How to replicate this in SR4? The way that SR4 works is essentially only Rating+{something} vs. Rating+{something}. This doesn't really replicate the natural progression of technology and the hacks-against-it to evolve to meet demand. I was thinking a lot about this the other day and came up with the following:

Software "degrades", or becomes less useless over time. Perhaps every month (or less in a fast-moving techno-literate society like the 6th world?), every software-based rating that a PC has decreases by 1. This reflects the tendency of the PCs opposition to increase their protective *and* offensive measures. This introduces what is essentially a software maintenance fee into the PCs' lives, much like maintaining lifestyle. In this scenario it becomes really cool to actually have software development skills in order to maintain your own gear and keep it up to date and bleeding-edge.

Hm...I think I might use that. Or maybe it's already in Unwired (still in the midst of reading this) and I've just made a redundant suggestion

This is already a part of Unwired, with one notable exception. If you've licensed the software, the manufacturer sends you the patches for free, which prevents the degradation. Only cracked or pirated software degrades.

i do not recall that ever being done mid-combat. as part of a conversation that one can tell will lead to problems, sure, but not while bullets or fists are flying...

he didnt take a swing, she just smiled after being challenged and then he floored himself...

and the same basic scene happened in the manga...