Message no. 1

From:	"Jason Carter, Nightstalker" <CARTER@***.EDU>
Subject:	Computer and Computer Theory
Date:	Wed, 7 Jul 1993 10:46:17 -0700

Matthew asked:

>>Can someone tell me what the difference is between the skills Computer and
>>Computer Theory. If you go by the book the only difference seems to be that
>>Computer Theory include Matrix Theory and Computer doesn't. The group I play
>>with has decided that the computer skill should just be decking (or using)
>>whereas computer theory is programming. Thinking about it at the moment I'm
>>sure it could go into more detail. Personally I think Shadowrun has simplified
>>the whole computer/matrix/decking area of the game far too much.

The difference between Computer Skill and Computer Theory Skill is the
difference between a teenage hacker and a computer scientist. Computer Skill
covers the programming and use of computers. This includes the on the fly
modifications that are known as Hacking (hence Hacking Pool is based off of the
Computer Skill). Computer Theory Skill covers the princples of computers
including programming theory, computer architechures, operating systems and
various other things. However the way the rules are written the only time
Computer Theory comes into play is to determine the highest level of utilities
a decker can write.

See Ya in Shadows,
Jason J Carter
The Nightstalker