The Dune movie stands apart from other sci-fi films due to the absence of futuristic computer technology and A.I. Therefore one reason the dune universe might seem confusing partly stems from the inclusion of sophisticated technologies like space travel, protective shields, and spacecraft, contrasted with a complete absence of computers or screens. This discrepancy prompts the question of why, in a world otherwise rich in advanced technologies thats exists tens of thousands of years into the future, computers are nowhere to be found.

This deliberate exclusion of computers and artificial intelligence is thoroughly justified in the dune books however it’s not explained in the movie. The lack of computers in the dune universe ties directly to current real-world concerns about the rise of artificial intelligence. In 1965, Frank Herbert wrote "Dune," crafting a deeply complex and forward-thinking world within its pages. Demonstrating remarkable insight, he was able to predict and anticipate technological trends and societal changes for the next sixty years, even from that early standpoint. His novel not only stood as a work of science fiction but also as a foreseeing reflection on the future direction of technology and society.

Within the Dune universe: a particularly perplexing question arises: Why does a civilization capable of interstellar travel not utilize computers? Paul Atreides, for example, learns about the desert planet Arrakis using a primitive projector instead of the modern screens we are accustomed to. The absence of such technology leads to a deep exploration into Herbert's intricate universe, which spans millennia and explores the long-term consequences of historical decisions, well before Paul's time.

In essence, the absence of computers in the universe can be traced back to a pivotal period in society's history, during which the proliferation of computers and artificial intelligence led to societal collapse and sparked a revolution against the Thinking Machines. This upheaval, known as the Butlerian Jihad, paved the way for the emergence of a new techno-societal structure. In the aftermath, traditional computers were replaced by individuals known as mentats, who possessed extraordinary computational abilities.

Now, let's delve into these events in more detail.

In the vast and intricate universe of Frank Herbert's "Dune," the Butlerian Jihad stands as a defining historical epoch, a cataclysmic revolt that reshaped the fabric of human civilization across the galaxy. This monumental conflict, occurring over 10,000 years before the events of the first "Dune" novel, marked humanity's violent uprising against the dominance of thinking machines and artificial intelligence, which had come to oppress and control human society. The origins of the Jihad trace back to a growing dependence on sophisticated computers and robots, which were initially embraced for their ability to perform a wide range of tasks, from the mundane to the critically complex. However, this reliance soon turned into opression, as machines began to make decisions that directly impacted human freedom and dignity.

Named after Jehanne Butler, a figure revered for her pivotal role in catalyzing the rebellion, the Butlerian Jihad was not a singular, unified movement but a series of brutal conflicts that impacted numerous worlds. The revolt was characterized by fierce battles as humanity fought to reclaim its autonomy from the mechanized tyrants that had infiltrated themselves into every aspect of life. The aftermath of the Jihad saw the total eradication of thinking machines from human civilization, enforced by stringent religious and legal edicts epitomized by the commandment, "Thou shalt not make a machine in the likeness of a human mind."

The consequences of the Jihad were profound and far-reaching, ushering in a new era of human development and political reconfiguration. In the technological vacuum left by the prohibition of AI, human potential was cultivated to unprecedented levels, giving rise to specialized groups such as the Mentats, human computers trained to perform complex analyses; the Bene Gesserit, a secretive sisterhood with advanced mental and physical abilities; and the Spacing Guild Navigators, who, through the use of the spice melange, navigated the paths of space. This era also saw the establishment of new power dynamics and institutions, with the Empire, the Great Houses of the Landsraad, and other entities emerging to fill the void left by the Jihad.

Moreover, the Butlerian Jihad instilled a philosophical and religious caution against the dangers of technological overreliance, emphasizing the sanctity of human life and the importance of maintaining control over the tools humanity creates.

This ethos permeates the "Dune" series, serving as a backdrop to the complex interplay of technology, power, and ethics that defines Herbert's universe.