Computer

From Memory Alpha, the free Star Trek reference.

For the "role" played by Majel Barrett over the years, see computer voice.

A Macintosh Plus computer (1986)

A computer is a programmable machine that stores, organizes, and displays information, calculates data, and processes commands input by sentient users.

1 Early computers
2 Duotronic systems
3 Multitronic system
4 Isolinear systems
5 Bioneural systems
6 Positronic systems
7 Handheld Devices
8 Software
9 Related links
10 External links

[edit] Early computers

Although mechanical computing device had been employed on Earth since the 1600's, the earliest electronic computer technology was developed in the late 1940s, though the most-basic components to create such computers were already available to the public as early as 1930. (TOS: "The City on the Edge of Forever")

Early computers did not have voice recognition, the user having to use a keyboard and mouse to select the necessary program. (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home)

On the "desktop," different icons represented the different functions of the computer. Tuvok compared computers of this age to "Stone knives and bearskins." (VOY: "Future's End")

[edit] Duotronic systems

The duotronic computer was invented by Doctor Richard Daystrom in 2243 and became the primary computing platform for all Starfleet vessels for the next eighty years. (TOS: "The Ultimate Computer")

[edit] Multitronic system

The M-series multitronic system, also invented by Dr. Richard Daystrom, was the first attempt at placing a fully independent artificial intelligence (AI) system on a starship. The first four multitronic units were failures, but the fifth generation (dubbed M-5) was the first considered advanced enough for actual field testing. Unfortunately, M-5's field test was a failure as well, and no further tests were conducted. The project was later abandoned. (TOS: "The Ultimate Computer")

[edit] Isolinear systems

In 2329, Starfleet began to adopt a new system of computing using isolinear optical chips. (TNG: "Relics")

See also:

[edit] Bioneural systems

In the 2370s, isolinear computer systems began to be enhanced by the inclusion of bio-neural circuitry, of which the bio-neural gel packs formed a huge part. (VOY: "Caretaker") Bio-neural circuitry is prone to certain bacterial and viral infections, along with subnucleonic radiation. (VOY: "Learning Curve", "Macrocosm", "One"). Voyager's main computer processor is capable of sustaining over 575 trillion calculations-per-nanosecond (575,000 ExaFLOPS), granting simultaneous access to 47 million data channels, and operating in conditions ranging from 10 to 1790 degrees Kelvin. (VOY: "Concerning Flight").