Reason why Nerd Shit is better than Better Nerd Shit:
We generally already know the only working computer interacts with the roof turret, and remember this is a gun on a structure meant to combat incoming craft that is presumably fucked for that exact reason by those exact dudes. If we use the computer to do anything with the turret it's gonna bring alien mans down on us so fast. While that may be Powder's intent eventually, I'd prefer we get some time to make ourselves neat dude shit first.
I agree that activating the roof turret should be a last-resort option, for exactly the reason outlined.
However, there may be other uses for the computer. For example, if we do decide to go up there and disassemble the TOWER, then the diagnostics provided by the computer might be useful. There may also be other information or functions on the computer that a cursory examination did not find, which might prove useful later. The point is, while it might turn out to be not that valuable, if given the choice, I'd rather preserve it just in case.
It is also true that the intact computer will likely be an easier source of electronics (which you didn't mention, but goes unsaid).
However, Powder indicated your plan was rather simple, so I figure we could manage a more thorough search of the destroyed computers- presumably there are still a decent number of intact components in there, which would have the same function as those from the intact computer. In the event that my less easy salvage plan doesn't yield all we need, we still have time for another Salvage action, which could focus on easier sources of salvage to guarantee results. That is, we can afford to take a chance now.
More generally, that last point is why I prefer my plan- riskier option first, because it either pays off, or we have time for an easier option later.
But madman, we're not trying to make a mech, I think stirk being stirk is getting to your brain
I think Madman was saying we might later decide to do so. I doubt we will- it doesn't seem like this facility has all we'd need to make even a fairly modest mech (unless there are a bunch of... wood-muscles or motors or whatever behind the barricaded door). But I'm assuming we will be moving on from this location and not returning- if that is not the case, and we can return later, then we might indeed want the TOWER and tech capable of operating it as armament for a mech (or other robust vehicle).