Nodes: Components & Processes

I. Core Definition and Connection

In Upload Labs, the core mechanic is a node-based system. In this system, Components/Processes are visualized as "window-like interfaces", which represent various functions and operations within the computer system.

In Upload Labs, the player's task is to build and optimize a computer system by connecting and configuring these interrelated nodes to achieve efficient file downloading, processing, and uploading.

1. Nodes as Interfaces: Nodes are explicitly described as "window-like interfaces representing internal computer components and processes." Players control data flow and system functions by manipulating and connecting these windows.
2. Resource Flow Control: The connection direction of nodes is typically from left to right, connecting an output to an input to control resource flow and data pipelines. Players achieve this by dragging connection lines between the colored dots on the nodes.

II. Types and Functions of Components

These window-like interfaces (nodes) handle a variety of tasks, from basic data input to complex logical processing and resource management:

1. Data I/O and Currency Management

These nodes represent the system's interface with the outside world and the core revenue mechanics:

• Downloaders: Responsible for importing files into the system, such as the Text Downloader or Image Downloader.
• Uploader: Used to upload files to the network.
• Collector / Auto Collector: Used to collect money from uploaded files. The Auto Collector is a key node that automatically collects inserted resources, enabling automated management.

2. Logic Processing and File Optimization Flow

To increase file value or ensure system security, files need to flow through a series of nodes representing complex computer processes:

• Processor / CPU Core: Provides clock speed and processing power. Players can upgrade processing speed to handle files faster.
• Synchronizer: Allows CPU and GPU cores to work in sync. It can connect multiple cores to a single processing speed line, increasing overall processing speed.
• Virus Scanner: Uses clock speed to scan files for viruses and adds a "scanned" modifier, which increases the file value by 4x.
• Quarantine: Uses clock speed to remove the "infected" modifier from files.
• Checksum Verifier: Verifies the integrity of a file, increasing the value of verified files by 4x.
• Redownloader: Fixes corrupted files and increases their value, but consumes download bandwidth.

3. Resource Allocation and Layout Management

Certain nodes act as organizational tools or flow control mechanisms, which are crucial for building an efficient and organized system:

• Folder: Stores files or code of the same type. Often used to isolate or gather clean files for processing.
• Allocator: Allows splitting one input into two outputs with controllable ratios, which is very useful when resources need to be directed to two different goals simultaneously (e.g., making money and fulfilling requests).
• Node Group: An important organizational tool that allows players to bundle multiple nodes (like a downloader, scanner, uploader, and auto-collector) into a single movable container, greatly aiding in layout organization and management.

4. Advanced Subsystem Interfaces

As the game progresses, the node system begins to integrate more specialized subsystems, which are also managed through specific node interfaces:

• Research Node / Data Refiner: Used to convert files into Science points. The research system itself requires accumulating $1 Billion in currency to unlock.
• Hacker Node / Payload Launcher: Form the hacking system, used for breaching organizations and acquiring resources.
• AI Trainer / Generator: Constitute the AI development system, using GPU speed and files to train an AI. Files generated by the AI have the advantage of being automatically checksummed and virus-free.
• Server / Storage Node: A late-game mechanic used to scale income based on the format of stored files. Storage nodes can be placed independently of the server, but files will flow into them.

In summary, these "window-like interfaces" make up the entire automation environment of Upload Labs. Players achieve comprehensive management of resource flow and computational power through the detailed connection and configuration of these components/processes.