The Computer was an interface program designed to allow the ship's computer to express information through writing or audio. Users could interact with the computer either by typing or by speaking directly to the program, which is simply called "Computer."
The Computer was powered independent of other ship systems, able to continue running even when power to other systems had been lost.[n 1]
Description[]
While the Computer is best known as a program used by the Planetary Union, the Krill used a computer interface program on their ships, too - and possibly other species as well.
Planetary Union[]
The Computer's interface system was mapped onto all Union vessels like the USS Orville and its shuttles, allowing users to direct the Computer or other ship operations. The Union Computer had a number of defining characteristics:
- The Computer maintained the status quo of all systems, and updated officers on changes - such as damage to the ship's hull.[1]
- The Computer contained an open-access cultural library containing information of the cultures of various species.
- The Computer could direct other programs of the ship through the library, such as sending recipes to a Food Synthesizer[2] and managing the operation of the scanning array.[3]
- The Computer on the Orville was known as the "main computer," implying other independent computers existed on the ship as well.[4]
- Medical computers were accessible through Sick Bay by Medical Officers, which could be directed to run a variety of tests and programs.[5]
- A Computer may store personnel records,[3] academic records,[6] and cultural and historical databases.[7]
Other characteristics of the Computer include tracking all passengers aboard the ship. The ship's Chief of Security could use the Computer to immediately locate any personnel, even the Captain or First Officer.[8]
Additionally, Computers were not impenetrable, and could be hacked[6] or manipulated through a malicious program.[9]
Krill[]
The Krill are known to have used a computer interface program for their ships, which "talked" to their officers.[n 2]
Kaylon[]
All Kaylon were connected to each other through a central computer which allowed them to communicate.[4]
Calivon[]
The Calivon used a highly sophisticated computer, far more advanced than those used by the Union or Krill. Their computers could scan entire databases in mere seconds and manufacture fictitious holographic displays.[10]
Trivia[]
- The Computer is voiced by Rachael MacFarlane, sister to the creator Seth MacFarlane.
- It is listed in the credits as "Computer Voice."
Appearances[]
Planetary Union[]
Use of the ship's computer is ubiquitous across the series. However, instances where the Computer speaks are notably fewer.
- Episode 1x01: Old Wounds (seen only)
- Episode 1x02: Command Performance (seen only)
- Episode 1x03: About a Girl (seen only)
- Episode 1x04: If the Stars Should Appear
- Episode 1x05: Pria
- Episode 1x06: Krill (seen only)
- Episode 1x07: Majority Rule (seen only)
- Episode 1x08: Into the Fold
- Episode 1x09: Cupid's Dagger
- Episode 1x10: Firestorm
- Episode 1x11: New Dimensions
- Episode 1x12: Mad Idolatry (seen only)
- Episode 1.5x03: The Word of Avis, Pt. 1
- Episode 2x01: Ja'loja
- Episode 2x07: Deflectors
Krill[]
- Episode 1x06: Krill
- Episode 1.5x04: The Word of Avis, Pt. 2 (seen only)
- Episode 2x04: Nothing Left on Earth Excepting Fishes (seen only)
Kaylon[]
Calivon[]
Notes[]
- ↑ The simulation of Computer still operates even when all other ship power is lost. Even though this version of the Computer is a simulation, Alara Kitan did not find it unusual. Episode 1x10: Firestorm
- ↑ Krill schoolteacher Teleya tells her pupil, Coja, that their computers can "talk" in Episode 1x06: Krill
References[]
- ↑ Episode 1x10: Firestorm
- ↑ Episode 1x04: If the Stars Should Appear
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Episode 1x11: New Dimensions
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Episode 2x14: The Road Not Taken
- ↑ Episode 1x09: Cupid's Dagger
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Episode 2x01: Ja'loja
- ↑ Episode 2x09: Identity, Pt. 2
- ↑ Episode 1x08: Into the Fold
- ↑ Episode 1.5x03: The Word of Avis, Pt. 1
- ↑ Episode 1x02: Command Performance