| From: | "Michael E. Cating" <bs601@*********.FREENET.EDU> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Re: Matrix and real-world connections |
| Date: | Tue, 6 Jul 1993 00:40:15 -0400 |
>I suppose that this is the best place to ask about this. Lately, I've
been
>wondering about some representations in the Matrix and their real-world
>components. For instance, what exactly is a data node in real life? Is
it like
>a directory or a hardware component like a HD or a tape drive? Also,
what is
>distance a representation of? What is distance in the Matrix really?
(Please note that these may be just my opinions, from what I've read of
SR books...)
I understand that distance in the Matrix is just for a user's comfort,
to provide realistic perspective and make the user work more effectively
in the virtual reality. Distance is meaningless anyway, since the
electronic signals (assuming you're saying that every Matrix component
has a real-world component) would allow you to move nearly
instantaneously. Finally, there's also a small comment in _Virtual
Realities_ that says something to the effect that a system can be set up
to make something appear near or far (to confuse an intruder). This
means that distance has no virtual importance, except to affect the
user's/decker's/intruder's psyche.
Now, on the Matrix objects having real-world counterparts. Some things
are obvious (the I/O ports, slave nodes, etc.). Other things are more
difficult. I don't believe SANs have real-world parts. I read in _Into
the Shadows_ that, by shooting a real-world component (a large computer,
um, console), an SPU was crashed and the deckers inside were dumped. So,
yeah, I guess SANs could have real-world parts.
Another
>thing, when you're in the Matrix, not in a sytem construct, where
exactly are
>you? When you're in a system construct, you're interfacing with a
specific
>computer. When you're in the Matrix, then, what are you interfacing
with?
I figure you're interfacing with the telecomm grid (essentially the
phone co.). Also, when you're in a system construct, you are not only
interfacing with it but also with the telecomm grid (you're using the
phone line while you're getting sensory input from the system...).
>From your first question in this quote, I think that you're forgetting
that a decker doesn't really "go" anywhere when he jacks in. He's just
interfacing with a communication grid. Sure, that grid is giving a great
deal of information, but it's still just like a phone line.
I hope this helps some. Feel free to comment! (I'm sure everyone
will...)
Mike
bs601@*********.freenet.edu
