The Computers Of Star Trek - Hardcover

Gresh, Lois H.; Weinberg, Robert

3.27

52 ratings by Goodreads

9780465012985: The Computers Of Star Trek

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0465012981 ISBN 13: 9780465012985

Publisher: Basic Books, 1999

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

From the beginning in 1967, when the starship Enterprise first set off to seek out new civilizations, we have marveled at the wonders of the computers in Star Trek.” Inspired by the computers described in the popular TV series and its off shoots, Lois Gresh and Robert Weinberg discuss contemporary ideas about computers and their role in our lives. In fact, each of the Star Trek” shows reflects a distinct mindset from the deep distrust of computers in the original series, to the ubiquity of computers in every aspect of life on Deep Space Nine .Their exploration will yield answers to such puzzling questions as these: When the android Data's head is opened, why are there lights inside? If the Enterprise's computer is artificially intelligent, why doesn't it make more decisions? Could we ever create a holographic doctor like the one on Voyager , or use nonprobes to alter a person's physiology, as the Borg do? This combination of futurist TV series and futurist science makes for great entertainment and great science.This book was not prepared, licensed, approved, or endorsed by any entity involved in creating or producing the Star Trek” television series or films.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

As a computer specialist, Lois Gresh designs tests for security loopholes and designs and codes corporate websites and systems. As a fiction writer, she is the author of dozens of suspense and science fiction stories. She lives in Rochester, New York.

Robert Weinberg holds a B.S. and an M.S. in mathematics and has taught at the Illinois Institute of Technology. His fiction writing has been nominated for the Hugo, World Fantasy, and Balrog Awards. He is a two-time winner of the World Fantasy Award and his anthology Horrors: 365 Scary Stories won the 1998 Bram Stoker Award of the Horror Writer's Association. He lives in Chicago.

From Library Journal:

In a world that has given us titles on the physics, biology, and history of Star Trek, a book discussing its computers was probably inevitable. Gresh and Weinberg (The Termination Node) illuminate the ways in which the computer systems in each incarnation of the Star Trek universe reflect the real-world technology and mindset of the time. From the mainframe-like centralized computing of the original series to the Next Generation's PDA-like (Personal Digital Assistant) computer pads, Trek technology has always been built upon contemporary knowledge. The book also explains how future technology will differ from that of Star Trek in significant and less telegenic ways. Although the authors spend a good bit of time eroding the suspension of disbelief necessary to the enjoyment of any Trek show or movie, this title is sure to be popular with trekkers everywhere. Recommended for public libraries.
-Rachel Singer Gordon, Franklin Park P.L., IL
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.