25 + 15 points
Realize a Fictional Interface: Phase 1 - Design by Ation Song
January 20th, 2007 8:31 AM
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LAPPY 486 FICTIONAL INTERFACE DESIGN
====================================
PART 1 - WHAT IS THE LAPPY 486?
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The interface that I have chosen for this task is the "Lappy 486" computer interface found on www.homestarrunner.com.
The Lappy 486 is the laptop computer used by the character Strong Bad when he answers Strong Bad emails.
In addition, the Lappy does some other tasks, as explained below.
For more information on the Lappy, please see http://www.hrwiki.org/index.php/Lappy_486
PART 2 - INTERFACE
------------------------------------
On startup, the computer displays its logo and plays a little polyphonic tune, then goes to the main interface.
The main interface of the Lappy 486 is simply a command prompt screen in which each line begins with a "]".
1A. strongbad_email.exe (e-mail answerer)
Selecting this takes the user to the email screen, containing a blue bar at the top of the screen with the subject of the email, the email text itself, and then a "]" and text prompt to type a reply.
In addition, there are five other functions outlined at the bottom of the screen: Reply, Forward, Delete, Save, Computer, and Image
Although not formally a function, it is possible to use the "do over" function as well, in which the computer displayes "do over" and a previously answered email can be answered again.
Only one e-mail can be displayed at a time. To get to the next e-mail in the inbox, it is necessary to answer the current one or delete it.
It should also be noted that strongbad_email.wad leads to the same program.
1B. strongbad_email.exe (e-mail menu)
strongbad_email.exe also leads to the e-mail selection screen, where a user can scroll through all their previously answered emails to view one again or press a button to select one at random.
2. Edga Jr.
Edga Jr. is a filter that filters out e-mails containing indents (as these are too long for Strong Bad to read in the cartoons)
3. Edgar's Baby's Daddy
An e-mail filter program that filters e-mails sent from Homestar Runner, a character in the cartoons as well.
4. Webcam
The Lappy is able to run a full color webcam program, though it only displays the person at the other end.
5. screen_savior.exe
The only known screen saver program, it shows a 3D maze with very poor graphics.
PART 3 - OTHER FEATURES
------------------------------------
Though not a part of the interface as seen so far in the cartoons, these features can also be integrated into a fictional interface.
* Either a 2MB or a 5MB hard drive (both are mentioned on the site)
* 512k RAM
* A battery life of 5 minutes
PART 4 - PREVIOUS PROGRAMS
------------------------------------
These are programs featured on older computers that Strong Bad has owned. Because he has a large collection of floppy discs, it is possible that he still owns these programs and could load them onto the Lappy.
Any or all of these could be included in a fictional Lappy interface.
1. edgarware.exe
Precursor to Edga Jr. and Edgar's Baby's Daddy, this a generic virus software that will tell the user how many viruses are on their system
2. print out million dollar bill, please.exe
Typing this command will print a million dollar bill using ASCII characters
3. hsramerdsxr.exe
Runs a 3D dating simulator of Homestar Runner and Marzipan, two characters from the site. Each of them can say one of 3 sylables and 4 different compliments about Strong Bad.
4. fightsong
Plays a polyphonic version of the Crazy Go Nuts University fightsong, a fictional song from the cartoons
5. print_of_it.exe
Will print the e-mail the user is currently viewing
6. take_a_break.exe
Displays a pixel-art rendition of the sun setting over a tropical island with poor-quality sound
7. Message Thyme
An instant messenger system
8. temple_of_apshai
An adventure computer game containing graphics as well as text
9. internet
Strong Bad's internet client. Only can display text in all green (as that is the only color supported by the computer it runs on)
10. duckpond
Runs a duck pond simulator in which the user can throw bread by pressing "F"
REFERENCES
------------------------------------
Most of the information was retrieved from http://www.hrwiki.org/
LAPPY 486 FICTIONAL INTERFACE DESIGN
====================================
PART 1 - WHAT IS THE LAPPY 486?
------------------------------------
The interface that I have chosen for this task is the "Lappy 486" computer interface found on www.homestarrunner.com.
The Lappy 486 is the laptop computer used by the character Strong Bad when he answers Strong Bad emails.
In addition, the Lappy does some other tasks, as explained below.
For more information on the Lappy, please see http://www.hrwiki.org/index.php/Lappy_486
PART 2 - INTERFACE
------------------------------------
On startup, the computer displays its logo and plays a little polyphonic tune, then goes to the main interface.
The main interface of the Lappy 486 is simply a command prompt screen in which each line begins with a "]".
1A. strongbad_email.exe (e-mail answerer)
Selecting this takes the user to the email screen, containing a blue bar at the top of the screen with the subject of the email, the email text itself, and then a "]" and text prompt to type a reply.
In addition, there are five other functions outlined at the bottom of the screen: Reply, Forward, Delete, Save, Computer, and Image
Although not formally a function, it is possible to use the "do over" function as well, in which the computer displayes "do over" and a previously answered email can be answered again.
Only one e-mail can be displayed at a time. To get to the next e-mail in the inbox, it is necessary to answer the current one or delete it.
It should also be noted that strongbad_email.wad leads to the same program.
1B. strongbad_email.exe (e-mail menu)
strongbad_email.exe also leads to the e-mail selection screen, where a user can scroll through all their previously answered emails to view one again or press a button to select one at random.
2. Edga Jr.
Edga Jr. is a filter that filters out e-mails containing indents (as these are too long for Strong Bad to read in the cartoons)
3. Edgar's Baby's Daddy
An e-mail filter program that filters e-mails sent from Homestar Runner, a character in the cartoons as well.
4. Webcam
The Lappy is able to run a full color webcam program, though it only displays the person at the other end.
5. screen_savior.exe
The only known screen saver program, it shows a 3D maze with very poor graphics.
PART 3 - OTHER FEATURES
------------------------------------
Though not a part of the interface as seen so far in the cartoons, these features can also be integrated into a fictional interface.
* Either a 2MB or a 5MB hard drive (both are mentioned on the site)
* 512k RAM
* A battery life of 5 minutes
PART 4 - PREVIOUS PROGRAMS
------------------------------------
These are programs featured on older computers that Strong Bad has owned. Because he has a large collection of floppy discs, it is possible that he still owns these programs and could load them onto the Lappy.
Any or all of these could be included in a fictional Lappy interface.
1. edgarware.exe
Precursor to Edga Jr. and Edgar's Baby's Daddy, this a generic virus software that will tell the user how many viruses are on their system
2. print out million dollar bill, please.exe
Typing this command will print a million dollar bill using ASCII characters
3. hsramerdsxr.exe
Runs a 3D dating simulator of Homestar Runner and Marzipan, two characters from the site. Each of them can say one of 3 sylables and 4 different compliments about Strong Bad.
4. fightsong
Plays a polyphonic version of the Crazy Go Nuts University fightsong, a fictional song from the cartoons
5. print_of_it.exe
Will print the e-mail the user is currently viewing
6. take_a_break.exe
Displays a pixel-art rendition of the sun setting over a tropical island with poor-quality sound
7. Message Thyme
An instant messenger system
8. temple_of_apshai
An adventure computer game containing graphics as well as text
9. internet
Strong Bad's internet client. Only can display text in all green (as that is the only color supported by the computer it runs on)
10. duckpond
Runs a duck pond simulator in which the user can throw bread by pressing "F"
REFERENCES
------------------------------------
Most of the information was retrieved from http://www.hrwiki.org/
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posted by GYØ Ben on May 26th, 2008 2:51 PM
WOW. This is awesome stuff. [INSERT HR REFERENCE HERE]
De scroll, de scroll, de button, de button, de scroll's so smooth like butter onna muffin!