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.
Note: 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 (see page 62) 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.
▶ 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.
▶ 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.
▶ Modify Existing 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.
▶ Create New 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.