Technology

Interstellar trade has created a sort of convergence of technology. All of the space-faring races are at approximately the same level of technology. Of course there are exceptions based on personal preference, availabe funds, and the newest innovations. Effectively, anyone trained on how to use devices produced by one culture can adapt to devices produced by another culture with a very small learning curve. The following represents the most common, and where noted, most advanced technology available.

Computers

While computers have continued to get faster and faster, the average person is no longer directly impacted by this advancement. Personal computing technology has evolved to such an extent that everyone has a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The PDA is wirelessly connected to the individual's home computer. The home computer is in fact just that, the digital heart of the home. The home computer is connected to all appliances and operates numerous 'smart bots' (sophisticated computer programs designed to handle specific tasks very well) to help the owner manage the mundane household needs.

Depending on the tastes and needs of the individual, additional equipmenet is available. Anything from traditional keyboard interface, to larger displays, to neural interface systems are available. While most people have three-dimensional projectors for entertainment, most people still set aside office space within which to do work or surf the network.

Neural interface systems represent the cutting edge of technology. These system require special equipment that is not compatible with the average PDA device. Instead the neural interface comes with what is commonly known as a deck. The design of the deck hearkens back to the early days of personal computing where the users often had to open up the case to install and remove specific parts. This is something undheard of since the advent of the PDA system, which rarely requires an actual 'hardware' upgrade.

Communications

The weakest link in any interstellar civilization is its communication system. The slower it is, the less advanced it will be at its outer fringes. The races of the Dragon Quadrant enjoy near-real time communication between planets. The longest amount of lag between the furthest seperated points is less than a handful of minutes during peak usage. The network handles all interplanetary voice and data communications. The most common network device is the PDA, though devices of all types can be, and often are, hooked into the network.

The communication network, known as the 'UDA Network', is a network of satellites strategically positioned near the gateway points of the coordinate system used by space ships for navigation. This network is operated and maintained by TriTeq Industries, Inc. TriTeq maintains a complete monopoly on providing this service to the governments of the Dragon Quadrant for two reasons. The first is that the governments tolerate the monopoly because TriTeq has proven its ability to maintain the operation and security of the network despite the many challenges to both. The second is that the technology that enables the satellites to communicate as fast as they do is one of TriTeq's most closely guarded secrets.

Though they maintain a monopoly, TriTeq's managment of the network is designed to be as hands off as possible without compromising the system. Freedom of speech is a mostly protected right on the UDA Network. The sole exception is unsolicted advertisements, which are strictly forbidden. Given the ubiquitous nature of the UDA Network, getting cut off from it is a threat that most people take seriously.

Entertainment

Home entertainment consists of three-dimensional projectors with a rear screen for background scenery. These systems operate in non-interactive (for broadcast programming) and interactive (for games) modes.

Public entertainment consists of immersive psuedo-realistic simulations. From the user's perspective, no special equipmnet is required. The systems themselves utilize special force-field generators combined with replicator technology to produce physically substantial, yet artificial reality.

The same systems are used for military training and as part of the contract the military negotiated, all military personnel have unlimited usage passes for all public simulation suites. Everyone one else may choose to pay-per-use or purchase subscription passes. Some of the cost of the simulation is deferred by the sim companies producting 'reality' show programming based on the people who make use of their sims.

Because the simulations are interactive, prizes are offered to those who complete certain objectives. These prizes start out as artificially real constructs, and are traded in for fully replicated versions when the user leaves the simulation suite.

Medicine

Medical technology has advanced to the point that most physical and mental traits can be improved with gene therapy. Nearly all injuries and diseases can be cured if medical assistance is readily available.

The biggest advancement in medical technology is cloning. This controversial technology was accidentally developed by Darvots during an experiment whose details have yet to be released some 100 years after the fact. The cloning process is complex and even the most experienced technicians do not fully understand it. Cells are taken from the donor body and from them a clone is grown in a special facility. The process requires both magic and technology to work in perfect harmony and is thus the only widely known example of technomancy.

Initially, the clone appears to be braindead, but upon the death of the donor body, the 'spirit' of the person is drawn to the clone, whereupon the person is effectively brought back to life. Despite initial hysteria, this process does not make people immortal. In order for the spirit transfer to work properly, the clone must be the exact physical age of the original or the spirit will not be able to revive. If a clone is not available immediately upon the death of the individual, they will not be able to be revived. So, while this method will prevent accidental death from being permanent, old age will eventually catch up with everyone.

Beyond the level of germs and microbes, there was only one known successful attempt at artificially creating a life form. After numerous unexpected mutations, it killed all of the reserchers in the facility and ultimately had to be taken out by an orbital bombardment. As a result, this type of research has been banned by interplanetary convention. Considering the lucrative business of ehancing existing species, noone has complained too loudly about the ban.