Just wondering. Would it be possible to factor a 617-digit number, just by inputting "factor(integer)" into the ship's computer? If so, how long would it take? Assume that it uses the same algorithms we use today (ECM, NFS, etc.). I'm sure it's possible, given how advanced they are.
Poll Could the computer on the Enterprise-D factor large numbers?
- Thread starter Stargate38
- Start date
Yes, not to mention how much computer power is required for the Transporter to handle six people at once, processing the data to accurately represent all of their atoms.
The thing is, we're a lot further along at envisioning a realistic future of computing than anybody making TNG was in 1987. There are scenes in TNG "The Naked Now" and "Conspiracy" where Mr. Data searches through the computer without the benefit of a search engine. He has to visually look at every page stored in the machine, one at a time. The show envisioned powerful computers doing amazing things, but they didn't know some very basic things that computers would be capable of in the 1990s.
Last edited:
Given how far in the future they are, a 617-digit number would probably be nothing.
Now Graham's Number. That would be another story.
Now Graham's Number. That would be another story.
