Master–slave (technology) and Questron (series): Difference between pages
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{{dablink|This article is about the computer concept. For the general terms, see [[Master]] and [[Slave]]. For the philosophical concept, see [[Master-Slave]].}} |
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{{Infobox VG| title = Questron |
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'''Master/slave''' is a [[model (abstract)|model]] of [[communication]] where one [[Computer hardware|device]] or [[Process (computing)|process]] has unidirectional [[control]] over one or more other devices. Once a master/slave relationship between devices or processes is established, the direction of control is always from the master to the slaves. In some systems a master is elected from a group of eligible devices, with the other devices acting in the role of slaves.<ref>[http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid7_gci783492,00.html master/slave - a searchNetworking definition]</ref><ref>[http://support.microsoft.com/kb/188001 ''Description of the Microsoft Computer Browser Service'' from Microsoft KnowledgeBase]</ref><ref>[http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;102878 ''Information on Browser Operation'' from Microsoft KnowledgeBase]</ref> |
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|image = <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Questronswamp.png|thumbnail|Exploring the Swamp Cathedral in the [[Apple II]] version of Questron.|center|250px]] --> |
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[[Image:Questron C64.png|thumbnail|Outside Geraldtown in the [[Commodore 64]] version of Questron.|center|250px]] |
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[[Image:Questron II.png|thumbnail|Scene from the [[Commodore 64]] version of Questron II.|center|250px]] |
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|developer = [[Strategic Simulations, Inc.]] |
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|publisher = [[Strategic Simulations, Inc.]] |
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|released = [[1984]], [[1988]] |
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|genre = [[Computer role-playing game]] |
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|modes = [[Single player]] |
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|platforms = [[Commodore 64]], [[Apple II]], [[Amiga]] |
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}} |
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'''''Questron''''' is a [[fantasy]] [[computer role-playing game|RPG]] computer game series produced by [[Strategic Simulations, Inc.]] |
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==Examples== |
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*In a [[client-server]] relation, the [[client (computing)|client]] is the master, and the [[server (computing)|server]] is the slave. |
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*In [[database replication]], the master database is regarded as the authoritative source, and the slave databases are synchronized to it. |
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*Peripherals connected to a [[Computer bus|bus]] in a computer system. |
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*A series of [[diesel locomotive]]s is often used in tandem to pull heavy [[load]]s, or to ascend and descend [[Wiktionary:steep|steep]] [[mountain]]s. The first [[engine]] in the front is the master, and the other engines (often completely without a cab with controls for the [[engineer]]) are the [[master/slave|slaves]]. |
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*[[Loop bin duplicator|Duplication]] is often done with several [[cassette tape]] or [[compact disc]] recorders linked together. Operating the controls on the master triggers the same commands on the slaves, so that [[recording]] is done in parallel. |
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*In [[Advanced Technology Attachment|parallel ATA]] [[hard drive]] arrangements, the terms master and slave are used but neither drive has control over the other. The terms also do not indicate precedence of one drive over the other in most situations. "Master" is merely another term for device 0 and "slave" indicates device 1. |
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*On the [[Macintosh]] platform, [[Target Disk Mode]] allows a computer to operate as an external [[FireWire]] [[hard disk]], essentially a disk slave mode. Some older pre-FireWire Macintoshes had a similar "[[SCSI]] Disk Mode". |
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== |
==Questron== |
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In ''Questron'' the player takes on the role of a young serf who tries to make a name for himself by traveling the realm in order to gain the power and experience necessary to defeat the wicked "Mantor", ruler of the "Land of Evil". |
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Sometimes the terms ''master'' and ''slave'' are deemed offensive. |
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The gameplay and graphics are very simple. The view is mostly in [[top-down]] style for the world maps and town encounters, but switches to a [[3-D computer graphics|3D]] first-person style in the dungeons of the Land of Evil. |
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On [[November 2003]], the [[County of Los Angeles]] sent an e-mail to its suppliers asking them not to use these terms:<ref>[http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/outrage/master.asp Urban Legends Reference Pages: Inboxer Rebellion (Master/Slave) from www.snopes.com]</ref><ref>[http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/11/25/0014257&mode=thread&tid=103&tid=133&tid=186&tid=99 L.A. County Bans Use Of "Master/Slave" Term from Slashdot]</ref><ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/ptech/11/26/master.term.reut/index.html 'Master' and 'slave' computer labels unacceptable, officials say] (Wednesday, November 26, 2003, [[CNN]])</ref><blockquote> |
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Subject: IDENTIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT SOLD TO LA COUNTY<br> |
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Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2003 14:21:16 -0800<br> |
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From: "Los Angeles County"<br> |
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<br> |
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The County of Los Angeles actively promotes and is committed to ensure a work environment that is free from any discriminatory influence be it actual or perceived. As such, it is the County's expectation that our manufacturers, suppliers and contractors make a concentrated effort to ensure that any equipment, supplies or services that are provided to County departments do not possess or portray an image that may be construed as offensive or defamatory in nature.<br> |
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<br> |
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One such recent example included the manufacturer's labeling of equipment where the words "Master/Slave" appeared to identify the primary and secondary sources. Based on the cultural diversity and sensitivity of Los Angeles County, this is not an acceptable identification label.<br> |
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<br> |
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We would request that each manufacturer, supplier and contractor review, identify and remove/change any identification or labeling of equipment or components thereof that could be interpreted as discriminatory or offensive in nature before such equipment is sold or otherwise provided to any County department.<br> |
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<br> |
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Thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance.<br> |
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<br> |
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Joe Sandoval, Division Manager<br> |
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Purchasing and Contract Services<br> |
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Internal Services Department<br> |
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County of Los Angeles<br> |
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</blockquote>Many in the Information Technology field rebuff this claim of discrimination and offence as ridiculous, noting that the master/slave terminology accurately reflects what is going on inside the device and that this was not intended in any way to be a reference to slavery as it existed in the United States. (See also [[political correctness]].) {{Fact|date=July 2008}} |
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Some features were novel for a game of its type at the time of its release. First there are two "games within a game" that allow the character to permanently increase dexterity or intelligence attributes if completed successfully . Also, various casinos about the towns allow the player to gamble for gold pieces in games of [[Blackjack]], [[Roulette]] or "Double or Nothing". |
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Recently, there were rumors of a major push to change the way hardware manufacturers refer to these devices {{Fact|date=July 2008 | What are rumors doing in an encyclopedia?}}. It has not had much effect on most of the products being produced. The designation of hard drives as master/slave may decline in a few years, with [[SATA]] replacing older [[Integrated Drive Electronics|IDE]] (PATA) drives. This standard allows only one drive per connection, and does not require the use of master/slave terms. |
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Another aspect of the game is that various monsters and foes are immune or more vulnerable to different weapons. The player would occasionally have to switch weapons depending on which enemy they faced in order to defeat them. Magic spells can also be cast, but only in the dungeon levels. |
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==Fictional uses== |
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*In [[Timothy Zahn]]'s novels set in the [[Star Wars Expanded Universe]], many ships were fitted with "slave circuits" to simplify the process of synchronized hyperspace jumps. A fleet of [[Old Republic]] battleships with malfunctioning slave circuits is a central plot point in the [[The Thrawn trilogy|Thrawn trilogy]]. |
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The original game was written by Charles Dougherty and Gerald Wieczorek and published in [[1984]] for the [[Commodore 64]] and [[Apple II]] computer systems. The structure and style of the game were licensed from [[Richard Garriott]], author of [[Akalabeth]] and [[Ultima (video game series)|Ultima]].<ref name="Q1">From Questron in-game menu screen, Apple II and Commodore 64 versions. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Questron_licensing.png (screenshot)]</ref> This game was the first foray by SSI into the fantasy RPG genre and its release was followed by the more expansive ''[[Phantasie]]'' series. |
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==See also== |
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==Questron II== |
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* [[Advanced Technology Attachment]] (ATA), uses master/slave configuration |
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In [[1988]] a sequel was made for the Apple II, Commodore 64 and [[Amiga]] computers. It featured gameplay of a similar style with improved graphics and features. This game's programming and artwork are credited to Westwood Associates, while the storyline and original design are credited to [[Quest Software (US)|Quest Software]]. This game was also produced by Strategic Simulations, Inc.<ref name="Q2">From Questron II in-game menu screen, Commodore 64 version.</ref> |
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* [[Flexible single master operation]] |
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* [[Bus mastering]] |
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* [[Master clock]] |
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The premise of this game is that the player's character has been sent back in time to defeat six "Mad Sorcerers" before they can create the "Book of Magic" featured in the original game. ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'' described it as very similar, albeit not equal, to the original.<ref name = "CGW">{{citation | date = August 1988 | author = Scorpia | periodical = [[Computer Gaming World]] | title = Questron II | year = 1988 | pages = 8-9, 50}}</ref> |
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<references/> |
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==Related games== |
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[[Image:LegendBlacksilver_Twn.png|thumbnail|right|Scene from [[Commodore 64]] version of [[Legend of Blacksilver]]|center|250px]] |
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John and Charles Dougherty also made two other games which were credited to Quest Software. The brothers produced [[Legacy of the Ancients]] in 1987 for the Apple II & Commodore 64 (and later the PC), followed by its sequel [[Legend of Blacksilver]] in 1988. Both games used an updated version of the engine used by Questron and Questron II. |
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<div class="references-small"><references /></div> |
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==External links== |
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[[de:Master/Slave]] |
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*{{moby game|id=/questron|name=''Questron''}} |
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[[fr:Maître-esclave]] |
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*{{moby game|id=/questron-ii|name=''Questron II''}} |
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[[ja:マスタースレーブ]] |
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*[http://hol.abime.net/2267 ''Questron II'' on the Amiga] at the [http://hol.abime.net/ Hall of Light (HOL)] |
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[[nl:Slaaf (technisch)]] |
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Game Theorist web page:<br> |
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http://www.msu.edu/~wieczor8/questron2.htm |
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[[Category:1984 video games]] |
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[[Category:1988 video games]] |
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[[Category:Amiga games]] |
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[[Category:Role-playing video games]] |
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[[Category:Strategic Simulations games]] |
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Revision as of 00:31, 13 October 2008
| Questron | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Developer(s) | Strategic Simulations, Inc. |
| Publisher(s) | Strategic Simulations, Inc. |
| Platform(s) | Commodore 64, Apple II, Amiga |
| Release | 1984, 1988 |
| Genre(s) | Computer role-playing game |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
Questron is a fantasy RPG computer game series produced by Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Questron
In Questron the player takes on the role of a young serf who tries to make a name for himself by traveling the realm in order to gain the power and experience necessary to defeat the wicked "Mantor", ruler of the "Land of Evil".
The gameplay and graphics are very simple. The view is mostly in top-down style for the world maps and town encounters, but switches to a 3D first-person style in the dungeons of the Land of Evil.
Some features were novel for a game of its type at the time of its release. First there are two "games within a game" that allow the character to permanently increase dexterity or intelligence attributes if completed successfully . Also, various casinos about the towns allow the player to gamble for gold pieces in games of Blackjack, Roulette or "Double or Nothing".
Another aspect of the game is that various monsters and foes are immune or more vulnerable to different weapons. The player would occasionally have to switch weapons depending on which enemy they faced in order to defeat them. Magic spells can also be cast, but only in the dungeon levels.
The original game was written by Charles Dougherty and Gerald Wieczorek and published in 1984 for the Commodore 64 and Apple II computer systems. The structure and style of the game were licensed from Richard Garriott, author of Akalabeth and Ultima.[1] This game was the first foray by SSI into the fantasy RPG genre and its release was followed by the more expansive Phantasie series.
Questron II
In 1988 a sequel was made for the Apple II, Commodore 64 and Amiga computers. It featured gameplay of a similar style with improved graphics and features. This game's programming and artwork are credited to Westwood Associates, while the storyline and original design are credited to Quest Software. This game was also produced by Strategic Simulations, Inc.[2]
The premise of this game is that the player's character has been sent back in time to defeat six "Mad Sorcerers" before they can create the "Book of Magic" featured in the original game. Computer Gaming World described it as very similar, albeit not equal, to the original.[3]
Related games
John and Charles Dougherty also made two other games which were credited to Quest Software. The brothers produced Legacy of the Ancients in 1987 for the Apple II & Commodore 64 (and later the PC), followed by its sequel Legend of Blacksilver in 1988. Both games used an updated version of the engine used by Questron and Questron II.
References
- ^ From Questron in-game menu screen, Apple II and Commodore 64 versions. (screenshot)
- ^ From Questron II in-game menu screen, Commodore 64 version.
- ^ Scorpia (August 1988), "Questron II", Computer Gaming World, pp. 8–9, 50
{{citation}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
External links
Game Theorist web page:
http://www.msu.edu/~wieczor8/questron2.htm