Matrix defaulting, getting technical again... Options

[Centella]

Searching this forum, I get different results on how and when to default
in the matrix. I think it comes down to the interpretation of this:

BBB, p223: "When you are directly interacting with a device, make Hacking
Tests using Hacking skill + Logic. If you are utilizing a hacking program,
makes tests using Hacking skill + program rating."

The same is stated for Computer (BBB, p218) and Electronic Warfare (BBB, p255).
Data Search and Cybercombat have different descriptions (*). So my
interpretation would be:

Situation A. Logic + Hacking
If you don't have the hacking skill: roll (Logic-1)

Situation B1. Program or Complex Form(as substitute of attribute) + Hacking
If you don't have the Hacking skill: roll (Program or Complex Form -1)
If you don't have the Program or Complex Form: can't do it
If you don't have both: can't do it

Situation B2 (alternative of B1). Program or Complex Form(as ?) + Hacking
If you don't have the Hacking skill: roll Program or Complex Form + (Logic -1)
If you don't have the Program or Complex Form: can't do it
If you don't have both: can't do it

Question 1: When to use A or B?
I.e. what does "directly interacting with a device" means? For Cybercombat
and Data Search, situation A doesn't seem covered in BBB (*). But what about
shutting down a host or device?

Question 2: Use B1 or B2?
B1 seems more logical because "not having the Program or Complex Form"
results in "can't do it" and so the "substitute for attribute" makes sense.

[sunnyside]

B2 is right out (logic -1 often being higher than hacking and then you can avoid a whole slew of skills).

I'm actually inclined to allow defaulting either way.

no prog/cf use hacking-1 (coding on the fly, used to be in the rules in other editions).
no hacking? Prog-1 (someone using their rudimentary computer knowledge to just run an executable)

If you really want to pick one or the other I would advise treating hacking as the attribute (so no hacking you can't do it). The reason being that it fits the old rules better, it's nice if a player/technomancer is short a prog as can happen, and keeps the script kiddies down a little.


The FAQ (google shadowrun FAQ) has some info on A vs B.

[Centella]

The FAQ indeed mention: "In cases where a program would apply, but isn't available, the character must default." Using hacking-1 doesn't fit in the general mechanics, but maybe this is the best option.

You're right about B2. That would be like attribute + (attribute -1) when defaulting any task. No point in having skill :)

[deek]

My understanding of "directly interfacing with a device" is when you may be sitting an a terminal using an Edit program to draw a picture or create a document. You are physically sitting at a keyboard and working within its constraints...therefore, Hacking + Logic.

Now, if you are AR or VR, doing the same task and have the Edit program to draw a picture or create a document in a node (which may be that very same terminal you were just sitting at), you using Hacking + Program Rating.

I've also had players role Hacking + Logic or Computer + Logic when they are standing in front of a control panel with a bunch of buttons, to figure out how to use it. They are directly interfacing with the control panel, and therefore the use of a program on their commlink is not pertinent.