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.

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.

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

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.