Computer Science

Computers are an integral part of human society, and many alien societies as well, at Progress Level 5 and higher. (For much more information on computers and related material, see Chapter 10: Computers.) Most computers and computer-assisted machines are designed to be user-friendly in routine situations. The broad skill provides a character with a basic understanding of computers and computer systems. (In comparison, the Knowledge—computer operation skill merely gives a character the ability to use a computer effectively, but does not allow any understanding of how the machine does what it does.) The three primary uses for the Computer Science broad skill are information retrieval, computer repair, and programming. These uses are described below.

Some computer systems allow users who don’t have the broad skill to make skill checks at their base Intelligence score instead of at the untrained score. If such an assist program is installed in a particular piece of equipment, your Gamemaster will let you know.

Information Retrieval

Most computers are connected to some storehouse of raw data—a large network, a centralized storage system, or the unit’s own drives. Using the Computer Science skill to search for specific information requires a skill check only if that information is protected in some way (user password, encoded data, etc.) or if the information is obscure and hard to locate. In all but the most straightforward of situations, a complex skill check is used to determine the result of a retrieval attempt. The broad skill is useful when a character wants to retrieve information from any unprotected system—but if the system is protected, only programs of Marginal quality and Marginal complexity can be accessed with the broad skill. In order to retrieve information from a protected system of higher quality or greater complexity, the specialty skill hacking is needed. A Critical Failure result on the skill check usually means that safeguards or alarms have been triggered, an unretrievable computer error occurs, or the character makes some other monumental mistake that aborts this computer run.

Computer Repair

A character with this skill has the ability to fix a damaged computer system, either by replacing defective parts or by rewiring a component or a system to bypass a problem spot. Repairing a computer system is always a complex skill check. For information on how attempts to repair a device are made, see the repair specialty under the Technical Science broad skill (page 89).

Programming

Computer programs exist to handle almost any task imaginable. Without training in the use of these high-tech tools, the wealth of options and accessories available can be overwhelming to a character trying to employ them. As with information retrieval (above), using Computer Science to navigate and utilize a program almost always involves a complex skill check. A character with just the broad skill can only manipulate the source code of programs of Marginal quality and Marginal complexity. Manipulating programs of better quality and greater complexity requires the programming specialty skill. For more information on how the Computer Science specialty skills are used, see Chapter 10: Computers. Brief descriptions of the specialty skills are given below.

Hacking

Hacking is the ability to break computer codes and bypass computer security for the purposes of gaining access to restricted data or secure computer systems. Hacking can be performed at a computer station that’s physically connected to the data stores in question, or it can be performed from a distant location by creating a link via a network of some kind. It’s most often used to retrieve secured data, to enter and take control of a computer system, or to perform some type of sabotage such as erasing files or introducing a virus of some kind. This specialty skill allows a character equipped with a computer to perform the previously mentioned tasks. The character’s own skill and any programs being used can help the character navigate computer systems, overcome security, and even defend against other operators hooked into a system.

▶ Rank 4, 8, 12 [Increased Effect]: As a character gains ranks in this specialty skill, his ability to perform actions related to hacking improves. This is reflected by a -1 situation die bonus at rank 4, a -2 bonus at rank 8, and a -3 bonus at rank 12.

Hardware

This specialty represents a character’s knowledge of and proficiency with the physical components that make up a computer. Understanding how a computer system works, being able to set one up quickly, designing and building your own computer, and repairing computer equipment are some of the tasks covered by this skill.

▶ Rank 4, 8, 12 [Increased Effect]: As a character gains ranks in this specialty skill, his ability to repair computer systems and work with computer hardware in other ways improves. This is reflected by a -1 situation die bonus at rank 4, a -2 bonus at rank 8, and a -3 bonus at rank 12.

Programming

This specialty skill enables a character to improve her ability to analyze computer programs, modify existing programs, and (at higher ranks) create programs by writing her own code. Having rank 1 in this skill enables a character to modify the source code of programs of Ordinary quality and Ordinary complexity.

Rank 3, 6 [Modify/Enhance Programs] A character with rank 3 in this skill is able to modify the code of existing programs of Good quality and Good complexity. When the character achieves rank 6, she can modify any existing program.

Rank 3, 6, 9, 12 [Create Programs]: A character with rank 3 in this skill is able to create new programs of Marginal quality and Marginal complexity. Ordinary programs can be created at rank 6, Good programs at rank 9, and Amazing programs at rank 12.