Exploring the Enigmatic Computer Hex in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld

The Discworld series by Terry Pratchett is a unique blend of metafictional adult fantasy, where the inhabitants of this parallel universe operate in a world that mirrors our own, yet is filled with magical elements. One of the most intriguing and beloved aspects of this series is the computer named Hex. Hex, a creation of the wizard equivalent of IT nerds, is a complex and enigmatic machine that has captured the imagination of readers since its introduction.

Hex, a computer made of blown glass tubes filled with ants, was first introduced as a simple calculating machine. The ants, acting as processors, would move between tubes based on the cards with holes that wizards would insert. This design was a nod to the earliest form of punchcard data processing. As the series progressed, Hex became more sophisticated, acquiring external memory in the form of a beehive, and even self-awareness, which caused concern among the wizards.

The metafictional aspects of Hex and its relationship to our own world’s technology are discussed in detail in two volumes of The Science of Discworld. Hex’s design and capabilities are a fascinating blend of magic and technology, reflecting the Discworld’s unique perspective on the intersection of the two.

One of the earliest appearances of Hex in the series is in the book “Hexed,” where it is described as having a sticker on the side that reads “Anthill Inside.” This reference to the ants as the processing units of the computer is a clever nod to the origins of computing technology. Hex’s design also includes a secure external memory in the form of a beehive, which is located in the room next door. The ants are not just processing units but also play a role in the computer’s memory.

As Hex processes more data, an hourglass appears in front of the user, indicating that the computer is working hard. Hex’s self-awareness is a source of concern for one of the wizards, who reassures himself by thinking that Hex only believes it is self-aware, and that is okay. In another instance, Hex is given a teddy bear by Father Christmas, and if the bear is removed, Hex refuses to work.

I have always been captivated by Hex since its introduction in the Discworld series. Its unique design and capabilities have made it one of my favorite aspects of the series. However, my fascination with Hex was shattered when I learned that a computer full of ants is not, in fact, a good thing.

A Reddit user named Thejus_Parol shared their experience of dealing with an ant-infested computer. The ants were eating the thermal pads and thermal paste, causing the computer to overheat rather than increasing its processing power. This discovery was a harsh reminder that the magical aspects of Hex in the Discworld series do not translate to real life.

The ants in the Reddit user’s computer were red fire ants, an invasive species in the USA that are attracted to electrical equipment. They can cause damage to wires and short circuits, and when an ant is shocked by electricity, it releases pheromones, attracting more ants to the computer. Removing the ants is a difficult and time-consuming process, and in some cases, the damage caused by the ants may be irreparable.

Despite the disappointment of learning that a computer full of ants is not a good thing, there is some good news for Discworld fans. Rhianna Pratchett, Terry Pratchett’s daughter, has stated that new Discworld games are possible if developers have the right ideas. However, the rights to the old 90s adventure games are unclear, making the development of new games a complex process.

In conclusion, Hex is a fascinating and enigmatic computer in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. Its unique design and capabilities have captured the imagination of readers and have become a beloved aspect of the series. However, the reality of ants in a computer is far from the magical aspects of Hex in the Discworld. While the prospect of new Discworld games is exciting, the complexities of the rights to the old games make the development process a challenge. Nonetheless, the magic and wonder of Hex continue to captivate readers and inspire imagination.