OS-Symphony

by Clara Nolan and Tyler Basile

Plan & Process

Tyler and I both wanted to experiment with a written script and having text-to-speech "actors" reading the script aloud. At first, we thought we might base our performance around previously exisiting chatlogs such as corpusfantasticaMOO.

On second thought, we decided it would be more intriguing if we had more creative control over our script. To implement an element of chance, we used ChatGpt to generate a script based off of stereotypes of different operating systems. Below, you can find our script.

Additionally, we wanted a visual component to accompany the text-to-speech performance, so we used TouchDesigner to create an audio reactive video that features the colors in the Matrix, since it felt fitting given the subject matter. Daniel Steenhoff's videos came in handy for this, particularly this one.

Script

The following is our written script:

Ubuntu: For the tech plebs who can't handle anything more sophisticated.

Fedora: Playground for those who think they're tech-savvy but are just fooling themselves.

Debian: Safe choice for the timid souls afraid of anything remotely exciting.

Arch Linux: Reserved for the pretentious geeks who think they're better than everyone else.

openSUSE: Boring choice for corporate drones who lack imagination.

CentOS: Discount version of Red Hat for the penny-pinchers.

Mint: Ubuntu Lite, suitable for those who want the basics without the brainpower.

Manjaro: Arch for the lazy, wannabe elitists who can't handle the real deal.

Nix: The chosen one, for those who think they're on a higher plane of existence.

Gentoo: DIY for the nerds who love to torture themselves with unnecessary complexity.

Slackware: Ancient relic for stubborn traditionalists who refuse to evolve.

Kali Linux: Tool for the wannabe hackers who watch too many movies.

Elementary OS: macOS clone for those who can't afford a Mac but desperately want to look like they can.

Zorin OS: Windows copycat for the clueless who can't handle change.

Puppy Linux: Lightweight option for old computers or people who just like cute dogs.

Alpine Linux: Security-focused choice for the paranoid.

Void Linux: Hipster OS for those who want to be different just for the sake of it.

Solus: For the deluded who think they're using something unique and special.

PopOS: For the System76 fanboys who think they're sticking it to the man.

MX Linux: For the folks clinging to old hardware but refusing to let go of their Linux dreams.

Regarding our complete script for the performance, it is as follows:

// Step 1          
open browser, access canvas;

// Step 2
if (submission === clara's submission) {
  navigate to https://os-symphony.neocities.org/;
  // Step 3
  let audience decide what mood they're in;
  
  if (mood === upbeat) {
    proceed click on upbeat hyperlink;
    adjust volume as needed;
    watch performance;
    
  } else if (mood === uplifting) {
    proceed click on uplifting hyperlink;
    adjust volume as needed;
    watch performance;
  } else {
    proceed click on nostalgic hyperlink;
    adjust volume as needed;
    watch performance;
  }
}

Execution

To add another element of chance, we will let you decide how you want to proceed.

If you are in the mood for something upbeat, click here and here

If you are in the mood for something uplifting, click here and here

If you are in the mood for something nostalgic, click here and here