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Terminals are hardware devices used for interfacing with computer systems across the Fallout series. Unlike real-world computers, desktop or portable, a terminal typically has no computing power or storage of its own, merely relaying data from the computer it's connected to (although some have been fitted with integrated storage drives and data processing).

In game terms, they serve as scenery objects providing a variety of features, including turret and robot control, providing hints, lore, and other functionality.

Background[]

PrewarTerminalFo4

A typical pre-War terminal.

Terminals found across the United States vary greatly in appearance, but are generally similar in terms of functionality. Each computer runs on RobCo Industries' Unified Operating System and communicate with another machine (or its internal components, if it was upgraded with some) via RobCo's Termlink Interface 3.0.[1] All terminal commands are text based. Booting the computer is handled by another RobCo program, the MF Boot Agent v2.3.0, which in turn initialized the RBIOS (the latest pre-War version is 4.02.08.00 52EE5.E7.E8).[1]

There is one, persistent problem with the operating system: anyone with a basic understanding of information technology can use the RobCo Industries Termlink protocol to run the command SET FILE/PROTECTION=OWNER:RWED ACCOUNTS.F, reboot the terminal (with SET HALT RESTART/MAINT) and (with the RUN DEBUG/ACCOUNTS.F command) debug accounts, forcing a memory dump. The user password is always included in the dump, giving the hacker the ability to access protected items.[1] The only fix introduced by RobCo was a lockout feature, which prevented access to the computer until an administrator unlocked it. However, certain hackers learned how to bypass the lock-out, nullifying even that security measure.

Characteristics[]

Fallout and Fallout 2[]

Main articles: List of usable terminals in Fallout, List of usable terminals in Fallout 2

Terminals are predominantly scenery objects, both ruined and functional, used in high-tech locations such as Vaults, military bases, research facilities, and so on and so forth. However, they may also have scripts attached, giving them functionality. For example, Vault 13 library terminals can be used to gain experience through research, while terminals in the Mariposa Military Base can be used to manipulate forcefields, robots, and set the base to self destruct. They usually require Science to operate, providing one of the only practical applications for the skill.

Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, and Fallout 4[]

From Fallout 3 onwards, the role of terminals has been greatly expanded, making the Science skill and scientific perks more valuable. Terminals control doors, turrets, and safes, contain holotapes and recordings, and are frequently used in quests. Their role has been further expanded in Fallout 4, where terminals are extensively used in settlements to control defenses, manufacturing machines, lights, manage settlers, and so on and so forth.

Like before, terminals can also offer additional scripted interactions. These include launching an ICBM in Fort Constantine, initiating a tactical nuclear strike at SatCom Array NW-05a, modifying hologram defense settings at the Sierra Madre... Other unique functions including riddles (e.g. Jiggs' Loot), text adventures (e.g. Reign of Grelok), and quizzes (e.g. National Archives historical quizzes).

Fallout 76[]

In Fallout 76, the Hacker perk cards are necessary to hack terminals. Terminals in Fallout 76 work very similar to those in Fallout 4, providing functions including opening safes, controlling turrets and providing additional lore. Some terminals, including ones at Relay Tower EM-B1-27, have special purposes including the ability for players to insert US Government Supply Requisitions into them to spawn a Government Aid Drop from a Cargobot. (Patch 1.1.4.3) With the Personal Terminal, the player now has the ability to check-in with repeatable quest givers, such as Biv and Tipsy Taste-Test, Scout Leader Pompy and Repeatable: Operation Tidy, and Scout Leader Treadly and Repeatable: Stings and Things.

Access[]

Main article: Hacking

If unprotected, terminals can be accessed by the player with impunity. For this reason, many users use passwords to protect against unauthorized access.

  • Both before and after the Great War, however, computer security was always second to convenience and many users noted their passwords down on pieces of paper, recorded on holotapes, or stored on other terminals. The player simply needs to locate them.
  • Failing that, they can try to hack the terminal using Science (Hacker in Fallout 4). This is either done through a scripted interaction (in Fallout and Fallout 2) or a hacking minigame (in other titles).
    • In Fallout 76, terminals have four levels of skill required in order to be hacked: Skill levels 0, 1, 2 and 3. Skill 0 terminals can be hacked without any perk requirements, similar to Very Easy difficulty terminals in fallout 3 and New Vegas, and similar to Novice terminals in fallout 4. Further skill-level terminals require the Hacker, Expert Hacker, and/or Master Hacker perk cards to be equipped.

Terminal types[]

Stationary[]

Fo1 Mariposa

Stationary terminals in a military setting.

These large, unwieldy machines boast three monitors mounted on top of a large console and a hardware box wired to the local power grid and network. Despite their size and immobility, they were a popular choice for military installations and Vaults, as the terminal bulk allowed for integrating a variety of hardware that desktops and other terminal models couldn't. Chief among these were water purification computers with water chips that controlled the purification process for Vault-Tec Vaults,[2] although these platforms were used for a great many purposes. Their size and modularity allowed these machines to be customized for virtually any purpose. For example, high-frequency radio emitters could be used to create control stations for robot WLAN control matrices,[3] while a transmitter for field signaling, a receiver for remote commands, and a standard radio data communications port would create a versatile machine for controlling force fields.[4]

Over time, the use of these computers declined, in favor of terminals slaved to central mainframes. The constant refinement of personal computing and miniaturization also allowed for breakthroughs, resulting in desktop-sized computers that could do the work of a stationary computer without consuming excess amounts of space.

Desktop[]

TerminalOnPrewar 20180731 16-40-46

The most popular type of terminal is the RIT-V300, a standalone machine with a large cathode ray tube display (in green) and all the necessary components built into a single, full metal case with an integrated alphanumeric keyboard, four function keys and two knobs for regulating the monitor display. Internally, they are powered by a whooping 64 kilobytes of RAM.[1] The RIT-V300 was spun off into many variants, with some dumb by design, simply providing an interface for a bigger machine, and others designed to incorporate an internal drive, memory, processor, and other hardware, turning them into personal desktop computers. RobCo Industries was at the forefront of personal computing, retaining the external appearance of the terminal, but varying greatly in terms of performance and ability.[5]

Naturally, terminals required regular maintenance, especially in domestic environments. Fans cooling the full metal case tended to suck in hair and other debris, increasing heat retention and potential damage through overheating.[6]

Known models include:

RobCo Model NX-12
An old terminal model dating back at least to 2070. By the Great War, it lacked memory or expansion capacity, relegating it to the role of a glorified typewriter or rudimentary game console capable of running text-games only.[7]
RobCo Model E-330
Billed as the "most reliable client terminal ever developed", the E-330 was designed for interacting directly with RobCo-brand mainframes.[8]
Robco Model E-601
A streamlined terminal outfitted with RobCo's business suite, marketed at executives. Each came loaded with a calendar software, contacts manager, and a messaging system. All three were hooked into a Daily Itinerary program, which generated itineraries based on the calendar contents and messages received. The messages system was particularly sophisticated, as it automatically timestamped, branded, and added read receipt requests to each message sent out.[9] Additional functions could be installed by RobCo technicians, such as notifications systems.[10]
Robco Model RX-6550
A personalized home computer for the entire family, allowing each member to keep track of activities and tasks. Privacy was ensured through multiple password-protected user accounts.[11]
RobCo Model RX-9000
The most advanced gaming terminal on the market, featuring an upgraded processor and cutting-edge graphics for the latest holotape games.[12]

Trapped terminal[]

Trapped terminal

This desktop terminal has been rigged with a grenade to explode when keys are pressed. Activating this terminal will cause it to explode after a brief delay. These are identical in appearance to other desktops, with the sole difference being a rotating antenna protruding from the back of the case.

An Explosives skill of at least 45 (60 if playing Fallout: New Vegas) is required to disarm this trap in return for a single frag grenade and an experience reward. To disarm, the rear panel of the terminal needs to be activated. It can be later rearmed with any grenade.

Institute terminal[]

TerminalOnInstitute02 20180731 16-37-49

Manufactured using Institute technology, the terminal is sleeker, offers a higher resolution display, an optional drop-down magnification peripheral, and is available in both desktop and wall-mounted variants.

Wall-mounted[]

TerminalWall01 20180731 16-41-54

A terminal variant built with ruggedness in mind. The monitor is housed in a reinforced metal case attached to a wall mount, with a retractable alphanumeric keyboard below. Two side-mounted knobs allowed the user to regulate display intensity. This type of terminal was commonly used for controlling security doors and turrets in high security environments.

Console[]

Wall mounted console

A bank of monitors connected to a single, powerful terminal. used to monitor and control large facilities, such as Hoover Dam or Vaults. Robert House and Benny planned to hack the Hoover Dam central control console to seize the Dam for New Vegas.

Improvised terminal[]

TerminalOnImprovised 20180731 16-38-51

An improvised terminal built on the basis of a Holo Scope, mixing in parts from typewriters and a dozen other sources to create a terminal that is surprisingly versatile and functional.

Alien terminal[]

Alienterminal

An alien device used primarily for security purposes. Can be rigged to explode with a delayed time fuze or as a proximity charge with a Science check (difficulty varies from terminal to terminal, in the 25 to 75 range), or destroyed with regular firearms.

Gallery[]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Terminal commands
  2. NH2OCOMP.MSG
  3. ROBCTRL.MSG: "{195}{}{This computer is not compatible with your radio. It uses a special high-frequency band for robotic use only.}"
  4. COMMAND.MSG
  5. All terminals at the RobCo sales and service center showroom are identical in appearance.
  6. RobCo sales and service center terminals: "Service Requests
    Henrietta Blanche
    Status: OPEN
    Description:
    [T. Sanchez] Ms. Blanche claims her terminal just "suddenly stopped working". She's getting the default error message. Said it started crashing over time and now it won't even try. So much for "suddenly". From the look of her, I'm guessing there's about a whole cat's worth of hair in that terminal. Probably overheating.
    Resolution:
    [Work order in progress.]"
  7. RobCo sales and service center terminals: "Service Requests
    Calvin Crenshaw
    Status: CLOSED
    Description:
    [K. O'Conner] Crenshaw is back with his ancient terminal. It's at least 7 years old at this point. Crashing when he tries to play Red Menace.
    Evaluation:
    [S. Lee] Calvin's going to have to cave and buy a new terminal. This old NX-12 is only good for writing up documents or playing text based games at this point. He'd need more memory which this terminal can't even support. Basically, all new insides or a brand new terminal. Take your pick."
  8. RobCo sales and service center terminals: "The ROBCO Model E-330 is the most reliable client terminal ever developed. When connected to a ROBCO-brand Mainframe, your 33 is c p le of ov r 100 @$ #%5 \\¤
    STOP: Multiple errors detected.
    ERR 0xFA770171: Segmentation fault.
    ERR 0x0D890102: Boot sector invalid/corrupt.
    ERR 0xFFF11011: Memory fault.
    ERR 0xC0001011: Critical failure.
    ERR 0x00001001: Critical failure.
    Please contact a ROBCO Certified Technician for assistance.
  9. RobCo sales and service center terminals: "ROBCO Model E-601 Terminal System is a new streamlined terminal for the business-minded individual. You'll be sure to climb the corporate ladder by staying organised and on the ball with our state-of-the-art calendar, contact manager, and messaging system!
    The examples below show some of the customization and detail the E-601 is capable of.
    Daily Itinerary
    Our Daily Itinerary will pull directly from your messages and calendar. It practically generates itself!
    09:00: Budget meeting
    Summary: Fourth Quarter Review
    Attendees:
    - CFO
    - VP Accounting
    - VP Sales
    12:00: Business lunch with Operations Management
    15:00: Board meeting for global merger.
    Summary: Benefits of global expansion
    Attendees:
    - CFO
    - COO
    - CTO
    Calendar
    Keep track of significant dates with our customization calendar. Never forget a birthday or anniversary again!
    --- October ---
    02: Anniversary!
    18: Dentist Appointment
    30: Jerry Adam's Birthday
    31: Halloween Party
    --- November ---
    16: Doctor's Appointment
    25: Thanksgiving
    Contacts
    Store detailed information for your contacts. Add that personal touch to your business!
    --- A ---
    Adams, Jerry
    Telephone: 123-456-7890
    Address: 123 Street, Quincy, MA 12345
    Occupation: Engineer at Mass Fusion
    Relation: Client
    Notes:
    Wife is Isla Adams. Boy and girl, Thomas and Mandy.
    --- J ---
    Lee, Veronika
    Telephone: 123-456-7890
    Address: 123 Street, Cambridge, MA 12345
    Occupation: CTO General Atomics International
    Relation: Work Colleague
    Notes:
    Birthday is 4/13/2060. Recently engaged. Two dogs. Allergic to cats.
    --- M ---
    Mehdi, Ahmed
    Telephone: 123-456-7890
    Address: 123 Street, Boston, MA 12345
    Occupation: President Greenetech Genetics
    Relation: Friend
    Notes:
    Into sports. No pets. Good connections at CIT.
    --- S ---
    Sanchez, Julianna
    Telephone: 123-456-7890
    Address: 123 Street, Boston, MA 12345
    Occupation: Contractor, Department of Defense
    Relation: Client
    Notes:
    Extremely professional. Dislikes small talk.
    Messages
    New messaging system will automatically time stamp corporate intramural and confirm when the message is opened. Say goodbye to the old excuses!
    To: Mark Kim
    From: Albert Cunningham
    Sent: October 12th, 2077 at 8:27 AM
    Status: Opened on October 12th, 2077 at 8:33 AM
    Subject: Halloween
    Let's schedule a meeting to discuss this year's Halloween party. We'll need to vote on whether or not costumes should be mandatory, and decide the final catering list.
    - Albert"
  10. RobCo sales and service center terminals: "Service Requests
    Bronwyn Sullivan
    Status: CLOSED
    Description:
    [K. O'Conner] Miss Sullivan claims that her E-601 was connected to her office network but never sent out any of her intramail. She also said there was a complete failing in the notifications systems we set up for when purchased. Not sure what the issue is. She says her IT department checked the computer and wasn't sure why it isn't working. Brought it back here, threatening to sue. I guess it really screwed up some important meetings for her...
    Evaluation:
    [P. Benson] Looks like Carmike sabotaged this computer before he quit. I don't know if it was personal or his last hurrah. I think I can see what he did there, but I don't want to make any promises. I recommend replacing this terminal with a new one, so it's guaranteed to be uncompromised."
  11. RobCo sales and service center terminals: "ROBCO Model RX-6550 Terminal System Finally, a personalized home computer for the whole family to enjoy! Keep track of activities and tasks, and maintain privacy by adding passwords to logins.*"
  12. RobCo sales and service center terminals: "The future of gaming has arrived! Impress your friends with the new ROBCO RX-9000.
    This terminal features an upgraded processor and cutting-edge graphics unlike any other terminal on the market. Please see a sales associate for a compatible game demo holotape."
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