My first decker..., born yesterday, up all night reading... Options

[kevyn668]

Like it says, I never made a decker and never played one. I got in on Dashifen's "We're Green" run and am looking forward to it but I could use some help. Thats where all you DSer's come in.

My character is gonna use the Combat Decker Archetype as a template. Major differences: he's human and no cyberarm, traded Implant Weapons for Athletics. I'm leaning towards a corp background but not sure yet. In case anyone's interested, I made him a ComDeck b/c our group doesn't have a Sam/Adept/Gunbunny (last time I checked....) and because I already know the combat rules :)

I have SR3 and Matrix but no T:M. I have a pretty basic understanding of the Matrix rules (you guys were right, pretty much everything is just a computer test). I haven't plowed through Matrix yet but plan to tonight--the 4 hour director's cut of Dune was on last night.... ;)

Here goes: Is there anything I should definitely get progamwise? I have a few ideas, but would like some input. Also, WTF is with all the knowledge skills in Matrix?! I cracked it open to that section and it blew my mind. Do I need all those? I like KS's like "Matrix Gangs" and "Famous Deckers" and "Matrix Topography". Y'konw?

I get the idea that the majority of those skills are for doing your own programs, but since this is an online game and unlikely to progress to the point where I might use them would it be "min/maxy" of me to skip most of the programing codes??

One last thing: for any suggestions (especially program wise) please include a "why" section or a "...and this is what makes this cool.."

Thanks!