 Commlink Modification: Optimization, Can "Optimization" be linked to Firewall? |
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 Mar 31 2010, 02:38 AM
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#1
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Moving Target  Group: Members Posts: 765 Joined: 28-December 09 Member No.: 18,001  |
Hey there, everyone!
As the tread title already spells out: I am stuck in a rules question. Can you buy the commlink modification "Optimization" for your Firewall software? QUOTE (p.198 Unwired) Optimization This modification optimizes the device’s processor and components to enhance one particular program, applying a +1 dice pool modifier for all tests using that software. Each device may only be optimized once. I bolded the two relevant words that are the source of my confusion. Firewalls can be "programed". They are classified as "software". Now the question is: does "program" in this context exclusively refer to common use and hacking programs or to all entries listed under software. Personally, I am leaning towards the "only common use and hacking programs" option, but I am uncertain. Any thoughts? |
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Mar 31 2010, 02:40 AM
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#2
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Immortal Elf Group: Validating Posts: 7,999 Joined: 26-February 02 Member No.: 1,890 |
It shouldn't, but there's no reason that I'm aware of that it can't as per the rules. Good thing GMs exist to keep things in check when they feel something's inbalanced or prone to abuse. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
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Mar 31 2010, 03:37 AM
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#3
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Running Target Group: Members Posts: 1,026 Joined: 13-February 10 Member No.: 18,155 |
Funkenstein is pretty much correct. Really, though, optimizing for firewall is little more effective than optimizing for the armor program.
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Mar 31 2010, 03:46 AM
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#4
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Moving Target Group: Members Posts: 765 Joined: 28-December 09 Member No.: 18,001 |
Thanks for the feedback to both of you =)
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Mar 31 2010, 04:15 AM
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#5
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Runner Group: Members Posts: 2,705 Joined: 5-October 09 From: You are in a clearing Member No.: 17,722 |
Well, firewalls don't take up system resources and are basically part of the OS, so I'd have to say the nay-no. It's not listed under the Program heading in BBB at least.. |
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Mar 31 2010, 04:24 AM
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#6
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Running Target Group: Members Posts: 1,228 Joined: 24-July 07 From: Canada Member No.: 12,350 |
QUOTE (Saint Sithney @ Mar 30 2010, 10:15 PM)  Well, firewalls don't take up system resources and are basically part of the OS, so I'd have to say the nay-no. It's not listed under the Program heading in BBB at least.. Agreed. A software firewall certainly falls under the English definition of a "program" but what's important is the game definition, and the game repeatedly does not classify Firewall as a "program." |
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Mar 31 2010, 06:02 AM
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#7
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Moving Target Group: Members Posts: 312 Joined: 3-March 10 Member No.: 18,237 |
QUOTE (Malachi @ Mar 31 2010, 03:24 PM) Agreed. A software firewall certainly falls under the English definition of a "program" but what's important is the game definition, and the game repeatedly does not classify Firewall as a "program." I agree, real life terms vs Shadowrun definition/as intended. |
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Mar 31 2010, 06:13 AM
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#8
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Immortal Elf Group: Validating Posts: 7,999 Joined: 26-February 02 Member No.: 1,890 |
Funny. SR4A p. 330 seems to think it's a Matrix Program considering, you know, that it's on the Matrix Program table along with Agents (which is what I'd use Optimization on if I were being cheesy), System and Autosofts in addition to Common Use and Hacking.
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Mar 31 2010, 01:27 PM
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#9
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Moving Target Group: Members Posts: 765 Joined: 28-December 09 Member No.: 18,001 |
QUOTE (Dr. Funkenstein @ Mar 31 2010, 06:13 AM) Funny. SR4A p. 330 seems to think it's a Matrix Program considering, you know, that it's on the Matrix Program table along with Agents (which is what I'd use Optimization on if I were being cheesy), System and Autosofts in addition to Common Use and Hacking. Damn it, you're right. I could slap myself for not reading that earlier. Doh! And even more than just that, Agents and IC are under the "Program" Chapter p.232 in SR4A as well. Though, Firewall and system are not (as they are mentioned under matrix attributes instead). |
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Mar 31 2010, 01:32 PM
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#10
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Hoppelhäschen 5000 Group: Members Posts: 5,807 Joined: 3-January 04 Member No.: 5,951 |
QUOTE (D2F @ Mar 31 2010, 03:38 AM) Any thoughts? Optimize for Analyse. No questions anymore, same effect on detecting hacking, much more useful as used in matrix perception tests. |
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Mar 31 2010, 01:37 PM
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#11
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Moving Target Group: Members Posts: 765 Joined: 28-December 09 Member No.: 18,001 |
QUOTE (Rotbart van Dainig @ Mar 31 2010, 01:32 PM) Optimize for Analyse. No questions anymore, same effect on detecting hacking, much more useful as used in matrix perception tests. My question wasn't so much about actual application for one of my characters but about the limits of the optimization modification itself. I knew that it worked for analyze. I just wasn't sure about firewall, system or agents. Funkenstein provided me with the last bit of info I needed to make up my mind. |
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