PAW Timelines/Technology Timeline

Technology is an important part of any universe. In order to help keep it straight, I've put together a listing of established tech and proposed tech. Feel free to add to the proposed, but only add to established when the story has been accepted as canon. --Concerned Reader 22:50, 4 June 2009 (UTC)

This page has the blessing of at least one of the creators of the Pig and Whistle setting - me! -- ShadowWolf 06:08, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

ESTABLISHED

• Windows Is dead circa 2010. Servers jacked during the collapse.

• A wide area network covers most of the planet, supplying updates and Internet to billions of devices.

• Linux/BSD are mainstream.

• Embedded systems self compile incoming updates, so that they work on a wide range of devices.

• Viruses are common on the WAN, constantly infecting client side machines through flaws in the self compiling protocols.

• Gaming has advanced into the third dimension. A 3d holographic version of Microsoft Surface is in the bar. Probably running a gaming variant of Linux.

• As of the unspecified, 2030's date of the telling of 'Death and Rebirth' the Internet is still not as reliable as it was before the collapse. The infrastructure is still being repaired and rebuilt.

• The 'WAN' is a nominally wireless 'Mesh' type network that was born from various militaries setting up wireless networks for command and control purposes during the collapse.

THEORETICAL/PROPOSED

• Brain to computer interfaces have advanced to basic control, taking over for voice control. Based on the OCZ NIA.

• Asus has expanded the EEE line into even more areas, including:
  • prosthetics
  • Car computers
  • Home appliances
  • Phones/cellphones
  • etc.

• Two standards for processor architecture have been introduced. The Global Architecture Standard for desktops and servers, and the Global Integrated Architecture Standard for embedded systems. Known as GAS and GIAS respectively.

• Multi core processors have advanced to being basically a wafer of cores in a case. 2-16 for embedded systems, 20-200 for Desktops, and 200+ for supercomputers. Core clock's have solidified at around 6.0ghz for desktops, and 3.2ghz for embedded.

• Car Technology
  • Hydrogen injection is a popular mod for old gasoline burners.
  • Hybrids are commonplace, and full electrics are taking ground.
  • Hydrogen fuel cells are still in development

• Solar panels are cheap. Most houses are roofed with them to supply supplemental power.

NOTES

• The 'WAN' was first found by 'hackers' who used it as their playground, much as the original BBS systems and the Internet was used.
• The 'viruses' on the WAN almost all have common roots in the rootkits and exploits used to crack Unix/Linux systems, with the most advanced containing highly evolved neural networks for determining the best route of attack. The single most common route of attack is a "hole" that is required by NAR legislation so that, should the need arise, the WAN can be returned, rapidly, to it's original purpose.
• Microsoft did not fare well in the collapse because of the anti-piracy measures in Windows. Once the activation servers went down, there was no way to validate copies of Windows legally which led to the shift to free and un-encumbered operating systems.
• By 2050 Microsoft, what is left of it, has recovered enough and is providing modern versions of its software for all extant operating systems. These new versions are still not open source, but are more stable and reliable than anything they had previously released.