How do hackers programm software? Options

[max_rpg]

Hi folks,

I tried to figure out how to code software according to SR4A rules. So far i found following pieces.

Matrix programs are huge and complex by today’s standards, but you can write your own from scratch using this skill and the Coding Software Table.

Okay, the table list thresholds and intervalls for extended software tests. Is it correct that you can code a rating 6 common use program during one month with just one test (archiving 6 successes)? Or do you need 6 month to go from rating 1 to rating 6?

Reading through Unwired i found

If a character wishes to upgrade software he already has with new program options, he must possess the source code.

and

A hacker can still upgrade a program on his own, however, a process known as patching.

Does patching only apply to degraded pirated software or can you improve software you coded that way?

Patching requires a regular programming Extended Test for that software type using Software + Logic and an interval of 1 week. In place of rating, however, use the difference between the degraded rating and the regular rating of the program.

It looks like you will everytime start with a rating that gives a threshold you can beat in one test and then patch up your programs with a extended test once per week.

Normally i would think it should be best for a hacker to use selfcoded programs but with degrading this does not work very well. As you need at leat 1 week per degraded program you can only upgrade 4 programs per month (in that time all your hacking programs degrade by 1). Also it could be possible that your GM rules that the programs need to be degraded before you can patch them so you have always 4 rating 6 programs that will degrade and 4 rating 5 programs that you patch during that month.

The other way, get software from warez sites and updates there too is not described. Would you use the same rules for warez then for open-source programs?

Alternatively, open source programs produced by warez groups might be traded for free or patched up more regularly, as long as the hacker character maintains a warez contact and contributes to the group. For each piece he contributes, the hacker may download a number of programs equal to the contact’s Loyalty rating.

It seems best for hackers to have a legal rating 6 copy with legal licence for their hacking programs - this seems odd (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)