comStar Firewall alert - PhaseThrough

the idiot’s Guide to the Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42
USe tHe Matrix
Before it USeS YoU
Posted By: RazorOfLove
> Ever had an annoying shaman that couldn’t understand digital security
protocol if his life depended on it, even though you explained it a
thousand times? If only you could tell him to read the fuckin’ manual.
Well, here’s a fuckin’ manual to pass to your teammates; it’s what I
pass to mine. This looks like it was written for tweens, and it was, but
it was written by a hacker with some real chops. She was a Matrix
Science teacher before dropping into the shadows, and yeah, she was
my teacher once. She said that she wouldn’t teach me how to hack,
but if I paid attention I would learn, which is the way it works.
> Slamm-0!
> Is it just me, or is this file size too big for its contents?
> Hannibelle
> Nice catch. Razor used steganography to include Glitch’s Hacker’s
Handbook as an easter egg for kids with the skills to pry it out.
> Slamm-0!
Congratulations! You’re probably reading this because you’re
old enough to leave your KidLink behind and get your own fullyfeatured
commlink. There’s a big bad virtual world out there for
you to explore, but if you’re not careful, it will eat you up and spit
you out. Not to worry, you’re reading this guide, and soon you’ll
be surfing the digital waves with the best.
tHe BaSicS
The first thing you’re going to need is a commlink (duh).
You’re also going to need an operating system, or OS. Always try
to get the best commlink model and OS you can afford. The electronics
store is not a place to skimp in a wireless world.
You’re also going to need some interface gear. Sure, you can
use the commlink’s built-in screen and thumb-buttons, but that’s
pretty lame. Get an image link so you can see AR objects and
data; it can be built into shades, regular glasses, goggles, or even
contact lenses for that natural look. Grab some ear buds or headphones
(depending on your look) so you can catch your tunes
and other audio. A microphone will let you make commcalls
without having to use your ‘link’s mic. Add some AR gloves to
complete the ensemble; you can get them as gloves, paste-ons,
or even as a set of full-finger rings. Whatever your look, you can
use the Matrix in style.
direct neural interface
Be wary of people who tell you that DNI is the only way to
fly. You might think that you can get a datajack even though it’s
illegal in most places to buy a DNI before you’re 18 or 21, but be
careful. You’re probably not done growing, so a datajack is not a
good idea yet. But even with trodes, DNI is a gateway directly to
your brain, and a person can get seriously messed up through that
interface. Nevertheless, the ability to simply think your commands is
an incredible ease-of-use factor that makes trodes worth the risk.
To roll with a DNI trode interface, you’ll first need to spend
a few minutes configuring your trodes to your brain the first
time you use them. Your trodes will slave themselves to your sim
module, and then your commlink will give you a series of mental
exercises to do. Don’t come crying to me if something nasty happens
to your wetware.
getting the Hook Up
Chances are, your family, enclave, or arcology already has a
Matrix service provider, or MSP. Despite what the ads say, you
don’t really need an MSP to get onto the Matrix, your commlink
has all the hook-up you need. But MSPs provide you with storage
space and a messaging service that will hold on to your messages
when you’re offline, not to mention programs (usually Browse
class programs and Edit class programs) that you would otherwise
have to buy yourself. The more expensive ones let you use agents
to do things for you.
call Me, Baby
One thing an MSP is good for is to get a commcode. You
need a commcode if you want people to be able to call you and
send you text, image, and voice messages. Some MSPs will give you
more than one. If you don’t use an MSP, you can get a commcode
from any number of providers.
Don’t give your commcode to just anybody! Once it’s in the
hands of a marketing node, your commcode will be on a hundred
thousand spam lists.
And don’t worry about getting software to make calls. All
the stuff you need to chat with your buddies is built into your OS.
Speaking of programs ...
a Hard Look at Software
You might want some programs if you don’t want to rely on
an MSP. You can buy your own Browse class and Edit class programs
and load them into your commlink. If you play a field sport
like lacrosse, hockey, or football (either kind), your coach will give
you a TacNet class program unless you’re in a classic-rules league.
I also recommend an Encrypt class program, you can talk to your
friends without your parents eavesdropping.
One program that is a must-have for your commlink is an
Analyze class program. Keep it running as often as you can. It
helps against hackers and lets you check out icons to see if they’re
harmful. I recommend WhatsThat from the Matrix Open-Source
Syndicate; it works and it’s free!
> This is a little out of date. MOSS was bought up by a subsidiary
of Evo, so now WhatsThat costs around 200¥. But the advice is still
good: always keep an Analyze program running.
> FastJack
There are other programs out there that let you do other
things, but those are up to you to find and figure out. But remember:
if you don’t have a program for what you want to do, you can’t
do it, so load up that commlink!
work those programs
Of course, just loading a program into your ‘link doesn’t
mean you can use it. In order to use a program, you’ve got to run
it first. Running programs takes up processor time and memory
space in your commlink, and if you run too many programs, your
Unwired
Simon Wentworth (order #1132857) 9