Computers!

I have been doing some work on my computers lately, and I wanted to bring everyone up to speed. At first I was going to use a totally gui-ed computer system for ease of use, but then after trying to create said system, I decided that it was more work than it was worth. So I have coded a terminal style computer system today, and I'm pretty happy with it. Its based mostly off the linux (or is it Unix?) command line style, since I have been using that lately. And it's looking pretty good.

Command List:

Basic (System) Commands:
off - Turns off the computer (The esc key does the same thing, however)

File System:
cd - Doesn't support global paths yet, only local ones, and only one level at the moment.
ls
mkdir
rm - May add wildcards, would be pretty easy.
ed - Stole the name for my own little console text editor. I'm pretty proud of it Supports unlimited lines and scrolling, also has a seperate INT editor so that you can't accidentally crash the game
umount - un-mounts machines. I will have a local mount command later

Network:
netcreate - creates a network
netjoin - joins a network
netleave - leaves a network (also if the network left has no more masters, it dissappears)
netlist - lists masters and slaves in a network
netmount - mounts a slave to your computer
toggle - toggles on and off a slave machine

I am going to add script capabilities too, so you can set up automated machines and junk. Probably will have some cool hardware to add on too, like maybe a redstone trigger, or item teleporter... idk

Any ideas on what to add next? Critiques? Comments? Off-Topic Spam? (just kidding)

Will there be pre-made commands, like fire, which would fire the missiles, or something.

Well probably the block that fires missiles will fire when turned on. Which you could do from the computer. But no, there will probably be no pre-made commands, as the more pre-made stuff is, the less you can do with it.

This is going to annoy those people who don't last 2 seconds without a GUI. I like it.

Since this is a mp mod, I figure SOMEBODY has to have some inkling on how to use a terminal system. Plus with Notch's new game, a lot of people are probably gonna be looking into stuff like this. Though my system gives itself to you wrapped in a bow and with large print instructions as compared to what Notch is doing.

That thing looked basically machine code. People are going to be yelling a lot.

I mean, games?

Most people would have trouble firin' the lazor guns with that system. Obviously I need to write an AI to fight for me.

Cool, but we should ask Eloraam if we could integrate her Redpower Control module. It has numerous capabilities and is incredibly customizable(you can literally write a operating system for it), yet easy to use... for a console. It could be worse... imagine having to program in binary

With a few small additions it would be more than capable of controlling a ship.

As cool as it is, I'm thinking we should probably go with something higher-level, for the sake of practicality.

fr0stbyte124 wrote:

As cool as it is, I'm thinking we should probably go with something higher-level, for the sake of practicality.

We could use that and modifiy the operating system to be more practical.

I'm thinking that instead of making the SOFTWARE more practical, I'm going to add hardware, like buttons and stuff. Code it once, and boom, simple hardware gui in your face.

TO expound on that, I now have a button block that runs a script when you click it. The script is fully editable, and the block's fs is mounted to your PC for that use.

Could I possibly hire someone who knows what they are doing to write me an AI, and to help me figure out how to use this?

Thats the idea, except that this computer system isn't smart enough to use AI's. Its a action-reaction system, nothing more.

Machine logic can be built up into a VI. Why not this?

Because, at least up to this point, the scripting has no logic. The only logic that could be used is redstone. So actually, with the system as it is already, you could build an AI out of redstone and this computer. I may add logic into the system at some point. It would be a interesting challenge.

Danice123 wrote:

Because, at least up to this point, the scripting has no logic. The only logic that could be used is redstone. So actually, with the system as it is already, you could build an AI out of redstone and this computer. I may add logic into the system at some point. It would be a interesting challenge.

So I can create an AI? Or at least get someone else to do it for me

Danice123 wrote:

Because, at least up to this point, the scripting has no logic. The only logic that could be used is redstone. So actually, with the system as it is already, you could build an AI out of redstone and this computer. I may add logic into the system at some point. It would be a interesting challenge.

Except you have no output to redstone.

Me- Who are you?
Redstone entity(Here on known as RE)- Hello.
Me-How are you
RE-Good
Me- Can you make me a spaceship with some iron blocks?
RE- One moment please...
Me-
RE- Finished.
Giant ship flies out.
Me- THanks!
RE- Can you add another CPU unit onto me, I was not programed with the knowledge to make one
Me- Sure!
RE- THank you.
Me- Just don't watch me and learn how...
RE- I wont.....
20 minutes later
Me- I have to go invade another server, bye bye for now!
RE- Bye bye!
2 hours later
Me- I conquered the server... RE, did you make thousands of CPU units and turrets?
RE- Yes. I own this planet now.
Me- Cool, less work for me!
RE- I am building a giant ship, and leaving.
Me- COol, can I come with?
RE- Sure, you can help.
THUS BEGINS THE ADVENTURES OF ACH0225 AND HIS SENTIENT REDSTONE ROBOT!!!

I don't think computers work that way.

fr0stbyte124 wrote:

I don't think computers work that way.

In his imaginary world they do...

Keon wrote:

Danice123 wrote:

Because, at least up to this point, the scripting has no logic. The only logic that could be used is redstone. So actually, with the system as it is already, you could build an AI out of redstone and this computer. I may add logic into the system at some point. It would be a interesting challenge.

Except you have no output to redstone.

SHHH....

But that's in the works. And really easy come to think of it.

fr0stbyte124 wrote:

I don't think computers work that way.

SILENCE, THEY WORK THAT WAY NOW!

Whatever method of interaction with the computer we have, it has to look futuristic: typing in lines onto a monochromatic screen just doesn't do it for me.

Making the console look nice is easy. But the method of input is a limiter on how complex the system is to be. If you want a gui with lots of button, computers won't do much. (At least without a HUGE amount of work on my part, which could easily be spent better places). By using a console and text only input the computers become way more powerful. So personally I vote for the console look. Plus Notch's new game uses a computer that reads MACHINE CODE.

Also, there needs to be an easy way to create macros on a computer, so say for example, you create a macro called "fire!", and it fires all weapons attached to the computer.

Using the console look, I have already coded this. Its easy and simple. Using a gui style system, it would be absolutely monstrous to code.

Remember that computers can only hold ten device connections, and that to connect to a wireless transmitter, which leads to a wireless receiver, then the device requires 3 whole slots. I like your idea for slave computers, and computers placed next two each other should automatically connect (see bellow).

Right now I'm leaving the wireless stuff inside the computers. It IS the future, you would think that everything would have a 3G card built in by now. Limits on how many devices could be easily added.

And some ideas to improve the look and feel of the computers:

ATM I'm more focused on the technical aspect. The computer is still a brick block.


EDIT: WTF!?!?! I definatly hit reply, not edit... Sorry mack...

Monitors?

You must be kidding.

WE WANT HOLOGRAMS!

Make a hologram table.

Keon wrote:

Monitors?

You must be kidding.

WE WANT HOLOGRAMS!

Make a hologram table.

What did I just say? You can have a (flat) holo-screen if you place the monitor on the top of the block, or a normal screen if you place it on the side.

I think 3D holograms are a bit too complicated, don't you?

Lord Mackeroth wrote:

Keon wrote:

Monitors?

You must be kidding.

WE WANT HOLOGRAMS!

Make a hologram table.

What did I just say? You can have a (flat) holo-screen if you place the monitor on the top of the block, or a normal screen if you place it on the side.

I think 3D holograms are a bit too complicated, don't you?

They are complicated, but they'd be awesome.