More to the point, those single-task programs are required by the current system. That's the real deal-breaker.

exactly.

that is because programs as a general sort are single aplication abilities, say you have a decryption program, but it only works on a 128bit encryption key, trying to use it on a file with a 256 bit encryption protocol on it would be futile, it wouldnt go far enough, though trying to use it on a file with a 64 bit encryption protocol would be just as bad because it would look at to wide a range of possibilities. this is just an example off the top of my head, i actually find that something like a write program should be limited by the language protocols the program is written for

if the Matrix were remotely realistic, allanon, that would be a convincing argument. however, given that just about anybody can crack any encryption in seconds flat with a single program, it's really just not relevant. besides, stuff like what you're talking about can be easily handled through the Computer skill.

I still like my idea of boiling it down into 10 or so programs with an option of being easily-upgradable cyberware. No increase in essence as rating increases, just tack it onto, say, your Cranial Cyberdeck.

Which I think will see a LOT more use with the whole wireless thing.

Sorry to interrupt, but I have some ideas. How are you think about it?


Ability of new deckers
In some Japanese near-future RPG, like "Metal Head Maximum" or "Tokyo Nova" series, almost everyone and everything are wired. So hackers can disable enemy's gear or cyberware _with one action from far away_. If SR4 bring hackers into realworld, they would have same ability. I think it is overdone. (MHM is so, and TN has its deterrent rule.)

Ubiquitous skillsoft
I vision everyday citizen in SR4 use wireless skillsoft servises, like we in 2005 use google search servise and like. They still need a little implant, but I think online knowsoft servises are well used, and it change the way of knowskill in SR4. If everyone can use Corprate Politics 6 with little expense, does anyone learn it through the hard way?

Free (often with trap) utilities
I always felt some discontent to lack of freesofts. I think freesofts are well used as well as RL. Of course, some of them (and even some of paid softs) contain various traps. So only self-made softs are safe softs. It give an explanation why good hackers are also good plogramers/deckbuilders.


Thank you for reading. I welcome your opinion!

hm. i'll have to check out Metal Head Maximum and Tokya Nova. what you're talking about sounds like ghosthacking, from Ghost in the Shell, right? i don't think that'll show up in SR4, though i guess i wouldn't really be opposed to it. the technology is there, certainly.

the wireless skillsoft idea sounds pretty cool. which, heh, opens up a new role for hackers: operator, Matrix (the movie)-style. "Fastjack, i need a skillsoft for an Aguilar attack chopper."

and, yeah. i've always thought free low-level utilities, replete with bugs, should be ubiquitous.

Nice ideas Janus. I'd mail them in to you know who.

Anybody thought of what it would be like to be ghost-hacked by spammers?

yes, actually. the thought fills me with a terrible glee.

As long as they've got a greater than 70% chance of trashing a system, I'm all for it.

~J, hater of free utilities

why? it's not like being able to get a rating 1-3 program--with bugs!--on the cheap is going to break the game.

I most definitely do not want to see brain and/or cyberware hacking in SR4.

well, okay. i was using "ghosthacking" as a catchall term for the wireless hacking of humans that occurs in GitS, not just the deep-level hacking that, say, the Puppetmaster did. maybe "shellhacking" would be a better word--like when the Major makes Bateau punch himself, or when she takes over the Particularist Eleven thug in order to scout the area.

or putting in a fake security guard or drone or something? or maybe having the ui go all black to obscure the vision of the opponent? or maybe mess with the smartlink so that instead of giving a bonus its way of so that you either have to stop using it or end up shooting anything but the target

yeah. i mean, that sounds cool, but it also sounds like a nightmare, from a game mechanics perspective. which is why i just don't see it happening, in SR4.

Think of even more fun:
Use a dog-brain or pilot program to take over someone's skillwires...

As to