Virtual Intelligence

A Virtual Intelligence (VI) is a sophisticated program designed to make modern computer systems easier to use. They are not to be confused with artificial intelligence, as VIs are only utilised to assist the user and process data (although, like AIs, they can still get out of hand). Though they appear to be intelligent, they aren't actually self-aware, just made with clever programming.

Some VIs have 'personality imprints', with their behaviour parameters, speech pattern and appearance based on specific individuals, although it is illegal to make VIs based on currently living people within certain territories. The Carina Foundation are the leading manufacturer of Virtual Intelligence systems and are responsible for the AVIS brand of civilian VIs.

Rogue VIs
In certain circumstances, a VI may deviate from its programming due to software errors or malicious tampering; such a VI is referred to as a "rogue VI." A rogue VI is not self-aware, as they lack the software required by an AI to achieve such a state. Instead, a VI going rogue is akin to a software malfunction, causing the VI to fail to carry out its intended function or to interpret its duties in a way that leads to the VI becoming dangerous.

AI
An Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a self-aware computing system capable of learning and independent decision making. Creation of a conscious AI requires adaptive code, a slow, expensive education, and a specialised quantum computer known as a "blue box". Unlike a VI, an AI cannot be transmitted across a communication channel or computer network. Without its blue box, an AI is no more than data files. Loading these files into a new blue box will create a new personality, as variations in the quantum hardware and run-time results create unpredictable variations.