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Skip Navigation LinksMetaCyber>GM>Technology>Computer Usage Skill
 
MetaCyber
 
 

GM

Technology The NET Computer Usage Computer Programming
 
 
 
COMPUTER USAGE
The broad majority of the MetaCyber populace are not particularly technical, having little knowledge of the inner workings or underlying logic of Computers. However, this does not mean they cannot use Computers for their intended purposes. Rather than employing the Computer Programming Skill to model characters that don't really know much about Computers but know how to use them, in the MetaCyber setting a Professional Skill called Computer Usage is used instead.
This Skill can be either INT based or General and uses the normal pricing structure of Professional Skills.
PS: COMPUTER USAGE
Computer Usage is split into subgroups as follows:
  • PERSONAL COMPUTERS & NET TERMINALS *
  • MAINFRAMES & SUPER COMPUTERS
  • MILITARY COMPUTERS
  • PROPRIETARY CORPORATE COMPUTERS (per Corporation) **
 
* Default
* Some Corporations use proprietary interfaces and / or operating systems developed in house, which take some familiarization and / or training to use properly.
 
There are several subgroups of Computer Usage as indicated in the adjoining table.
Anyone with this Skill can conduct searches for publicly available data, use most software, and perform routine computing tasks.
It is also assumed that all characters that have the Skill can use Personal Computers & NET Terminals by default. Additional subgroups can be purchased for 2 points each assuming a character has a background to support it. Thus a person that worked for the military might be able to take the Military Computers subgroup, while a person that works at corporation that has its own interfaces and software would take the Proprietary Corporate Computer subgroup for that corporation.
However, user interfaces are designed to be so simple and intuitive any village idiot should be able to use one for basic functions. Due to a combination of this ease of use and ubiquity, practically all characters are assumed to have PS: Computer Usage as an Everyman Skill, which allows them to use the Computers they interact with on a daily basis under normal conditions. Characters that are more capable at it should buy the full Skill.
Everyman Skill: PS: Computer Usage; 8-
PS: COMPUTER USAGE MODIFIERS
 
GENERAL USAGE
CIRCUMSTANCE * MODIFIER
Routine / Daily Tasks +2 to +4
Have Good Instructions or Documentation +1
Out Of The Ordinary -1
Unfamiliar Workstation / Peripherals -1 to -2
In A Hurry -2
Unfamiliar Software -2
* All Circumstances are cumulative
 
SEARCHING FOR INFORMATION
TYPE OF INFORMATION MODIFIER
Widely Known +2 to +4
Publicly Available +1
Available but Esoteric -0
Generally Unknown But Not Privileged -1
Extreme Details -2
Privileged Information -3
Classified Information -4 or more