QUOTE (Smash @ Mar 16 2015, 02:46 PM)

This is exactly the kind of semantic argument that makes me wonder what's going on with shodowrun players that they are all simulationists.
It think the rules are pretty clear that it's referring to 'cyberprograms' being the kind of stuff used by hackers for the purpose of the game. You're not meant to take that to mean that it can't run software.
It is quite possible to have a rule that stops you running hacking related software but not common software like browsers, word-processors, etc. It doesn't have to be all or none.
And yet you are completely wrong in your assessment here.
PROGRAMS are for
DECKS ONLY by the RAW.
YOU DO NOT NEED PROGRAMS to perform Matrix Actions (Which comlinks can do just fine without any Programs). Comlinks come loaded with everything they need to run the Matrix. Says so right in the 1st Quote I provided. (SR5, Page 221). Go look at it again and you will see that it is there. Here, let me quote it for you again...

Shadowrun 5, Page 221
QUOTE
A commlink is combination computer, smartphone, media player, passport, wallet, credit card, Matrix browser, chip reader, GPS navigator, digital camera, and portable
gaming device. And possibly a few other things, if you’ve got a really nice one. It’s got all of the necessary software already loaded, but unlike a cyberdeck it has no space for cyberprograms or other hacking tools.
That being said, however, I think many people allow comlinks to run Common Programs (with slots equal to half the DR). It does not break the game, afterall.