Rules for Computers that makes sense, Do you really know what makes sense ? Options

[Namergon]

To avoid a big deviation of the 4th Edition topic, and because the "computer rules in SR don't make sense" concept is too good not to rant a bit on it, I create this new topic.

So, I read many comments about how SR rules about computers don't make sense. The first thing to notice is that the grudge most often comes from a comparison between nowadays computers and SR Matrix technology.

- PCs are compared to cyberdecks: where did you get the idea that are comparable ? Personal Computers do exist in 2060 SR world, and their cost are indeed in line with nowadays PCs costs. Cyberdeck are just ENTIRELY different things. They are a concentrated filter between the human brain and the Matrix, design to handle in real time (at thought speed) the tremendous amount of data exchanged between both. I mean VR data, interaction data, the last of which can be incredibly complex. Basic cyberterminals are not so SOTA things, true. But they are so much cheaper. Cyberdeck are also very restricted gear, and deckers for the most part have customized decks. When is the last time you tried to develop an OS on your own ? How many time did it take to you ? Building your deck is not like buying PC spare parts, assembling them and run the drivers and applications.

- Utilities programming: I do work in software engineering, and the figures I see in Matrix are quite right, believe me, for the complexity and size of the stuff designed here.

- Program and data sizes: it should be taken into account that any data in SR world consist not only in the very information alone, but also with all what is needed to manipulate it (VR info for Matrix use, interface for pocket or non-Matrix equipment, etc), let's say "metadata". I'm surprised that many people are choked at the size of data files. Did you looked at a .doc size of Word2000 ? Try to compare the same document typed with Word 97. What could have been added in the Word 2000 file ? Metadata. the text in the Word 2000 is the same as the same text typed in a text editor, but they don't look the same, and you can't do the same things with both.

Well, I could rant for long, but I prefer to let people bring their own point, and react to mine. 8)