds
Hypertech – Hive
Artifact – Travelers (if they ever felt the need to make a computer), Alien Artifacts

Wait, What About Displays? – For tech levels from Primitive through Moderate, the computer is implied to have a built-in display screen.  For Advanced through Artifact, the computer is implied to use some form of holographic projection by default. At Moderate and above, a computer can utilize a HUD interface instead of a physical display screen, which reduces the weight of the computer by 25% (up to 2 kg).

Alternative Computer Form Factors

Portable Computers (Basic, Moderate, and Advanced tech levels only) – These represent the standard, run of the mill ‘laptop computer’ idea.  Powered by either a power pack (if the original weight is 1 kg or above) or an energy cell (if lighter), they last 4-8 hours on a single charge.
Maximum Program Level: -10%
Systems Management: -20%
Storage Capacity: -40%
Processing Capacity: -20%
Cost: 150%
Weight: Basic Tech Level, -50%; Moderate Tech Level, -40%; Advanced Tech Level, -30%

Ultraportable Computers (Basic, Moderate, and Advanced tech levels only) – Taking the miniaturization of the Portable Computer a step further, these computers are small enough to fit into a large pocket, though their user interfaces are sometimes unweildy.  They are powered by an energy cell and last for 2-4 hours on a single charge.
Maximum Program Level: -20%
Systems Management: -40%
Storage Capacity: -60%
Processing Capacity: -30%
Cost: 200%
Weight: Basic Tech Level, -70%; Moderate Tech Level, -60%; Advanced Tech Level, -50%

Belt Computers (Basic, Moderate, and Advanced tech levels only) – An idea that never really has caught on anywhere, belt computers are effectively the same as ultraportable computers but with expanded power capacity.  They are functionally the same as ultraportable computers, only they require two energy cells and last for 6-9 hours on a single charge.  They are 250% of the normal cost as opposed to 200%.

Wearable Computers (Basic, Moderate, and Advanced tech levels only) – The pinnacle of miniaturization of early computer technology, watch computers cram as much as they can into an extremely small space.  However, performance is sacrified in the name of this miniaturization.  Watch computers last for 20-24 hours on a single energy cell.  This form factor is used for small watch computers, earbud commlinks, and other small computers designed to be worn rather than carried.
Maximum Program Level: -30%
Systems Management: -75%, minimum 1
Storage Capacity: -80%
Processing Capacity: -50%
Cost: 400%
Weight: Basic Tech Level, -90%; Moderate Tech Level, -80%; Advanced Tech Level, -60%

Personal Assistant (THIS IS THE THING THAT REPLACES THE PRIOR ‘COMMLINK’) (All tech levels except Primitive) – Ranging in size from wrist-mounted to small earbuds or even cybernetic implants, the personal assistant is by far the most common form factor in use.  These small devices combine a computer with various other electronic devices, such as communications systems, sensor arrays, and data recorders.  They last between 20 and 180 hours on a single energy cell (dependent on grade and usage). A personal assistant can have a number of additional devices installed into it based on its tech level (2 at Basic, 3 at Moderate, 4 at Advanced, 5 at Hypertech, and 6 at Artifact).
Maximum Program Level: -20%
Systems Management: -50%, minimum of 2x the number of installed devices
Storage Capacity: -60%
Processing Capacity: -40%
Cost: 200% (this also doubles the cost of all installed devices)
Weight: Basic Tech Level, -60%; Moderate Tech Level, -50%; Advanced Tech Level, -40%; Hypertech Tech Level, no change; Artifact Tech Level, no change

I’ve got a computer in my head, what about that?!

Direct Neural Interfaces are handled as follows…

• Artificial Intelligence – An AI’s effective DNI is treated as a standard form-factor computer of a Grade equal to AI’s INT – 9 and a Tech Bonus equal to AI’s INT Modifier.
• CEC Neural Interface – The CEC Neural Interface is treated as a standard form-factor computer of a Grade equal to Character’s INT – 9 and a Tech Bonus of +3.
• Magic-Based DNI – Magic-Based DNI are treated as a standard form-factor computer with a Grade equal to Character’s WIS – 9 and a Tech Bonus equal to Character’s Wisdom Modifier – 1.

All right, show me one of these new computers…

Terran Alliance Armed Forces Model 3 Communications Device – This is the current standard-issue commlink assigned to all TAAF personnel upon joining the forces. Replacing the Model 2 in 2027 (which in turn replaced the Model 1 in 2021), it is a rugged, portable device designed to withstand the rigors of whatever can be thrown at it. However, it is not exactly ‘top of the line’ computer hardware – it is a communications device.  Each commlink is permanently keyed to its recipient upon issue, and that soldier’s unique 9-digit TAAF ID is tagged to all transmissions from it.  It is a modular device, however it does contain a hardwired communications module which permits access to the TAAF Communications Network, as well as an extended range transceiver and emergency beacon.
Cost: Cannot be purchased, if lost a new one is issued.  Estimated black market price is 20,000 Terran Alliance Credits.
Weight: 0.5 kg
Tech Level: Moderate (+3 Tech Bonus)
Grade: 2
Form Factor: Personal Assistant
Installed Peripherals (2 open slots): Permanently-installed Communicator (permanently-installed TAAF Encryption Module, permanently-installed Long-Range Upgrade Module, permanently-installed Beacon Module), Unused Slot, Unused Slot
Maximum Program Level: 11
Systems Management: 6 (effectively 5 since the Communicator peripheral counts against this limit)
Storage Capacity: 72 (effectively 68 due to the standard Level 2 Military Attack Barrier installed)
Processing Capacity: 10 (actually 14, but 4 is used for the barrier).

So what are these peripheral things anyway?

Peripherals are hardware that are either integrated into the computer itself, or connected through a wired or wireless connection.  If a peripherals is listed here but not described here, check the equipment section for costs and details.  The GM has the final say on what can and cannot be integrated into the computer.

• AR Gloves
• Biomonitor
• Biomonitor, Implanted
• Bioscanner
• Commercial Data Feed
• Communications Scanner
• Communications Transceiver – This integrated module is communications hardware, the actual type of which varies by the technology used by the manufacturer. This module itself has capacity for further sub-modules as detailed below (up to a number of sub-modules equal to the manufacturer’s tech bonus), and it has a range equal to 25 kilometers per point of tech bonus.  This module weighs 1/2 of the weight of a grade 3 computer of the tech level of the manufacturer.  Its cost is 1/2 that of a grade 2 computer of the tech level of the manufacturer.  This replaces the old commlink.
  • Beacon Sub-Module – This sub-module allows the computer to function as a portable beacon with 40,000 kilometer range.  it cannot transmit data beyond a distress signal on a specific wide-band range of frequencies.  Each of these sub-modules has a unique identification code, allowing for easy determination of who is in distress.  While this beacon is in use, the entire power of the computer is diverted to it, disabling all other functionality.  This costs 2,500 credits and weighs 0.25 kg.
  • Long-Range Transceiver Sub-Module – This sub-module contains an additional transceiver for use at longer ranges than the pre-existing one.  Useful range of the communications transceiver is quadrupled.  This sub-module costs 450 credits.
  • TAAF Encryption Sub-Module – This sub-module is not purchasable on the open market (estimated black market price is 10,000 Terran Alliance Credits). When not properly keyed, it does not automatically decrypt secure TAAF communications, however it does provide a +5 Equipment bonus to Use Computer checks made to do so.  When properly keyed, it is linked in to the rotating cipher system of the TAAF Communications Network as normal.  Other powers have similar sub-modules for their own military networks.
  • Shadownet Encryption Sub-Module – Similar to the TAAF Encryption Sub-Module, this allows access to the SDA’s secure Shadownet protocol.  It cannot be purchased, and goes for about 20,000 Terran Alliance Credits on the black market. Like the TAAF Encryption Sub-Module, it provides a +5 Equipment bonus to Use Computer checks made to hack into the Shadownet if it is not properly keyed.
  • Personal Encryption Sub-Module – This allows you to utilize more advanced encryption methods, providing a +5 bonus to Use Computer checks made to secure communications with your computer. It costs 50 credits.
  • Scrambler Sub-Module – This functions identically to the pocket scrambler, except it is built in to the transceiver.  It costs 400 credits.
• Computerized Interface Scope
• Display Contacts
• Display Glasses
• Electrobinoculars, Advanced – Computer not required for use.
• Electrobinoculars, Holo-Recording – Computer not required for use.
• Holo Gloves
• Holoprojector
• Hypoinjector Wristband – While a computer is not required for operation of this peripheral, having a computer connected to it does allow for authorized users to remotely activate the wristband.
• Quantum Computing Unit – Technically this is a computer itself, however all of its systems are dedicated to running the AI it contains.  QCUs can interface with any other computer as a peripheral, giving the AI contained in them access to that computer and its peripherals.
• Radiation Detector – Computer not required for use.
• Recording Unit – Computer not required for use.
• Sensor Pack – Computer not required for use.
• Sensor Pack, Speaker Advanced – Computer not required for use.
• Smartgun System

Programs?  We don’t need no stinking programs!

Actually, you do.  As for why, read below.  Programs purchased from manufacturers with a higher or lower tech bonus than the computer they are going to be run on need to be converted.  This takes four successful DC 20 Use Computer checks, with each attempt taking 8 hours.

• AR Games – While these come in a wide range of titles and program levels, they have no actual game effect.  An AR game costs 5 credits per level.
  
• Augmented Overlay – This replaces the pre-existing equipment of the same name. Augmented Overlay systems are common in engineering and business. To use an overlay, every member of the team must have some form of AR display. The Augmented Overlay’s AI (AOAI) monitors the data gathered by the various team members and computer systems, and displays any relevant information on each user’s display. For example, an archaeologist is working in a trench when a new satellite pass detects an interesting surface feature nearby. The overlay would highlight this feature in the archaeologist’s display. Later, when the team’s linguist manages to translate the alien alphabet, the AOAI would automatically overlay any alien text with the current best-guess translation. The AOAI is not a ‘true AI,’ it is instead actually a self-learning algorithm that takes into account team member’s specializations and makes a ‘best guess’ as to who could use any information that has been learned. For an experienced team, the Augmented Overlay is a great boon, giving a bonus equal to the Working Level of the program to all Intelligence-based skill checks as long as someone on the team is trained in the skill being used (as if every user were automatically using the aid another action). However, processing the flood of information from an AOAI can be distracting; each user suffers a –2 penalty to all Perception checks while running the system on their AR display. Activating or deactivating the Augmented Overlay is a swift action.  The Augmented Overlay program costs 750 credits per level of the program, and a separate copy of the program must be obtained for all team members.  In the event of team members having mismatched working levels, use the average of all working levels (rounded down) to determine the bonus.
• Cadeceus – Usually military in origin, this relatively common program interfaces with biomonitors across a small communications network – usually an intra-squad network – and provides anyone in that network with a summary of the current health of the network members.  If HUDs are available this is available as a HUD pane, otherwise it is displayed as per normal on a computer. Functionally, this allows everyone in the network to know the hit points of each other. Additionally, anyone in the network gains a bonus to Treat Injury checks on other members of the network equal to the level of the program. This program can handle a number of members equal to its working level.  As this program is run distributed across the network, the connections to the team member’s biomonitors do not count against Systems Management.  The Cadeceus program costs 500 Credits per level.
  
• Defense Barriers – The full details of these are in the hacking section.  To determine the level that a barrier uses for the purposes of Processing Capacity, consult the list below.
  • Passive Civilian Barrier: Level = Barrier Level
  • Military Attack Barrier: Level = 2 x Barrier Level
  • Maze Barrier: Add the level of the Maze Barrier to the effective level of the barrier.
• Encryption Cracker – This program contains a variety of brute-force and algorithmic subroutines that aid in attempts to defeat encryption and secured communications.  It provides an equipment bonus to Use Computer checks made to do so equal to the Working Level of the program.  Encryption Crackers cost 1000 credits per level and are considered to have Military availability.
• Expert System – An expert system is a smart AI that comes with nonheroic levels equal to its program level.  It is only available from manufacturers with Advanced tech level and above, manufacturers with lower tech levels often have dedicated hardware for running AI. The AI can gain levels as normal, but every additional level increases its program level by 1.  Expert Systems costs 3000 credits per level.
• Knowledge Database – These programs are keyed to a specific Knowledge skill, determined when purchased.  They provide an equipment bonus to that Knowledge skill equal to the Working Level of the program, however consulting the database to gain this bonus requires a full-round action.  This program costs 500 credits per level.
• Knowledge Database, Self-Aware – These programs are keyed to a specific Knowledge skill, determined when purchased.  They provide an equipment bonus to that Knowledge skill equal to the Working Level of the program, and allow for untrained use of that knowledge skill, however consulting the database to gain this bonus requires a full-round action.  This program costs 1000 credits per level and is only available from manufacturers that are Advanced tech level or higher.
• Peripheral Manager – This program utilizes processing capability to increase the amount of peripherals that a computer can manage.  For every two working levels of this program, the computer gains a +1 bonus to its Systems Management.  Peripheral managers cost 50 credits per level.
• Personal Secretary – This is the equivalent to an Expert System for the Primitive, Basic, and Moderate tech levels.  Personal Secretary programs manage schedules, communications logs, and workflow to approve memos, remember birthdays, direct work-flow, micro-manage, and promote synergy.  Whatever that means is still unknown, but this effectively provides a +2 equipment bonus to a single Profession skill chosen when purchasing this program.  The Personal Secretary is only available as a level 1 program, and costs 200 credits.
• Search Protocols – A combination of sorting algorithms, search APIs, and (at higher levels) expert systems, Search Protocols make it easier to find whatever it is you happen to be looking for.  Using a search protocol program provides an equipment bonus to the Use Computer check made to find the information you are looking for.  This bonus is equal to the working level of the program.  Search protocols cost 50 credits per level.
• Smartgun Protocol – Another program only available as a level 1 program, the smartgun protocol provides interface APIs and transmission protocols between a smartgun and a heads-up display connected to the computer. When performing maintenance on a smartgun, this program provides an equipment bonus to the Mechanics checks made on the weapon equal to the working level of this program. This program costs 300 credits and is considered to have Licensed availability.