6.3 CharaCteristiCs of agents 159
inhabiting computers and networks, assisting users with computer-based
tasks.
But are knowledge-based systems agents? A knowledge-based system
can be characterized as being intelligent, similar to an agent. However,
knowledge-based systems have no control over their actions. They provide
domain-specific information and usually do not adapt. Their ability to in-
teract is rather limited. That means knowledge-based systems do not interact
with the environment or other knowledge-based systems. Thus, they do not
possess true social ability.
6.3 CHARACTERISTICS OF AGENTS
Agents are expected to work on behalf of users; hence, they must be capable
of working autonomously without human