LCARS
LCARS (Library Computer Access and Retrieval System) is the name of the Federation's computer operating system and the interface used to operate it.
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History
Precisely when the Federation adopted the LCARS system is unknown. An LCARS-like interface was first seen in 2287 aboard the USS Enterprise[1]; however, this interface was removed six years later, suggesting the technology was not yet mature[2]. By 2363, the LCARS interface was ubiquitous, with only a handful of facilities still using the older designs[3].
Description
The LCARS system runs on the Federation's isolinear and bioneural computer hardware. It can be installed on shipboard computers, desktop terminals and portable equipment.
- Input: Data and commands can be entered through touchscreens, keypads, or spoken words. The system is capable of understanding natural language; no specific commands need to be memorized[4].
- Output: The LCARS system is capable of synthesizing speech and displaying text or graphics, depending on the available hardware. The GUI can reconfigure itself depending on the task being performed[5].
Advantages
LCARS has a very shallow learning curve, allowing personnel to use it reliably with little training[6]. Thanks to the voice interface, even laymen are capable of performing complex tasks, such as interstellar navigation[7] or combat[8].
Disadvantages
The nature of the touch interface means tactile feedback will be limited, which may hamper tasks that rely on precision control; perhaps as a response to this, a steering column was added to certain starships for manual flight control[9]. Being fully electronic in nature, the LCARS interface is more susceptible to failure than a mechanical control system.
References
- ↑ Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
- ↑ Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
- ↑ Star Trek: Generations; Amargosa Station using TOS-era consoles
- ↑ TNG: Booby Trap
- ↑ Star Trek: Insurrection
- ↑ TNG: The Outcast
- ↑ TNG: Ship in a Bottle
- ↑ VOY: Message in a Bottle
- ↑ Star Trek: Insurrection
