Consolidating Consoles and Computers

[Veterankyl]

So I recently got thinking about how there are a LOT of circuit boards for a variety of consoles, and at the same time there are computers and tablets that can download several programs that mimic these exact functions. It started making me wonder, what if all consoles and computers were made to function the same? Essentially, consoles would start as blank slates that could have a variety of programs downloaded to it to either function as a multi-use setup, or could be locked so that only one program is accessible, which would be useful for consoles that are publicly accessible. It'd allow for a lot of variety when it comes to creating computer/console setups, and could even lead into information transfer between programs.

- To start, nearly all consoles would be lumped into the modular console, which is essentially a stationary computers. This would require them to have parts such as processor boards, network cards, power cells, and other computer parts to be added for them to function. However, the benefit would be that these consoles would have access to a huge library of potential applications.

- The research behind these console programs would be the same. Science would do their usual deconstruction stuff to research the programs. However, instead of making a circuit, a data disk would be printed, which is then put into the console/computer to download the program to it. Once downloaded, the program can be selected and run just like it normally would. With this setup, multiple programs can be downloaded to the same console.

- The limiting factor would be memory, which can be alleviated as science researches more advanced data storage. A basic console/computer would at most be able to download a few small programs or one large program, with more advanced components allowing for the installation of many programs. Additional components, like printers and ID scanners, can be added as needed to meet the program's needs.

- For consoles that you'd like to only have one program running, a setting in the program config can be toggled to lock the console to the selected program, requiring a password to be used to return to the program list.

- This also opens the possibility of programs being able to use components and data from other programs. For example, say you have a security record for an individual that you'd like to print. If the computer or console has a printer, you can print the file directly. If it doesn't have a printer, you could save the record as a text file, then use the file transfer program to send it to a computer or console that has a printer available.

- One last possibility is for researched programs to be uploaded to the station's network, which could allow for the wireless download of new programs without the need of a data disk. This could require RnD to set up a new server to manage the station's program files, or the setup can be outsourced to engineering to do. Once made, people with the matching ID requirements could download their desired programs from anywhere on the station. If they don't meet the ID requirements, they could still go to science to request the data disk for the program. The programs of course will still require the proper ID access to work, so civis won't be able to get access the command communication program.

With all of this in mind, there'll still be some consoles that will remain standard consoles due to their limited use or the security risk they may pose if remote access was allowed. Things like the shuttle consoles, PA console, turbine console, BSA console, and potentially others would stay the same as to prevent tampering from outside sources (Remotely turning up the PA when a singularity is running would just be too dangerous to allow)