From:	Tzeentch tzeentch666@*********.net
Subject:	The start of holographic neural nets?
Date:	Fri, 23 Jun 2000 09:00:12 -0700

From: <dbuehrer@******.carl.org>
> If SR computers used neural circuitry by 2029, that might go a long way
> toward explaining how the Crash of 29 managed to wipe out so much
information.

Not really, as it still does not explain how it corrupted backups of data or
even why it had biofeedback capabilities (or why Echo Mirage was incapable
of using non-ASIST interfaces). Simply put the Crash Virus makes almost no
sense in any way. A more plausible explanation for the backwards state of
Shadowrun can be laid at the feet of the various VITAS plagues (hell that
would cause MASSIVE social disruption) and the Awakening (Bob down in
research just turned into some sort fo monster!).

When I was trying to rationalize the Crash Virus (without using the goofy
novel explanation) I borrowed a page from Stone Dogs and had it be an
insidious mutating virus that waited for years and years writing itself into
everything it could find including compilers. That way it was written into
even firmware for backup systems and protected systems. When it hit and
people went to restore backups it also fried a lot of those, erasing tape,
corrupting file systems and generally being a pain in the ass until people
could find REALLY old uncorrupted systems. But even then that does not
entirely explain matters.

> Let's say that by 2029 computers use neural circuitry and are very
> efficient. A downside is that information is stored on the neural net,
> instead of on removable memory. But the marketers for the computers
assure
> everyone that their engineers say there's nothing to worry about (i.e., a
> typical Dilburt scenario). The computers are incredibly fast, and
> wonderful programs are written for them, and before you know it, everyone
> has one.

Noone makes backups anymore? Or uses insanely cheap external storage? What
about various write-once media such as CDs?

> Then the virus is created...
>
> After the virus is wrangled, everyone screams bloody murder, and removable
> memory makes a *big* comeback. But by then it's to late and a significant
> amount of information has been lost.

Interesting idea, but I don't think it's an entirely adequate explanation
(of course, since its pure fantasy you can't explain it).

Ken
---------------------------
There's a war out there, old friend, a world war. And it's not about who's
got the most bullets, it's about who controls the information. What we see
and hear, how we work, what we think, it's all about the information!
Cosmo, 'Sneakers'