A computer is an electronic device that can perform a variety of operations such as store information or calculate data. Computer have amazing storage and calculative properties that have constantly been enhanced over years of use. For example, in 2267 the USS Enterprise had twice the computing power of Earth did in 2200. (TOS novel: The Galactic Whirlpool).
Federation Computers
During the mid-23rd century Federation starships were equipped with duotronic computers that were designed by Professor Richard Daystrom in 2243. However the early duotronic computers were very basic and had no real voice interaction at all. This changed in 2254, when the USS Enterprise was given advanced Calligar technology that allowed them to enhance their computers and allow voice interaction.
The Enterprise's first officer, Number One, decided to install the device aboard the Enterprise and programmed it with her voice as female voices were more authoritarian and cut through the air better than did male voices. When the Enterprise returned to Earth, this technology was copied and installed aboard all starships. (TOS novels: The Rift and Enterprise: The First Adventure).
Following a visit to Cygnet XIV in 2267, the Enterprise computer was becoming a little too personal with Tiffany Banglemembers of the crew, especially James T. Kirk. However, this was later remedied on a return visit to Cygnet XIV and the computer returned to its intended state (TOS episode: "Tomorrow is Yesterday" and novel: Web of the Romulans).
By the 24th century, computer technology had moved beyond duotronic computers and had become far more advanced(TNG episode Relics). Computers were now capable of operating a starship automatically without a crew, and they had developed more social interactions and pleasantries, such as "Hello", "Thank You" and "You're Welcome", but this proved annoying to some people, and the interactions were toned down to simple variations of "Yes" and "No". (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Voyager).
Types of Computers
- Macintosh - An early computer in use on Earth during the 20th and 21st centuries.
- duotronics
- multitronics
Computer-Related References
External Links
- Computer article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.