ALICE stands for Autonomous Logical Iintelligence and Consciousness Emutation.
The software is designed to simulate human interaction and decision making processes and was invented on Earth by the Tatsuo Kobayashi. Its primary use is as a semi-aware computer operating system. The software is not sentient and does not have personality in the traditional sense but does develop a dynamic interaction protocol which does make the computer seem to have a personality of its own. The software sits on top of an abstraction layer that can be adapted to any computer system allowing autonomous control.
Sentience
Because ALICE software is not truly self aware or conscious in it can perform complex activities with moderate decision making but it cannot choose to work independently outside of its programmed responses. With enough information in its database and the addition of an automated repair and maintenance system for physical tasks ALICE can operate a moderate sized starship effectively without human interaction, though combat or similarly dynamic situations are not recommended.
Starfleet has shifted a good deal of focus to this type of system since it does not pose the moral ambiguities associated with sentient computer software such as the EMH system or a QUINN.
Holographic Interface
Support for a holographic interface is also included, the default interface image is that of the creator's daughter. The idea is that a computer would be easier and more efficient to operate for humans if direct human style interaction was possible even without such sophisticated AI as the EMH software whete sentience is possible. Kobayashi was also firmly against the development of sentient AI systems for widespread use, believing that the moral and ethical questions such development raised should be answered first. As such his system is designed to demonstrate that QUINN level AI is unnecessary to provide personal human-level interactions with a ships computer.
Templates
The default interface image can be replaced by any holographic template, although safeguards are in place to prevent the use of a template based on a living person as Kobayashi foresaw that such use could create significant problems with privacy and identity if used on a large scale.
Language
Language and response profiles for core Federation cultures as well as diplomatic profiles for interaction with some non-Federation cultures are availible to allow easy interaction with other races as well. This includes generic template images, accents, and common vernacular.
Gender
Male templates will respond to Alice, but also add the name Alec to allow for easier interaction for gender sensitivity.