Skip to main content

star trek - Where did Scotty learn to type?


In Star Trek 4 'The Voyage Home', in probably the funniest scene in the movie, Scotty tries using a 1980s computer. After a bit of trouble (see below), he realizes he needs to use the keyboard and manages to type out a formula exceptionally quickly (again, see below). My question is, considering his unfamiliarity with that sort of computer, and the fact that (as far as I can recall) there aren't any 'keyboards', or at least QWERTY keyboards, in the 23rd century, where did Scotty learn to type so fast?






Answer



The far bigger question to me always has been the question how Scotty knows how to write the formula into the computer. I.e. if you're able to write and format a letter with Microsoft Word, you might still not know how to do all the proper steps in a program such as LibreOffice Writer (without trial and error). And we're not just talking about some UI differences here.


But besides that, once Scotty knew he'd be forced to use the keyboard, he could just use that. Don't forget that it's not like keys or buttons are obsolete in Star Trek, and especially during TOS there are still tons of panels with buttons and keyboard like attachments (even LCARS just mimics panels and stuff, but doing it in a far more dynamic way). Actually, I'm rather sure there are at least a few instances of keyboard like panels in some of the episodes, I jut don't remember any specific one. But remembering the annoying computer sounds in TOS, I could understand them trying not to use them. :)


Don't forget that he's still an engineering genius, so it shouldn't take long for him to figure out that buttons with letters on them are meant to be used for typing. They probably have similar things in the future, especially during TOS. Just don't expect any classic IBM/PC compatible keyboard sitting around. Him using the mouse as some kind of microphone clearly has been a gag for the audience, but at the same time it shows that he knows that older hardware might have been wired and that he'd have to use some of the devices attached through cables.




Oh, and if you'd like a different real life example: Take some kid of today who grew up with touch screen devices and modern PC keyboards only. Put them in front of a 18xx typewriter and let them figure out how to write a letter. There might be a few starting issues (feeding the paper... "Hello, Computer!"), but once those hurdles are taken, actually using the "device" is pretty straight forward, even if you haven't used such "ancient" technology before.






One last note: If you're set to complete a job estimated to take 5 hours within 5 minutes you'll have to have quick fingers, no matter what. Slow fingers won't impress your captain!


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

story identification - Animation: floating island, flying pests

At least 20 years ago I watched a short animated film which stuck in my mind. The whole thing was wordless, possibly European, and I'm pretty sure I didn't imagine it... It featured a flying island which was inhabited by some creatures who (in my memory) reminded me of the Moomins. The island was frequently bothered by large winged animals who swooped around, although I don't think they did any actual damage. At the end one of the moomin creatures suddenly gets a weird feeling, feels forced to climb to the top of the island and then plunges down a shaft right through the centre - only to emerge at the bottom as one of the flyers. Answer Skywhales from 1983. The story begins with a man warning the tribe of approaching skywhales. The drummers then warn everybody of the hunt as everyone get prepared to set "sail". Except one man is found in his home sleeping as the noise wake him up. He then gets ready and is about to take his weapon as he hesitates then decides ...
Post a Comment
Read more

harry potter - Did Dolores Umbridge Have Any Association with Voldemort (or Death Eaters) before His Return?

I noticed that Dolores Umbridge was born during the first Wizarding War, so it's very likely she wasn't a Death Eater then (but she is pretty evil -- who knows?). After that Voldemort was not around in a way that could affect many people, and most wouldn't know he was planning to rise again. During that time, and up through Voldemort's return (in Goblet of Fire ), did Umbridge have any connection with the Death Eaters or with Voldemort? Was she doing what she did on her own, or was it because of an association with Voldemort or his allies? Answer Dolores Umbridge was definitely not a good person. However, as Sirius points out, "the world isn't split into good people and Death Eaters". Remember that he also says that he doesn't believe Umbridge to be a Death Eater, but that she's evil enough (or something like that). I think there are two strong reasons to believe that: Umbridge was proud to do everything according to the law, except when she trie...
Post a Comment
Read more

tolkiens legendarium - Did Gandalf wear his Ring of Power throughout the trilogy?

After Gandalf discovered that Sauron was back and sent Frodo on his quest to Rivendell, did he continue to wear Narya (one of the Three Rings)? It seems like a huge risk to continue to wear it after the Nazgûl (Ringwraiths) started to try and reclaim the One Ring; if they managed to get the ring to Sauron, couldn't he be corrupted by his power? Whatever powers Narya bestows upon him couldn't possibly be worth the huge risk, could it? Answer When Sauron forged the one ring and put it on his finger, the other ring bearers were immediately aware of him and his intentions and removed their own rings. There is no reason why they couldn't merely do so again. As soon as Sauron set the One Ring upon his finger they were aware of him; and they knew him, and preceived that he would be master of them, and of all they wrought. Then in anger and fear they took off their rings. "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age," Silmarillion
Post a Comment
Read more