I'm just wondering what programs/procedures people use to build characters. I took a look at the Community Projects page, but some of that stuff hasn't been updated in years (though sometimes that's not a problem).

So, what do you recommend? Bonus points if it covers the karma system or SR4A updates.

Usually I use the excellent spreadsheet found here:
http://forums.dumpshock.com/index.php?showtopic=23735

It gets updated fairly often. And you can use openoffice to access it.

Openoffice can be found here:
http://download.openoffice.org/

Yep, damienknights character sheet is the most accessible one i have found so far. It doesnt include SR4A yet, but if you are using that it is easy enough to account for changes. And it does do Karmagen.