From:	Sebastian Wiers m0ng005e@*********.com
Subject:	Non-cybernetic decking.
Date:	Mon, 20 Sep 1999 14:50:06 -0500

> Okay, given that jacking into the Matrix for anyone with a datajack is a
> virtual-reality type environment, does it not make sense that it would be
> classed as an active skill? I think so. However, what about for those
> limited to using computers the old-fashioned way? Programming and the like
> would almost certainly depend on how much you know, rather than how fast
> you type. Therefore, how much of being able to use a computer would be
> active skill, and how much would be knowledge skill?

Its an active skill because you actually do something with it. In this
case, you actually make programs (utilities, whatever) and use the matrix.
Without actual practical experience, that would be a knowledge skill- you
could know all about how programs should be structured, how the matrix
works, etc. But without practical experience, you won't be very good at it,
hence the penalty for using background skills as active skills. I'm sure
most people have experienced the fact that sometimes theory doesn't
translate so well to practice, even in (especially in?) computer use.
Especially in the icon driven world of the matrix (and SR computing in
general), it might not do much good to know how a computer SHOULD work, if
you can't figure out where some moronic company decided to hide the commands
you need...

Mongoose