LITTLE COMPUTER PEOPLE
Typed in by DOC'S "R" US BBS. Edited by Parasite.

We're happy to welcome you to the Activision Little Computer
Research Group.

As you may have read,we suspected for quite some time that there was something living inside most computers. But we didn't know who,what or how many there were. After years of research,hard work and creative speculation,we invented what finally became the turning point in this arduous investigation:The "House-On-A-Disk."

When our little computer person so tentatively entered his new "home",it was an experience beyond explanation. You'll soon see what we mean. From that moment on,we have been collecting volumes of information on the Little Computer People:what their personal habits are,what they like,what they don't like. We now believe that every single computer has its own LCP. And that every LCP is unique in appearance and personality.That is why we have opened this project up to all interested computer owners.

We also have strong evidence indication that there are actually several LCP in every computer. But it seems that only one will reside in any given home. So,if you find you enjoy caring for and observing your first LCP,you may want to sign up to study others your computer may hold.

The preceding guide is a compilation of what's currently known about providing for the LCP.Use this guide as an outline.But,remember, please experiment on your own.

There are many questions that are unanswered. And only through the support and co-operation of people like yourself will we ever be able to fully understand our new-found friends.

Sincerely,

David Crane and Sam Nelson for the A.L.C.P.R.G.
MAKING CONTACT

Every time you log onto the disk,you will begin a new research session with your Little Computer Person (LCP).

In your first session,you will be required to enter your name(as well as date and time)for your research files. In all subsequent sessions, you will only be asked the date and time.

After you LOAD"*",8,1- your LCP Research Project notebook will appear on the screen.
ENTERING YOUR NAME: You will be asked to log your name into the project files. (To later change the name,see "Changing Researcher's Name"). Press <RETURN>. Below your name is the "session number" which will increase by 1 each time you logon to a new session. ENTERING THE DATE: format to follow is: MM/DD/YY. eg: 10/28/85. Press <RETURN>.
ENTERING TIME: HH/MM;AM or PM. eg: 12:00 AM Press <RETURN> and wait.
MOVING IN

If this is your first research session,your house will be empty when it appears on the screen. Based on our findings to date,most LCP are quite shy and will not readily rush into a new situation. In fact,it may take several minutes before they actually muster the courage to step inside the new home you're providing for them.

On the other hand,LCP's have also been found to be quite loyal. Once they have moved in,you can expect them to be in their new home on subsequent sessions. In fact,we've never seen one move out yet. NOTE: Although only one LCP will occupy any given "House-On-A-Disk" we do know that most computers have more than one LCP living inside of them. In order to contact another LCP in your computer,you will need another "House-On-A-Disk."

When an LCP enters a house for the first time,we've found that he will usually inspect the new home for anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes. Then he usually leaves to retrieve his belongings. Yours will probably return shortly with his suitcase. Most LCP's also bring their dog. If yours doesn't, contact us.

NOTE: Keyboard is non-functional during the move-in sequence.

CARE AND FEEDING OF YOUR LCP OR HOW TO MAKE SURE THE PERSON INSIDE YOUR COMPUTER IS HEALTHY,HAPPY AND TOTALLY AT HOME.

Although LCP's are basically quite independent,once they move into their new home they are,in a sense,living in your world. So they will need help in certain areas.

To insure that your LCP is healthy,see that he always has food and water. (The dog also needs food.) Both hunger and dehydration can make LCP's sick. They generally turn green and lie in bed when they are sick.
Also,because they tend to be quite active,they should not be allowed to sleep too much. They would much rather have your attention.
CARING FOR PHYSICAL NEEDS:

[CTRL] F - Food is delivered to his front door.

[CTRL] W - Fills the water tank. Each time you press W,approximately one glass of water is added to the tank.

[CTRL] A - Rings the alarm clock.

[CTRL] D - Leaves dog food at the front door. LCP will do the rest.
CARING FOR EMOTIONAL NEEDS:

Addressing the physical needs of your LCP is relatively easy. To know if he needs food or water,you simply look to see if his supply is running low.
Addressing emotional needs,however,takes much more sensitivity and careful study. First of all,you must be aware of his different moods. So far,we have discovered four distinct moods in the LCP: - A smiling face indicates that he is happy. He's probably getting plenty of attention.
- A neutral face means he is content. He's fine but he could be better. Try a MOOD BOOSTER.
- A sad face means he's unhappy and needs MOOD BOOSTING immediately! - A sad and green face means that he is sick. This happens when he has gone without food or water for quite a long time.
MOOD BOOSTERS

There are several ways to elevate the mood of your LCP. Studies indicate that some ways are more effective than others. And new techniques are constantly being reviewed and discovered. Please record your discoveries.

[CTRL] C - A phone call.

Many LCP's enjoy receiving phone calls-unless they are constantly interrupted to the point of irritation. We have not yet deciphered their spoken language,nor discovered with whom they chat.

[CTRL] P - Physical contact (or "petting")

We haven't found one who doesn't respond instantly to this.

[CTRL] R - Leaves a record for his stereo at the front door.

[CTRL] B - Leaves a book at the front door. NOTE: Records and books elevate your LCP's spirits only for mild cases of the blues.

PLAYING GAMES - This is one of their favourite pastimes,so naturally it makes them feel great.
RECREATION AND RELAXATION

Most LCP's are very good at entertaining themselves. They're good pianists and can play compositions from Bach to Boogie-Woogie. They also like their record collections. In fact,albums make great gifts.

We've noticed that some LCP's exercise frequently. Many seem to enjoy playing with their computers or sitting down in easy chairs with the newspaper we've provided them. You may even be able to talk them into building a fire in the fireplace.
KEYBOARD COMMUNICATION

We recently found that we can communicate quite extensively with LCP's by typing sentences using the computer keyboard. These sentences can be in the form of questions,suggestions or requests. We use them to evoke a wide range of responses and reactions from LCPs. You can do the same.

Though we are just beginning to scratch the surface,here are a couple of requests we have tried:

-Please type a letter to me.
-Please build a fire.

LCPs are especially responsive to good manners. So remember to incorporate words like "please" and "thank you" into your requests.
CHANGING RESEARCHER'S NAME

To change the name of the researcher,type "logon please" and press <RETURN>. Select the program called "NAME CHANGER" by pressing "1" on the keyboard. Then follow the instructions at the top of the screen.
PLAYING GAMES

As far as we know,almost all LCPs like to play games. Each LCP has his own individual favourites,so we've listed a few of the games we've noticed occurring most frequently,along with simple instructions for playing them.

An LCP will usually allow you to make the game selection. He will knock on the glass of your TV or monitor to get your attention and ask you to select a game from the list at the top of the screen. Type in the number you want to play.
1.CARD WAR

You know the old card game "WAR". Each player has 26 cards to start. Each lays out one card, the higher card winning and joining the winner's stack of cards. If the two cards match, it's "WAR" and you each lay out 4 cards,winner takes all. Just press f1 to show the card and f7 to quit.
2.ANAGRAMS

The LCP will insist on thinking of a word for you to unscramble. If you type in the wrong guess,he will let you know. You can be wrong 8 or 9 times before he tells you his word. For a hint, press f3. An LCP will not give two hints in a row. You must guess at least once between hints. press f1 to quit. We have never had an LCP quit playing on his own.
3.5-CARD DRAW POKER

Standard rules apply. As usual,your LCP will insist on being the dealer. You just have to go along with it. You both start out with 200 chips,as displayed on the top left of the screen. Your number of chips is below his. Bets and raises are limited to 20 chips each.
press f1 to ante up one chip and begin the game. The LCP will deal each of you 5 cards (yours are face up) and ask if you feel lucky (he is really asking if you want to bet any chips).

BET (f1) - BETS one chip each time you press f1

ENTER (f3) - ENTERS your bet.

PASS/CLR (f5) - Lets you PASS when you feel you have a weak hand and do not want to bet. Or CLEARS your bet if you decide to bet a different amount.

After you make a bet or pass,the LCP will either match or pass. When the LCP asks if you want cards,press any combination of numbers from 1 to 5 on the keyboard to discard the cards you don't want. Press the number again to make your original card reappear. You can discard all five of your cards if you like. Once you've discarded the cards you don't want,press f1 to DRAW replacement cards.
If you want to keep all 5 of your original cards,press f3 to STAY. You will not be dealt any replacement cards. Your LCP then tells you on the screen how many cards he discards and then deals himself replacement cards. You now have the option to make another bet. (See BET,ENTER,PASS/CLR) At this point, your LCP may raise his bet and give you two choices:

SEE* (f1) - Lets you match his bet.

FOLD (f3) - Lets you abandon the hand,losing whatever you've bet.

* if you opt to SEE,you'll be given three more choices:

RAISE (f1) - Lets you RAISE the bet even higher.

ENTER (f3) - ENTERS your raise.

CALL (f5)

Stops the betting for that hand and lays the cards on the table. After each hand,you have the option to QUIT (f7)
OBSERVATIONS

Use this section to record your observations. You will quickly start to notice distinct character traits in your particular LCP. A detailed record of these traits is very important to the research project as a whole.

Please keep in mind that your discoveries and insights,like everyone else's,are critical to an accurate analysis of this important investigation.
MOVING IN DATE TIME

Unusual Activities:
APPEARANCE

Hair
Clothing
Name of Little Computer Person
Appetite
Sleeping Habits
Overall Health
Predominant Moods
Housekeeping Hints
Hygiene
Moods
Musical Ability
Game Playing Aptitude
Letter Writing Ability
Forms of Relaxation