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Originally Posted by Xandax  50's and 60's "programming" is all but non existing and would likely have been "punch card" on mainframes (DOS did not appear for many years), so from a technological apsect you would already have to bend the rules. However, one also has to remember that development in the Fallout universe does differ from "50's and 60's" earth, it is just used as a placesetting - an atmopshere. Many things in Fallout universe go well beyond the 50's and 60's techonology (weapon, armor and robotics to mention a few). |
You're right, but then, keep this in mind. The computer systems for the F-16 were designed in 1962. Or thereabouts. A computer the size of a shoebox keeps that airplane flying, as well as alerting the pilot, running "Bitchin' Betty," and handling targeting. Granted, some improvements have definitely been made over the years (all aircraft and other military technology gets upgraded periodically), but it
worked in the 60's.
Further, rudimentary and experimental programming took place in the late forties using vaccuum tubes, prior to the development of the transistor.
Also bear in mind that whatever is on the civilian market is about ten to fifteen years behind the cutting edge stuff select military departments use, which is ten to fifteen years behind what's in development or on the drawing board.
Now, with that diatribe over with, some speculation. The Roswell crash occurred sometime in the late 40's (1947 IIRC). The first transistor was produced by Bell Labs in 1953. Bell was the primary communications contractor for the miliitary and U.S. Government in the early days of telecommunication (hence the handle "Ma Bell"), and as such, had a LOT of experience with electronics. They also had more technical resources and educated people on hand than the military/gov't.
Further, no one can truly prove
why modern electronics work, only that they do. Electronic theory is exactly that: THEORY.
Thus, I submit for your consideration: All modern electronics technology is reverse-engineered
alien technology.
So, in a Fallout universe, having a functioning computer language wouldn't be that much of a stretch.
;-)
-Loki