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Message no. 1
From: P Ward <P.Ward@**.CF.AC.UK>
Subject: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 1995 10:18:11 BST
The lack of Program carriers was due to two things;
i) Game-world: they cause Nerve daamge (Denver book)
ii) A Lot of deckers noticed that you could get away with only buying a few
persona chips, laoding the rest into headware, and you could wander
round the matrix without putting all that money into an ice-pick deck.
AND get +1D Reaction because you're running on a fully cybernetic
IFace!

If you need all that hardware to convert the matrix signal into something
your brain can understand, how come you can do it with just a DJack then?

I believe the C2 deck was supposed to replace the Program Carrier in
time for the 2nd Ed.


Personally, I Like Program carriers and running naked, it just needs to have
disadvantages when compared to running with with a full deck. Like maybe no
full-cybernetic interface bonus (needs an explanation though; say the slow
processing speed of a DJack that has to convert matrix signals by itself?)
and Half Willpower for your bod stat, plus a maximum persona total based on
a stat, or possibly the processing power of you Headware Memory.

Phil (Runs-With-The-Pack)
With help from Crawls-through-the-matrix
Message no. 2
From: Damion Milliken <adm82@***.EDU.AU>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 1995 22:02:08 +1000
P Ward writes:

> The lack of Program carriers was due to two things;

iii) They do not fit in with the somewhat expanded and modified (and
probably more generally better thought out) SRII rules for the matrix. The
idea of receiving all the data from the matrix directly into a deckers brain
is completely ludicrous. He _needs_ the deck to interpret it for him. Try
scanning a binary file using a text editor one day, see how much sense it
makes. Then try running the binary (or putting it through an appropriate
program), now it makes sense, right? Same thing with a deck, the deck's
soft/hardware does all the neccessary interpretation for the decker-matrix
interface. A datajack does not do processing, and the deckers brain does not
run binary code, nor the matrix run electrochemical signals.

--
Damion Milliken Unofficial Shadowrun Guru E-mail: adm82@***.edu.au

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b++ D B? e+$ u@ h* f+ !r n----(--)@ !y+
Message no. 3
From: P Ward <P.Ward@**.CF.AC.UK>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 1995 13:07:29 BST
Damion wrote
iii. <the other reason you can't use Program carriers no more>

Yup, that's the other one, new there was something I missed (as usual).


If you fill a lot of headware with an interpreter, or you get some form
of simsense gear then it's possible? Right?

But then I suspect this'll all be covered in the Technomancer/VR-II
book when it gets here right?

PHil (Renegade)
Message no. 4
From: Damion Milliken <adm82@***.EDU.AU>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 1995 22:44:30 +1000
P Ward writes:

> If you fill a lot of headware with an interpreter, or you get some form
> of simsense gear then it's possible? Right?

Then you'll get a C2 (or is it C3?) headware deck. But I think it is
analogous to someone trying to access the 'net without a computer - not easy
at all. You'll need some sort of access mechanism, which will allow you to
interact with the matrix. The power of the device would vary (like the Sony
decks up to the Fairlight), in a similar way that computers used for 'net
access will be of varying quality (from VT-100 type setups, to full graphics
type things). If you get some sort of external simsense gear, then what
you'll have is a deck, as you'll need the processors to run your illegal
programs, and some memory of your own to issue command strings into and so
on. I guess if you didn't want to do _anything_, then you could just get a
simsense interpreter (ASIST thingy), and tack on basic facilities to allow
you to issue movement commands and such, but what's the use?

> But then I suspect this'll all be covered in the Technomancer/VR-II
> book when it gets here right?

I hope so, when (it's looking more and more like "if") it finally arrives.

--
Damion Milliken Unofficial Shadowrun Guru E-mail: adm82@***.edu.au

(GEEK CODE 2.1) GE -d+@ H s++:-- !g p0 !au a19 w+ v(?) C++ US++>+++ P+ L !3
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b++ D B? e+$ u@ h* f+ !r n----(--)@ !y+
Message no. 5
From: Marc A Renouf <jormung@*****.UMICH.EDU>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 1995 13:49:01 -0400
On Tue, 11 Apr 1995, P Ward wrote:

> Personally, I Like Program carriers and running naked, it just needs to have
> disadvantages when compared to running with with a full deck. Like maybe no
> full-cybernetic interface bonus (needs an explanation though; say the slow
> processing speed of a DJack that has to convert matrix signals by itself?)
> and Half Willpower for your bod stat, plus a maximum persona total based on
> a stat, or possibly the processing power of you Headware Memory.

How about those that are implicit in the rules for decking naked,
i.e. most of your programming is done o the fly (ouch), absolutely no
response increase above the +1d6 for full cybernetic hookup (slooooooow),
no possibility of having any kind of hardening (double ouch), the fact
that more kinds of IC can fry your brain (lookout for that Blaster IC),
and the fact that you can't download jack shit because headware memory
just isn't big enough to get all the good stuff.
Aren't these enough? Why include extra rules to keep track of?

Marc
Message no. 6
From: Paul Jonathan Adam <Paul@********.DEMON.CO.UK>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 1995 21:11:57 GMT
I always liked program carriers...but then try writing software on the
fly, for which the rules are *nasty*. And no, you can't carry them in
headware, the interface isn't fast enough <technomumble for "The GM
says No!>. In printed runs (the only time we rolled dice in the Matrix)
a starting decker with a sharp player won't have much trouble unless they
do something stupid, and a decker who had been played a while could do
it eyes-shut. Go in naked and all of a sudden the player's alert and thinking
and getting *worried* about being in a Red-5 node. They're still around in
our game, but then we don't have enough players for dedicated deckers anyway.



--
When you have shot and killed a man, you have defined your attitude towards
him. You have offered a definite answer to a definite problem. For better or
for worse, you have acted decisively.
In fact, the next move is up to him.

Paul J. Adam paul@********.demon.co.uk
Message no. 7
From: Damion Milliken <adm82@***.EDU.AU>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 18:02:09 +1000
Marc A Renouf writes:

> How about those that are implicit in the rules for decking naked,
> i.e. most of your programming is done o the fly (ouch)...

Remember, there are no decking naked rules in 2nd edition. Likewise, there
are no Programming on the Fly rules (though I think there should be these).

--
Damion Milliken Unofficial Shadowrun Guru E-mail: adm82@***.edu.au

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E? N K- W M@ !V po@ Y+ t+ 5 !j R+(++) G(+)('''') !tv(--@)
b++ D B? e+$ u@ h* f+ !r n----(--)@ !y+
Message no. 8
From: P Ward <P.Ward@**.CF.AC.UK>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 10:28:24 -0300
Hey, I missed the bit about no cybernetic hook-up, thanks Marc.

I don;t see why you can't load Programs into headware though.
Mind you, it's a long time since I read the decking rules (we
tend to avoid too much decking, people get bored). so I might
have missed some stuff.

Phil (Renegade)
Message no. 9
From: Gurth <gurth@******.NL>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 12:29:25 +0200
>absolutely no
>response increase above the +1d6 for full cybernetic hookup (slooooooow),

Get yourself a set of wired refs, they do add to your Initiative while
decking naked.


Gurth@******.nl - Gurth@***.nl - http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/index.html
Dat wilt ik nou effe kwijt!
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B? e+ u+@ h! f--(?) !r(--)(*) n---->!n y? Unofficial Shadowrun Guru :)
Message no. 10
From: Damion Milliken <adm82@***.EDU.AU>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Sat, 15 Apr 1995 16:54:33 +1000
Gurth writes:

> Get yourself a set of wired refs, they do add to your Initiative while
> decking naked.

Which makes absolutely no sense at all BTW. Why should physical reaction
increase your speed in the matrix? Heck, wired reflexes would be more likely
to make you faster _using_ a deck (at least you could hit the keys faster
:-)).

--------------
P Ward writes:

> I don;t see why you can't load Programs into headware though.

Probably because one needs a proccessor to actually run utilities. Consider
headware memory to be analagous to a hard drive in your skull. You can have
all the programs you like on it, but unless you have a processor hooked up,
then you'll be having a hard time running them.

--
Damion Milliken Unofficial Shadowrun Guru E-mail: adm82@***.edu.au

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b++ D B? e+$ u@ h* f+ !r n----(--)@ !y+
Message no. 11
From: Marc A Renouf <jormung@*****.UMICH.EDU>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Sat, 15 Apr 1995 03:51:06 -0400
> Gurth writes:
>
> > Get yourself a set of wired refs, they do add to your Initiative while
> > decking naked.

Until Virtual Realities came out that is. They fixed that stupid
little glitch quite well. No more reflex enhancements other than a
deck's own response increase or the +1D6 for a total cybernetic hookup.

Marc
Message no. 12
From: Gurth <gurth@******.NL>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Sat, 15 Apr 1995 11:49:33 +0200
>> Get yourself a set of wired refs, they do add to your Initiative while
>> decking naked.
>
>Which makes absolutely no sense at all BTW. Why should physical reaction
>increase your speed in the matrix? Heck, wired reflexes would be more likely
>to make you faster _using_ a deck (at least you could hit the keys faster
>:-)).

I was only pointing out that the SR1 rules mentioned that wired refs and
VCRs (the implant kind :) added to your Matrix initiative when decking
naked... I think they didn't think it through all that well :)

>Probably because one needs a proccessor to actually run utilities. Consider
>headware memory to be analagous to a hard drive in your skull. You can have
>all the programs you like on it, but unless you have a processor hooked up,
>then you'll be having a hard time running them.

How about a combination of C^2 deck and program carrier? I bet some or
another tech could staple one together from parts of both... That would
allow you to carry utilities in your headware memory and still run naked. if
you really want to (like, because your cash was running too low to buy a
full C^2 deck :)


Gurth@******.nl - Gurth@***.nl - http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/index.html
Notre vie est un voyage dans l'hiver et dans la nuit
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B? e+ u+@ h! f--(?) !r(--)(*) n---->!n y? Unofficial Shadowrun Guru :)
Message no. 13
From: Gurth <gurth@******.NL>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Sat, 15 Apr 1995 11:49:39 +0200
> Until Virtual Realities came out that is. They fixed that stupid
>little glitch quite well. No more reflex enhancements other than a
>deck's own response increase or the +1D6 for a total cybernetic hookup.

Yeah, but was does a total cyber linkup cost? It nowhere mentions anything
about it, only that it gives +1D6 initiative, but no costs, construction
times, or anything. I can see players abuse this very well by simply saying
"my deck is full-cyber."


Gurth@******.nl - Gurth@***.nl - http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/index.html
Notre vie est un voyage dans l'hiver et dans la nuit
Geek Code v2.1: GS/AT/! -d+ H s:- !g p?(3) !au a>? w+(+++) v*(---) C+(++) U
P? !L !3 E? N++ K- W+ -po+(po) Y+ t(+) 5 !j R+(++)>+++$ tv+(++) b+@ D+(++)
B? e+ u+@ h! f--(?) !r(--)(*) n---->!n y? Unofficial Shadowrun Guru :)
Message no. 14
From: Robert Watkins <bob@**.NTU.EDU.AU>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Sat, 15 Apr 1995 19:25:59 +0930
Gurth wrote:
> Yeah, but was does a total cyber linkup cost? It nowhere mentions anything
> about it, only that it gives +1D6 initiative, but no costs, construction
> times, or anything. I can see players abuse this very well by simply saying
> "my deck is full-cyber."

It's free, AFAIK. However, while it gives you the extra initiative, it's
got lots of disadvantages, especially when it comes to IC trying to burn
you.

--
Robert Watkins bob@**.ntu.edu.au
Real Programmers never work 9 to 5. If any real programmers
are around at 9 am, it's because they were up all night.
Finger me for my geek code
Message no. 15
From: Damion Milliken <adm82@***.EDU.AU>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Sat, 15 Apr 1995 22:10:38 +1000
Gurth writes:

> How about a combination of C^2 deck and program carrier? I bet some or
> another tech could staple one together from parts of both... That would
> allow you to carry utilities in your headware memory and still run naked. if
> you really want to (like, because your cash was running too low to buy a
> full C^2 deck :)

Yeah, it would be simple to use a program carrier instead of a persona
module. But you'd need to use a proper station equipped to handle them. With
personal modules, you can still jack into any existing phone line.

--
Damion Milliken Unofficial Shadowrun Guru E-mail: adm82@***.edu.au

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Message no. 16
From: Damion Milliken <adm82@***.EDU.AU>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Sun, 16 Apr 1995 16:05:17 +1000
Robert Watkins writes:

> It's free, AFAIK.

Yeah, you just choose to as far as I can se too.

> However, while it gives you the extra initiative, it's got lots of
> disadvantages, especially when it comes to IC trying to burn you.

That sounds right, but where'd you get it from?

--
Damion Milliken Unofficial Shadowrun Guru E-mail: adm82@***.edu.au

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b++ D B? e+$ u@ h* f+ !r n----(--)@ !y+
Message no. 17
From: Robert Watkins <bob@**.NTU.EDU.AU>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Sun, 16 Apr 1995 15:38:03 +0930
Damion Milliken wrote:
[ Talking about cybernetic interfaces... ]

> > However, while it gives you the extra initiative, it's got lots of
> > disadvantages, especially when it comes to IC trying to burn you.
>
> That sounds right, but where'd you get it from?

It's in VR... in the Matrix combat section, I think. As far as I can
remember (it's been a while since I read VR, as my players don't like
deckers all that much), it increases the likelyhood that you (your meat
body) will get hurt. Especially up against Black IC.

--
Robert Watkins bob@**.ntu.edu.au
Real Programmers never work 9 to 5. If any real programmers
are around at 9 am, it's because they were up all night.
Finger me for my geek code
Message no. 18
From: P Ward <P.Ward@**.CF.AC.UK>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Mon, 17 Apr 1995 08:42:10 BST
gurth Wrote :-

> Yeah, but was does a total cyber linkup cost? It nowhere mentions anything
> about it, only that it gives +1D6 initiative, but no costs, construction
> times, or anything. I can see players abuse this very well by simply saying
> "my deck is full-cyber."

I always took it to mean that they weren't using the keyboard at all, ie
they were running purely through the datajack. AFAIK you just didn't touch
the keys, and you get the bonus.

Mind you, I was never exactly sure what the _penalties_ for doing this were?
Anyone want to enlighten me, or do I have to go and look at my dusty and
dishevelled copy of VR for the first time in ages?

Phil (Renegade)
Wishing he'd come in two days ago to answer all his mail! :-)
Message no. 19
From: Guy Swartwood <gswartwo@*********.WICHITAKS.ATTGIS.COM>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Mon, 17 Apr 1995 12:18:00 PDT
Gurth Wrote ----

>Yeah, but was does a total cyber linkup cost? It nowhere mentions anything
>about it, only that it gives +1D6 initiative, but no costs, construction
>times, or anything. I can see players abuse this very well by simply saying
>"my deck is full-cyber."

I can only think of two ways to go full cyber - the naked way (which was
SR1) and C^2 Deck. Look in Shadowtech for C^2 stats and costs.

Guy Swartwood a corporate decker by day, shadowrunner by night

wildman@******.net
gswartwood@*********.wichitaks.attgis.com
Message no. 20
From: Damion Milliken <adm82@***.EDU.AU>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Wed, 19 Apr 1995 11:55:46 +1000
Guy Swartwood writes:

> I can only think of two ways to go full cyber - the naked way (which was
> SR1) and C^2 Deck. Look in Shadowtech for C^2 stats and costs.

Unfortunately, this is not quite the case. Neither C^2 decks, nor naked
decking are available in SRII. Yet it still has a "pure cybernetic
interface" initiative modifier. You merely do not touch your decks keys, and
you get it. The upsides of this are obvious (+1D6 initiatve), butu FASA has
not expounded the downsides in SRII. There are a couple of mentions in VR as
to the problems/penalties of a pure cybernetic interface, but I cannot
remember them offhand (as I tend not to do a lot of decking, and only
purchased VR because it is out of print and the I got the last copy
available that I could find).

--
Damion Milliken University of Wollongong E-mail: adm82@***.edu.au

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b++ D B? e+$ u@ h* f+ !r n----(--)@ !y+
Message no. 21
From: Guy Swartwood <gswartwo@*********.WICHITAKS.ATTGIS.COM>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Wed, 19 Apr 1995 08:02:00 PDT
Damion wrote----

>Unfortunately, this is not quite the case. Neither C^2 decks, nor naked
>decking are available in SRII. Yet it still has a "pure cybernetic
>interface" initiative modifier. You merely do not touch your decks keys,
and
>you get it. The upsides of this are obvious (+1D6 initiatve), butu FASA has
>not expounded the downsides in SRII. There are a couple of mentions in VR
as
>to the problems/penalties of a pure cybernetic interface, but I cannot
>remember them offhand (as I tend not to do a lot of decking, and only
>purchased VR because it is out of print and the I got the last copy
>available that I could find).
Shadowtech is available for SRII, I don't a problem porting it over, infact,
I don't think you need to make any modification to the C^2 decks in
Shadowtech. Since the C^2 deck is not bioware, I don't see a problem buying
it (although since it is a high priced item to get all the nifty stuff,
starting characters who buy a c^2 deck doesn't get as powerful deck as if
they had the keyboard version, IMHO) for a starting character. By all
definition, C^2 has to be a pure cybernetic connection.

Guy Swartwood corporate decker by day, shadowrunner by night
wildman@******.net
gswartwo@*********.wichitaks.attgis.com
Message no. 22
From: Damion Milliken <adm82@***.EDU.AU>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Fri, 21 Apr 1995 00:18:19 +1000
Guy Swartwood writes:

> Shadowtech is available for SRII, I don't a problem porting it over, infact,
> I don't think you need to make any modification to the C^2 decks in
> Shadowtech.

I said

> > available in SRII

Note the "in". The "in" with the meaning of "in the book
SRII", not "in the
game Shadowrun" (whether second edition or not).

There are neither rules for C^2 decks, nor naked decking _in_ the SRII main
rule book. Hence, since the book still has a modifier for pure cybernetic
interface, then it _must_ (by default) be available for regular decks. Else
the rule would not be in the book. Note that SRII usually refers to the book
itself, rather than the game, apparently the point of confusion here.

> Since the C^2 deck is not bioware, I don't see a problem buying it

I do, since the rules _recommend_ that you do not allow technology from
S-Tech to be available at character generation. But, each to their own...

> (although since it is a high priced item to get all the nifty stuff,
> starting characters who buy a c^2 deck doesn't get as powerful deck as if
> they had the keyboard version, IMHO) for a starting character.

True. But they are infinitely more cool though <grin>

--
Damion Milliken University of Wollongong E-mail: adm82@***.edu.au

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b++ D B? e+$ u@ h* f+ !r n----(--)@ !y+
Message no. 23
From: Guy Swartwood <gswartwo@*********.WICHITAKS.ATTGIS.COM>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 1995 11:14:00 PDT
Damion Milliken wrote -----

>Note the "in". The "in" with the meaning of "in the book
SRII", not "in the
>game Shadowrun" (whether second edition or not).
oh, sorry about the confusion.

>There are neither rules for C^2 decks, nor naked decking _in_ the SRII main
>rule book. Hence, since the book still has a modifier for pure cybernetic
>interface, then it _must_ (by default) be available for regular decks. Else
>the rule would not be in the book. Note that SRII usually refers to the
book
>itself, rather than the game, apparently the point of confusion here.
Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't Shadowtech come out before SRII (I do
not usually check printing dates)? If it didn't, I would imagine the
modifier would mean a true modification to the deck that eliminated the
keyboard. That could mean that all you needed was a little box of chips and
such to deck. Plug that box in to a dataline and connect it to your datajack
and you would have it.
>> Since the C^2 deck is not bioware, I don't see a problem buying it
>I do, since the rules _recommend_ that you do not allow technology from
>S-Tech to be available at character generation. But, each to their own...
To each his own is correct. I agree that some of the bioware is nasty to
have as a starting character, but the C^2 deck has some starting
limitations. 1. The expense is high, therefore the starting character pays a
whole lot more for the nifty deck, which is underpowered compared to the
same amount of money spent on a traditional deck. 2. The essence consumed by
the C^2 deck is higher (I don't have the figures at my hand), that limits to
total amount of other cyberware the deck would have at any other time.

>True. But they are infinitely more cool though <grin>
Yeah, it is. Until you get shot in the head, hit your head too hard... I
still like them though.

Guy Swartwood corporate decker by day, shadowrunner by night
wildman@******.net
gswartwo@*********.wichitaks.attgis.com
Message no. 24
From: Damion Milliken <adm82@***.EDU.AU>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Sat, 22 Apr 1995 23:23:51 +1000
Guy Swartwood writes:

> Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't Shadowtech come out before SRII (I do
> not usually check printing dates)?

It was printed prior to SRII, yes. But is was separate from any previously
published sourcebook (it has updates in the back, and also includes a chunk
of the Grimything 1 though). The material in the book pertains to the book
only. It is self sufficient, one does not have to have other sourcebooks to
run it. All the rules and equipment in it will be complimentary. If a piece
of equipment in it exists, then a rule will be in there for it, and vice
versa.

> If it didn't, I would imagine the modifier would mean a true modification
> to the deck that eliminated the keyboard. That could mean that all you
> needed was a little box of chips and such to deck. Plug that box in to a
> dataline and connect it to your datajack and you would have it.

And the difference between doing this and just not touching your decks
keyboard is?

--
Damion Milliken University of Wollongong E-mail: adm82@***.edu.au

(GEEK CODE 2.1) GE -d+@ H s++:-- !g p0 !au a19 w+ v(?) C++ US++>+++ P+ L !3
E? N K- W M@ !V po@ Y+ t+ 5 !j R+(++) G(+)('''') !tv(--@)
b++ D B? e+$ u@ h* f+ !r n----(--)@ !y+
Message no. 25
From: Guy Swartwood <gswartwo@*********.WICHITAKS.ATTGIS.COM>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Mon, 24 Apr 1995 09:24:00 PDT
Damion Milliken wrote ----

>> If it didn't, I would imagine the modifier would mean a true modification
>> to the deck that eliminated the keyboard. That could mean that all you
>> needed was a little box of chips and such to deck. Plug that box in to a
>> dataline and connect it to your datajack and you would have it.
>
>And the difference between doing this and just not touching your decks
>keyboard is?
I would think that you would need to write a small program (whoopi) that
would cut out the keyboard interface. I don't know much about internals of a
computer, but doesn't the keyboard have an interupt line or needed to be
polled to give information to the computer? That wastes time. The program
could be loaded into memory, cut out the keyboard, and run. The keyboard
could either be activated by dropping the program or rebooting the system.

Guy Swartwood corporate decker by day, shadowrunner by night
wildman@******.net
gswartwo@*********.wichitaks.attgis.com
Message no. 26
From: Damion Milliken <adm82@***.EDU.AU>
Subject: Re: Program Carriers (Was Spirits and the matrix)
Date: Tue, 25 Apr 1995 16:48:09 +1000
Guy Swartwood writes:

> I would think that you would need to write a small program (whoopi) that
> would cut out the keyboard interface. I don't know much about internals of a
> computer, but doesn't the keyboard have an interupt line or needed to be
> polled to give information to the computer? That wastes time. The program
> could be loaded into memory, cut out the keyboard, and run. The keyboard
> could either be activated by dropping the program or rebooting the system.

Whatever it is, I couldn't see any reason why a decker using a full keyboard
deck couldn't do it just as easily as one using a "box" deck. Since the
datajack inputs directly to the deckers brain, he can just decides to ignore
the keyboard input and use the 'jack (probably requring small adjustments as
you described).

Deckers can do it if they choose, who really needs to know how?

--
Damion Milliken University of Wollongong E-mail: adm82@***.edu.au

(GEEK CODE 2.1) GE -d+@ H s++:-- !g p0 !au a19 w+ v(?) C++ US++>+++ P+ L !3
E? N K- W M@ !V po@ Y+ t+ 5 !j R+(++) G(+)('''') !tv(--@)
b++ D B? e+$ u@ h* f+ !r n----(--)@ !y+

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Thwap!