Module

A module is a computer component that defines what a computer can do or control beyond its basic functions. This includes the computer's ability to control other devices or computers. Modules represent a combination of hardware and software bundled together, and can be easily added to or removed from a computer and granted additional security against unauthorized access.

Types of modules

Control module

Most computers can access and manipulate many simple devices. However, a control module is required to interface with more complex devices like drones, starships, vehicles, weapons, or other computers.

Secure data module

Also called simply a data module. While many computers contain sufficient storage for most types of unsecured data, a secure data module provides additional protection for sensitive information. As modules, they can also be physically removed from a computer and destroyed if necessary.

Spell chip

A spell gem can be crafted in the form of a chip and installed as a computer module, which provides an interface for the computer to activate the spell. Expended spell chips can be reloaded.

Upgrade module

Computers can be improved or customized with modules that augment existing features or add new functionality.

Security and manipulation

Anyone with physical access to a computer can add, remove, or reconfigure modules, though doing so carelessly can damage or disable the computer or module. It can take at least a minute for most skilled computer technicians to add, remove, disable, or otherwise manipulate a module correctly, with more complex computers requiring more time. They are complex components, and repairing or completely destroying a module can take 10 minutes or more.

Firewalls and other countermeasures can regulate software access to installed modules. A firewall can grant certain users root access to a module's functionality while blocking access to it from others. Conversely, hackers who overcome such countermeasures can grant themselves unauthorized access the module's functionality.