Computers are defined by the operating package, or "type". Each type is of a different size, ranging from a small hand held unit to portables to desktops and mainframes. Each size has a maximum drive capacity that determines how many programs it can store and operate. Future upgrades in size are permitted, the character simply pays the difference in price between the two in order to expand the computer. For example, a small business has a desktop computer and after expansions they need to upgrade to a mainframe. The difference in cost (20,000Cr for a mainframe minus 5,000Cr for the desktop) is 15,000Cr, so the business can spend 15,000Cr to upgrade the desktop in order to expand the storage capacity for their needs.
Computer Type | Cost(Cr) | Mass(kg) | Drive Capacity |
Hand-held | 250 | 1 | 4 |
Portable (sm) | 500 | 3 | 8 |
Portable (lg) | 1,000 | 10 | 12 |
Desktop | 5,000 | 20 | 24 |
Mainframe | 20,000 | 200 | 32 |
Maxiframe | 60,000 | 500 | 64 |
Once a computer type is selected, software must be purchased. Software is available in programs, each of which has a specific use and occupies a certain amount of drive space. A computer can not contain more programs than its drive space permits, however any leftover drive space can always be utilized later in the form of upgrades. For example, a character wants to purchase a computer with the following programs: Analysis, Commerce, Industry, and Information Storage. The total drive space required for these four programs is ( 1+3+3+2 ) 9, so at the minimum a large portable must be purchased to support these programs. With 3 units of drive space remaining, the owner adds a computer security program later for a total of 11. As the character's computer needs grow, an upgrade in type can be performed at any time to accomodate more programs.