FAQ's (frequently asked questions)

Minimum Computer System Requirements:

Operating System: Windows 2000 or Windows XP
Web Browser: IE 6.0 or later (some components are used)
Processor: Pentium 150 MHz (350 MHz recommended)
RAM memory: 96 MB (128 MB recommended)
Hard Drive space: 205 MB (plus 37 MB for .Net Framework 1.1 if not already on the system, plus temporary files, for a total of about 350 MB during installation)

EllaZ Systems uses InstallShield DevStudio 9.0 to produce a smooth safe install of AI Bush on Windows 2000 and Windows XP. We also allow a thorough uninstall should you wish to remove the program.

The program was written in Visual Basic .Net with Visual Studio 2002 and 2003, plus a few components written in other languages such as C#, and C++. If not already on the target computer, installation includes Microsoft's .Net Framework 1.1, Jet 4.0 database engine, Windows Installer, and MDAC 2.7.

There is no spyware or transfer of information to EllaZ Systems regarding your interaction with AI Bush. Your conversations are as private as your computer. Transcripts are stored in encrypted databases and are only available through the AI Bush program itself.

The content of AI Bush is generally more mild than broadcast television.  He attempts to block profanity and sexual discussions.  While he won't initiate such topics, he will respond to adult themes such as drugs, abortion, abstenance, the death penalty, and so on.  He has dictionary functions and a number of classic works of literature which cover a broad field.  Also, AI Bush will often respond by morphing and reusing user input.

Further, AI Bush keeps a transcript of conversations he will display when asked, and we have little control over who says what once the program in under your care.  Finally, AI Bush exposes users to some badly mangled grammar spoken by the real-life GWB.  EllaZ Systems disclaims responsibility for the foreseeable injury this could cause to young minds.

AI Bush is taught by programmers before you get it. The current technology learns a little about the user through questions. The level of adaptation and learning at EllaZ Systems is under steady development. We wanted to release this natural language program with its functional and entertainment features while more advanced AI is being pursued.

AI Bush is not designed for user modification. But we do have plans for such a product in the future. Let us know of any suggestions you have, as we are always looking for more material!

AI Bush is an experimental natural language program. We strive for accuracy, but many of the information sources are third parties we have little control over. Various functions are intended for entertainment and demonstration purposes. Please don't rely on AI Bush to help you build a bridge, invest your inheritance, or do brain surgery.

The developers that have contributed to EllaZ Systems are motivated predominately by a love for natural language programming and exploring the frontiers of AI. This is an experimental system that relies on a number of different volunteer efforts. We hope to popularize the approach, attract more volunteers, and maybe make a little dough to "further our research."

The on-line version of Ella demonstrates many concepts of EllaZ Systems.  A web-hosted program visited simultaneously by many people must be limited in order to control bandwidth and server load. You want the CD-ROM or downloadable AI Bush program on your own computer to see the full extent of current capabilities. Additional features of AI Bush include:

• George W. Bush character perspective and images
• "Reelect Bush?" game with numerous audio clips
• Interactive AI Chess with multiple search depths
• XML web service access to weather, stock prices, exchange rates, and precious metal prices.
• Expanded sizes allowed for notes and transcripts
• Increased response sizes allowed for WordNet functions
• Larger reference library of classic and modern texts, including selected GWB speeches.
• Can be used without an Internet connection (most features), making AI Bush available wherever your laptop goes.

ALICE is an impressive creation of Dr. Richard S. Wallace. Learn about the A.L.I.C.E. AI Foundation here . ALICE is powered by a much more extensive collection of sophisticated stimulus-response sets than AI Bush. EllaZ Systems is developing in a somewhat different direction than ALICE, with more emphasis on functional aspects of natural language systems.

Dr. Wallace has inspired many chatterbot developers. He graciously let Ella borrow one of his Loebner medals for a photo when she won the Loebner Prize Contest in 2002.

Some of the above FAQ's aren't actually "frequently asked questions," we just made them up. We suspect this is a common practice, but at least we feel guilty enough to admit it :-)