From:	"Jeremy \"Bolthy\" Zimmerman" <jeremy@***********.COM>
Subject:	Re: ASIST assistance?
Date:	Sun, 3 May 1998 17:28:35 -0700

On Sat, 2 May 1998, Ubiratan P. Alberton wrote:

> Joshuwa Jenkins escreveu:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I always figured MPCP was the OS in SR.
> >
>
> Actually I think MPCP is the deck's main processor. In the main book
> it says it's "a bank of
> optical chips". I can't remember if there's more stuff clarifying it.

There is. In the very next sentence where it says it contains the OS. =)

> As I have said before, ASIST would be the "base code" for all OSs
> created, the actual OS
> is more like to be the set of Persona programs (Bod, Sensor, Mask,
> etc.), but all OSs would
> be compatible because they're all based on ASIST.

I tend to view the persona programs as being something of an add-on...
like one puts a 3d effects card and a sound card in your computers these
days. Realistically, most legitimate cyberdecks only have Bod and Sensor,
and that's only add-on stuff to allow it to interact through the Matrix.
The personal computers you can buy in SR are probably not too unlike the
computers you can get today. You can do word processing, check your
email, etc. It is just is not at all adapted for any kind of VR
interface. I did remember to look up my copy of Shadowbeat, and all it is
is a way to convey simsense simulations to a person through a neural feed.
I don't have the book with me but I can reprint choice sections if need
be. If ASIST is an OS, then not only is my keyboard and monitor an OS,
but so is my TV and VCR. I think the big clincher about ASIST not being
an OS, even if you don't buy it being just an input/output medium, is that
you can turn it off and still use your deck. Really. Check out VR2.0.
It's under the hot/cool/tortoise section. =)