One of the themes in the 1968 science fiction classic, 2001: A Space Odyssey, is the relationship between humans and computers. Written by scientist and novelist Arthur C. Clarke, the book 2001: A Space Odyssey (New York: New American Library, 1968) was the basis for a movie directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film, produced by MGM in 1968, is thought-provoking, and its special effects are still considered impressive, even after 30 years. Perhaps Clarke's vision of the future was so powerful because of his strong background in science and research. Clarke is well known for his theoretical contribution to the invention of the communications satellite. Visit the NP4 Web site for links to soundtracks and images from the film, critical commentary, and essays by Arthur C. Clarke. You can find image, sound, and multimedia files at the 2001 Internet Resource Archive.

Additional Links

HAL's Legacy: 2001's Computer as Dream and Reality  This Web site is an online companion to the book HAL's Legacy. In the book, high caliber scientists discuss what computer science currently knows about some of HAL's abilities--for example, speech, chess playing, vision, or lipreading. The Web site includes full text of eight of the book's sixteen chapters, which are written in a style that is accessible to all. The Web site also includes exploration links to other parts of the Web, and a Java enhanced version includes sound clips from the movie.

NPR Science Friday: Happy Birthday, HAL  On January 10, 1997, in honor of HAL's birthday, the National Public Radio program "Science Friday" hosted a discussion comparing the reality of computer science with science fiction and fantasy. Guest speakers on the program included David Stork, Chief Scientist at Ricoh California Research Center, Consulting Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Visiting Scholar Psychology at Stanford University; Rosalind Picard, Professor of Computers and Communications and Associate Professor of Media Technology at MIT Media Lab; and Doug Lenat, Founder and President Cycorp. You can listen to a RealAudio transcript of the program through this archive file.

3001: The Final Odyssey   RandomHouse created this site to advertise the latest and final installment in the Odyssey series. At this Web site, you can view a video of Arthur C. Clarke discussing the reality of building HAL and the future of computer technology and artificial intelligence. You can also talk to HAL or take a VRML voyage on the Discovery.

macHAL 9000  If you are an avid fan of HAL and the odyssey series, you can make your desktop look and sound like HAL. This program, available for both Windows and Macintosh systems, uses artwork and sounds to simulate the HAL 9000 artificial intelligence on your desktop. Fortunately the program does not enable your computer to act like HAL.