Computer One

Computer One is a science fiction novel of the near future by British novelist Warwick Collins, published in 1993. The novel charts the discovery by Professor Enzo Yakuda (the main protagonist) that the international civil network of computers known as "Computer One" will come to see humanity as a threat and move to eliminate it.

Overview

Once the author's premise is accepted, i.e., ongoing expansion of networked computers and systems over the next 40–50 years (including final net-management of world energy sources and production) and a biological interpretation of how such a net might advance to AI complexity (the whole becomes something greater than the sum of its parts), his conclusion is frighteningly logical and realistic. Biology professor Yakuda is able to deduce the dangers of the autonomous world-net, called Computer One, from his studies of insect colonies. [Note: the introduction describes the difficulty of programming safeguards into a net, such as Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics." Arthur C. Clarke read this book and said "It really scared me...move over Hal!" A significant message of the story is that there is no effective "Off" switch: once established, the Net cannot be disconnected.

Plot introduction

The novel describes a near utopia in which almost everything is automated by Computer One, with humanity's primary struggle being what to do with all its leisure time when there is very little work to be done.

Though analogous to the Internet, the Computer One of the novel assumes a far greater unity of purpose and truth. Whereas the content of sites on the World Wide Web varies greatly and typically reflects the views of individual authors, Computer One provides a single authoritative source of information with no ambiguity.

Related Pop Culture

In 1983, Australian band Dear Enemy released a song titled "Computer One". The song questions the ability of Computer One to know and instruct where matters of love and human motive are concerned.

References

• Collins, Warwick (1993). Computer One. No Exit Press. ISBN 1-874061-12-2.