How about just cutting off all external comm lines? I've yet to see the virus that could propagate via teleportation.... just have all comms physically separate. (Now, there was some thought of their being ways to use the sensors to propagate virus code, but something tells me *that* is a real tough one compared with normal comms lines. It could be done, esp if all raw data is analyzed by the computer and you can hack in that way, but again you could take all sensors offline and do manual data analysis or analysis on really dump systems.
Another possibility is start gradually transfering key interface processing into ROM style computers that cannot be re-written. No 'flash upgrades' anymore, but avoids the virus doing the same. An upgrade requires physical ROM replacement, but is still possible with such a scheme. And much safer.
300-500 tons seems about right. If you want to clip on scout survey sensors and stuff, and some oversized computing (to justify big memory banks or multiple computers aboard), you'll need a bit of space. Good sensors on this kind of ship would probably be expected. Fuel purifiers would be a must as would scoops and atmospheric streamlining and enough Gs of thrust to get you on and off planets.
GRIP is a product of QLI, available from them. It is really an IRC client, but it has a way to make modules and part of it is in making maps. The only downside is limited selection of bits (very much so) and limited to non-existent support anymore (Hunter has bigger fish to fry I guess now). And if you want to use the deckplans outside the tool, you have to cut and paste over in sections via the clipboard. Handy, and not handy, in roughly equal measure.
Campaign Cartographer 2 can probably do it too, but it is a CAD engine and tough to get used to. Post to one of the deckplan threads and ask what software the gearhead geeks use for deckplans.
Another possibility is start gradually transfering key interface processing into ROM style computers that cannot be re-written. No 'flash upgrades' anymore, but avoids the virus doing the same. An upgrade requires physical ROM replacement, but is still possible with such a scheme. And much safer.
300-500 tons seems about right. If you want to clip on scout survey sensors and stuff, and some oversized computing (to justify big memory banks or multiple computers aboard), you'll need a bit of space. Good sensors on this kind of ship would probably be expected. Fuel purifiers would be a must as would scoops and atmospheric streamlining and enough Gs of thrust to get you on and off planets.
GRIP is a product of QLI, available from them. It is really an IRC client, but it has a way to make modules and part of it is in making maps. The only downside is limited selection of bits (very much so) and limited to non-existent support anymore (Hunter has bigger fish to fry I guess now). And if you want to use the deckplans outside the tool, you have to cut and paste over in sections via the clipboard. Handy, and not handy, in roughly equal measure.
Campaign Cartographer 2 can probably do it too, but it is a CAD engine and tough to get used to. Post to one of the deckplan threads and ask what software the gearhead geeks use for deckplans.
