Editing Data-font

[[File:Cylon data port.jpg|thumb|200px|The '''data-font''' glows when activated.]]
A '''data-font''' is a form of optical computer interface used by [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] to access information in their [[datastream]], as well as control various other Cylon technologies. [[Humanoid Cylon]]s need only to place their palm on the illuminated port to instantly access the data stream {{TRS|Exodus, Part I}}.

[[Sharon Agathon|Caprica-Valerii]] performs a rough version of this technique with Colonial technology by inserting a fiber optic cable (which uses light as a data carrier) into an incision in her left arm to connect to ''Galactica'''s [[Computers in the Re-imagined Series|computer mainframe]] {{TRS|Flight of the Phoenix}}.  Another Eight interfaces with a Raptor's computer in the same manner {{TRS|The Face of the Enemy}}. These abilities, including other observed interactions or reactions such as glowing spines<ref>[[Caprica-Six]] in the [[Miniseries, Night 1]] and {{callsign|Athena}} in "[[Six Degrees of Separation]]" show the glowing spines. Readers should note that this cinematic effect was discontinued by the writers after season 1. </ref> and photo-sensitive eyes<ref>This occurs with [[Samuel Anders]] in "[[He That Believeth in Me]]."</ref>  shows that many cells in their bodies are photo-sensitive and/or bio-luminescent. 

== Design and Function ==

Data-fonts are found on [[Basestar (RDM)|basestars]] in the ship's [[Basestar command|command and control]] center for data access and other ship functions. These data ports have a layer of water over the interface, which may have an aesthetic or functional purpose. 

===Water-Based Technology===

Production designer [[Richard Hudolin]] explained that water serves as a communications conduit in Cylon technology, functioning as a transfer medium for data streams rather than relying on traditional switches and screens.<ref group="production" name="reeve_bsg_mag_7_hudolin_water_technology_p22">{{cite magazine|magazine=Battlestar Galactica: The Official Magazine|issue=7|pages=22|date=October/November 2006|publisher=[[Titan Magazines]]|title=Base of Operations: Production Design|author=Tom Reeve}}</ref> The data-fonts utilize screens made of monofilament with water droplets flowing down them, enabling image projection onto the liquid surface.<ref group="production" name="reeve_bsg_mag_7_hudolin_water_technology_p22"/> This technology also allows Cylons to project images directly onto themselves as a method of transferring data or communicating.<ref group="production" name="reeve_bsg_mag_7_hudolin_water_technology_p22"/>

These data-fonts (and the database circuitry used throughout the ship) are at least partially organic<ref>As {{callsign|Athena}} uses non-organic [[datacord]] salvaged from a [[Raptor]] to make repairs to a stricken [[Basestar (RDM)|baseship's]] [[FTL]] in "[[Faith]]," the full extent of organic technology throughout a baseship is not clear.</ref> in design, as they are damaged after an [[Lymphocytic encephalitis|infection]] kills or shuts down almost every Cylon entity and device on the basestar {{TRS|A Measure of Salvation}}.

== Access and Security ==

Models can only access information to which they are privy to, e.g. [[Number Eight|Eights]] can not learn anything meant for the [[Number Six|Sixes]] only.<ref name="SCIFI.COM">{{cite_web|url=http://forums.scifi.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=2277157&view=findpost&p=4455731|title=Q&A with Ron D. Moore|date=5 November 2007|accessdate=11 April 2008|last=|first=|format=|language=}}</ref>

== Notes ==
* The term "data-font" comes from [[Ron D. Moore]], who calls these devices as this in a forum post on SCIFI.com <ref name="SCIFI.COM"/>. It is also used by the [[Hybrid]] in the episode "[[Six of One]]".
* The [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/font Mirriam-Webster] definition of ''font'' (aside from its modern usage as an element of a printed typeface) is a receptacle for baptismal water, such as those touched by members of the [[w:Roman Catholic|Roman Catholic]] church as they arrive and leave Mass.

==References==
{{reflist}}

===Production History===
<references group="production" />

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Cylons]]
[[Category:Cylons (RDM)]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Technology (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]