This list is derived from Dictionary of Computer Terms in Science Fiction http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Science_List_Detail.asp?BT=Computer (I've put the entries into chronological order, but the original page has LINKS to more detailed entries for each in the list) (There's so much more to be done with this list... this sort by date is just the beginning for analysis of the evolution of sci-fi thinking about computers) ==== Geometric Modeling - eighteenth century NURBS The first recorded use of geometric figures to directly represent, or model, living beings. Jonathan Swift (1726) Knowledge Engine - machine-made expertise The first reference to a machine that could create sentences or write books. Jonathan Swift (1726) The Machine - supplies every need A single vast contrivance that supplied all the needs of the world's millions of solitary inhabitants. E.M. Forster (1909) Artificial Brain A non-organic device structured like a human brain. Edmond Hamilton (1926) Computer Vision (Artificial Eye) A device which, attached to a suitable computer, will allow the device to see. Edmond Hamilton (1926) Grantline Comptometer - long before Mathematica Key-driven computer/calculator that easily solves even calculus problems. Ray Cummings (1928) Chemical Brain A purely chemical artificial intelligence. Francis Flagg (1929) Governing Keyboard A remote-controlled robot responds to keyboard commands. David H. Keller (1929) Integral Calculator A device that accepts complex equations and solves them. Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931) Government Machine The automata that constitute the entire government, all in one building. Miles J. Breuer (1932) Ballistic Calculator - trajectories between planets An on-board computer for a spaceship to calculate its course and perform other related tasks. Robert Heinlein (1939) Games Machine A vast computer system. A.E. van Vogt (1945) Carson Circuit - the secret of the Internet A means of distinguishing betweem millions of different information sources - the secret of the Internet. Murray Leinster (1946) Logics - early home computer Machines that let you request information, and then display it for you on a screen. Murray Leinster (1946) Metal Calculator Planet - the Burroughs planet A planet covered entirely with machinery to a height of twenty miles and covered with a metal roof. Clifford Simak (1949) The Machines A few of these can run a planetary economy. Isaac Asimov (1950) Calculator Pad - grandfather of the pocket calculator Used to make psychohistoric calculations Isaac Asimov (1951) Machine Test Scoring A device that scans a specially prepared grade sheet and determines a student's score. Isaac Asimov (1951) Mechanical Teacher - one for all A computer device able to teach children. Isaac Asimov (1951) Odorophonics - scent player A system capable of reproducing selected scents capable of fooling the human nervous system. Ray Bradbury (1951) Selector Card Pneumatic delivery of book films by using a mechanical form of data storage; selector cards - probably punch cards. Robert Heinlein (1951) Telebook - words on a screen A book made available in text on a television screen. Isaac Asimov (1951) Self-Maintaining Circuit Monitoring and Repair A computer that monitors itself for repair. Frank Quattrocchi (1952) Mnemiphot A device used to search for information, which is then presented on a convenient screen. Jack Vance (1952) Brains An electronic brain that is able to do problem solving. This idea seems to be the impetus behind current artificial intelligence that seeks to solve problems, rather than to simulate human intelligenc Eando Binder (1953) Morality Rating-Computer - spotting the deviant A computer system able to determine moral deviancy. Kendall Foster Crossen (1953) Trace Web A small, handheld device that contacts (and even instantiates) the larger network. Philip K. Dick (1954) Universal Dictionary - grandfather of the electronic dictionary A machine that provided references to anything known. Robert Heinlein (1954) Voicewriter Screen (Computer Monitor) A screen that displays characters. Theodore Sturgeon (1954) Multivac A computer with millions of facts. Isaac Asimov (1955) Electronic Analogue of Living Brain Imposing the abilities of a human brain into a computer Frederik Pohl (1955) Human Habit Pattern Machines Imposing human habits onto machines. Frederik Pohl (1955) Hand Computer A small pocket-sized computing device. Isaac Asimov (1956) Mechanical Jokester A vast computer system learns about humor. Isaac Asimov (1956) Thorsen Memory Tube Computer component that allows a machine to learn through experience. Robert Heinlein (1956) Universal Checkbook - radioactive checking Fully electronic banking system, which allows easy withdrawal of funds from any bank. Robert Heinlein (1956) Brood Assembly - first self reproducing automata Artificially intelligent computers that can replicate themselves. James Blish (1957) Machine Psychologist - computer psychiatrist A computer that understands and uses its knowledge of human psychology to benefit human users. James Blish (1957) Stellar Analog Computers Special systems used to calculate safe "jumps" for interstellar trips. Rose Sharon (1957) Computers Improve Computers The idea that it will be possible for computers to design more advanced computers. Isaac Asimov (1958) Edge Controls A pocket-sized device using controls on the edge of the device, leaving the face for display purposes only. Isaac Asimov (1958) Pocket Computer - a PDA A pocket-sized computer. Isaac Asimov (1958) Opton - electronic book Very early description of an electronic book, with storage media. Stanislaw Lem (1961) Screensaver (Inventor of) - the original idea Screen savers are used to prevent phosphor burnout in CRTs, and to provide restful entertainment on computer screens. Robert Heinlein (1961) Laminated Mouse Brain Computer - extra fast computer A computing device that makes use of neurons from a mouse. Cordwainer Smith (1962) Veridicator - lie detector that works A device that measured physiologic responses (biometric data) and translated it to a set of colors that unerringly reported whether or not the measured person was telling the truth. H. Beam Piper (1962) Unicephalon 40-D - yes, mr. president A problem-solving supercomputer. Philip K. Dick (1963) Universal Technical Consultative Service Interstellar travel plans calculated, reserved and confirmed. Jack Vance (1964) Gigagnostotron Enormously powerful computing device. Stanislaw Lem (1965) Gnostotron Computing device capable of producing an informational model of absolutely everything in existence. Stanislaw Lem (1965) Model the Universe A computer capacious enough to contain a representation of the entire universe. Stanislaw Lem (1965) Smart Dust - intelligent sand Very tiny computers. Stanislaw Lem (1965) Alternate Computer Personality A computer system that can take on complete, alternate personalities. Robert Heinlein (1966) Cyborg Pilot - man plus machine A combination of a human being (at least the thinking part) and a machine. Robert Heinlein (1966) Interests Profile - an intelligent agent An intelligent agent; a software program with your personal tastes on file. Frederik Pohl (1966) Neuristor A solid-state computer component that mimics the human neuron. Robert Heinlein (1966) Virtual Kiss (Tactile Net) - affection by wire A phone-like device that will communicate a kiss in a tactile manner. Frederik Pohl (1966) AM - an Agressive Menace A supercomputer that hates. Harlan Ellison (1967) Full-Shift Set Variable - early mention in gaming Infinite possibilities built into a game machine. Philip K. Dick (1967) Icon Thumbsized Image - first reference? A very early reference to a screen icon. Arthur C. Clarke (1968) Computer Virus A software program that copies itself to other computers. Gregory Benford (1970) Computer Worm (Tapeworm) - first use of the concept The first description of a set of computer codes that moves from one computer to another on a network as a coherent entity. John Brunner (1975) Data-Net An early mention of the idea of a nationwide data network. John Brunner (1975) Electronic Voting Using computer terminals to register votes from citizens. John Brunner (1975) Government Data Transparency The idea that all of the information available to the government should be posted online and be easily accessible to everyone. John Brunner (1975) Net Shutdown Worm - computer tapeworm project A tapeworm designed to shut down a nationwide network in the event of national emergency. John Brunner (1975) Retaliatory Tapeworm (Counter-Worm) - take that! Using computers to deliberately damage another person's reputation and well-being. John Brunner (1975) Comsole (Home Communications Console) A home computer, connected to data services. Arthur C. Clarke (1976) Keyboard With Changing Keys A computer keyboard with keys faced with little displays, so the label could change based on the application or language. Arthur C. Clarke (1976) Neuristor Brain A computer device made up of neuristors. Roger Zelazny (1976) Briefcase Computer - early reference A portable computer workstation. James P. Hogan (1977) Holo-Printing Errors introduced in data storage media when recording under improper conditions. Philip K. Dick (1977) Network Monitoring Detection - why the slowdown? Detection of someone monitoring your computer workstation Frank Herbert (1977) Personality Simulator - game your office politics A device which, when fed enough data about a person, simulated their personality allowing the user to predict behavior in stated circumstances. Frank Herbert (1977) Computer Generated DigItal Music A computer composes music with a few simple inputs from the user. Donald Kingsbury (1979) Briefcase Console - the original notebook computer A notebook computer Jerry Pournelle (w/L. Niven) (1981) Data Space Computer storage and processor time rented by the user. Vernor Vinge (1981) Personality Simulator A computer program that presents the appearance of being a person. Vernor Vinge (1981) Sensory Skinsuit A form-fitting garment with sensory connections. Larry Niven (w/S. Barnes) (1981) Virtual world metaphor - early use use of fanciful imagery to represent real-world data systems in a virtual world. Vernor Vinge (1981) Automated Travel Bureau A computer program that allows individuals to book their travel arrangements themselves, with a credit card. Robert Heinlein (1982) Cutoff Switch - a cable guillotine A means of instantaneously switching off an artificial intelligence. Arthur C. Clarke (1982) Cyberspace - the original consensual hallucination A computer technology that allowed people to see a computer network as an internal experience. William Gibson (1982) Matrix - shared virtual reality A shared virtual reality space; users project their consciousness into a representation of networked data. William Gibson (1982) Virtual Reality (Virtual Matrix) - early usage An early use of a term very similar to the idea of cyberspace. Damien Broderick (1982) Virtual World Kiss Kissing mediated by a computer system. Vernor Vinge (1981) Handbag Computer Device capable of carrying on your conversation for you. Stanislaw Lem (1983) Microterm A very small computer system. Bruce Bethke (1983) No Human Programmers The idea that computers are too complicated and too important to be programmed by human beings. John Varley (1983) Biologics - organic computing A computer that is made of organic (biological) components, rather than inorganic materials like silicon. Greg Bear (1984) Comeye - portable video camera A portable video camera, used by the mobile functionary to keep in touch with office. Frank Herbert (1984) Computer-Created Dub Music created by an artificially intelligent computer for a specific audience. William Gibson (1984) Datacase - a status-thin briefcase for electronics A portable suitcase, containing useful electronics for the mobile business-person. Frank Herbert (1984) Edgar Computer that falls in love with a human woman. Rusty Lemorande (1984) Electromagnetic Shotgun - take out an AI A device to shut down an artificial intelligence if it becomes dangerous. William Gibson (1984) House Records -10K years of information management The vast archival information management system of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood, covering millennia. Frank Herbert (1984) ICE (intrusion countermeasures electronics) - anti-hacker Electronic protection for computer databases. William Gibson (1984) Implanted Microprocessor Monitor Chips that are implanted in people to ensure compliance with company rules. William Gibson (1984) Intellectual Cell - cellular computing A smart lymphocyte; a cell with enhanced capacity for memory, understanding and communication. Greg Bear (1984) Kuang Grade Mark Eleven Penetration Program Chinese virus software for breaking the ICE. William Gibson (1984) Medically Applicable Biochip - a microarray A computer formed of organic components that is used for a medical purpose. Greg Bear (1984) Panther Modern Cyberterrorists for hire. William Gibson (1984) Talking Head - retro output device A mechanical head (with an analog voice) used as the output terminal for a computer. William Gibson (1984) Desk (Personal Computer) A computer for students. Orson Scott Card (1985) Ghostwheel A sentient computer partially built with magic. Roger Zelazny (1986) Jackleg - dodge the data cops Moving data around to avoid detection or capture. Bruce Sterling (1988) Vizzyprint - phone printer A printer attached to a video phone. Rudy Rucker (1988) Datasphere The entirety of computers and their information linked together, typically on a planet, in concept. Dan Simmons (1989) Datumplane The workspace of console cowboys - the matrix. Dan Simmons (1989) Internet Addiction A state in which human beings experience addiction to computer access and data streams. Dan Simmons (1989) TechnoCore A group of artificial intelligences with vast resources and the entirety of human dataspheres to access. Dan Simmons (1989) Worldweb All Thing Network connects billions of people in real time. Dan Simmons (1989) Data-Retrieval Programs - ferrets, hounds, foxes and badgers Programs that searched the Net for specific information. David Brin (1990) EmilyPost - checks for flames An autonomous worm that searches the Net for lack of courtesy. David Brin (1990) Personal Cache - a digital safety deposit box An online data repository used to store personal data. David Brin (1990) Portable Ident-Plate - quick prints A small, thin device that will capture biometric data from a person's finger. David Brin (1990) Vivisector - software deconstruction A program that takes another computer program apart, while it's running, to see what it does. David Brin (1990) CIC Virtual Earth - google earth A software application that presents detailed information about the Earth. Neal Stephenson (1992) Dataset A portable computer with multiple screens and capabilities. Vernor Vinge (1992) Separated At Birth Database Missing persons database uses similarity to famous people. William Gibson (1993) Accu-Terrain Floor A special floor for virtual reality environments that simulates any kind of surface. David Brin (1994) Auto-Treadmills (Needle-Gym) A simulation-exercise room floor that allows the user to walk and run on a consistently realistic surface. David Brin (1994) Virtuality Helmet ('Virching' Helmet) A helmet with a communication system and a display; a pilot wearing this helmet could sit on the ground and control a distant aircraft. Bruce Sterling (1994) Primer A special software program that teaches basic language skills. Neal Stephenson (1995) Computer Translator - computer translator and GPS A computer translator; software that provides automatic translation when jacked into a data port. Gibson (1996) Sandbenders - a gem of a computer A highly customized computer system; the opposite of a box from Gateway or Dell. William Gibson (1996) Aggressive-Response Service An answering service with an attitude. John Varley (1998) Desktop-TV Video available worldwide, prepared by everyone. Robert J. Sawyer (1998) Junkbot - spamachine An automated email program that specializes in sending junk mail (spam) Bruce Sterling (1998) Dustmote A tiny sensor device that could also form networks with other motes. Vernor Vinge (1999) Localizer - tiny network mote Devices that work together to form ad-hoc networks. Vernor Vinge (1999) Wearables - computers to go Slang for 'wearable computer.' Vernor Vinge (2001) Cortical Stack - USB/WiFi flashdrive for your brain Implanted hardware device that contains a backup copy of your mental self. Richard Morgan (2003) Touch Tablet Another name for a wireless Tablet PC. Greg Bear (2003) Muscle Sensor Interface Interface senses muscle movements to control display. Iain M Banks (2004) BrainPal A neural implant. John Scalzi (2005) Computational Textile Wearable computer sensors. Alastair Reynolds (2005) Flexy (or Flexies) A flexible, quasi-living computer. Alastair Reynolds (2005) Answerboard - good name for it A forum or computer meeting location with experts on a particular topic. Vernor Vinge (2006) Wearables (Wearable Computers) - embroidered circuits Computers and peripherals that use textiles for electronic circuitry. Vernor Vinge (2006) Airboarding Typing in thin air to input characters into a computer. Charles Stross (2007) Blacknet - antisocial networking An antisocial networking site. Charles Stross (2007) CopSpace - MySpace for police, and then some A virtual location for police lifelogs, official communications, paperwork, informational databases and evidence of all kinds. Charles Stross (2007) Virtual World Theft - faux thievery A method of stealing or reassigning ownership to items of value in virtual worlds. Charles Stross (2007) ParanoidLinux A computer operating system that deliberately obscures the activities of the user. Cory Doctorow (2008) SchoolBook A standard-issue laptop computer for school use. Cory Doctorow (2008) EyePod - you'll need one for your implant A generic term for the external computing processing unit needed for eye implants. Robert J. Sawyer (2009) Skin Computer A computer that looks like a tattoo, on a stretchable base. Greg Bear (2009) Websight - visualize the Net A way of visualizing the Internet internally. Robert J. Sawyer (2009) Alien Trojan Malware from another world! David Webber (2010) EYE Program A massive government database on civilians. John Twelve Hawks (2014) Logical Pathogen Malware concealed in DNA. Alastair Reynolds (w/S. Baxter) (2016) Wristpad A tablet computer worn on the wrist. Kim Stanley Robinson (2017)