Use Device [Int; Technical Proficiency Only]
Use this skill to operate complex or specialized technological devices, such as computers, robots, and vehicle sensors.
Check
To use most technological devices, you don't need to make a skill check. Devices designed for regular civilian use are extremely user friendly. You need this skill if you want to attempt an advanced task, such as programming a computer or robot, or if you want to operate a complex or specialized device.
| Security | DC |
|---|---|
| Simple security | 15 |
| Good security | 20 |
| Excellent security | 25 |
| Incredible security | 30 |
Cracking a Computer
Most datapads and computer systems are password protected. Once you have access to a system—through a personal device, terminal, or network— you must make a Use Device check to access protected files or programs. The DC is based on the sophistication of the security.
| Program | DC |
|---|---|
| Simple program (does one thing) | 10 |
| Mildly complex program (does two or three things) | 15 |
| Moderately complex program (does up to five things) | 20 |
| Incredibly complex program (does up to 10 things) | 25 |
Once you have access to a computer's operating system, you can install programs or copy data to or from the system. It's easiest to install prepared programs—writing code on the fly isn't easy. Writing a program takes five minutes for every point of the program's DC, based on its complexity as shown in the table below. For every five minutes by which you want to reduce the programming time, to a minimum of five minutes, increase the DC by 1.
Try Again
Depending on the situation, you can retry as often as you like. However, if you're trying to crack a computer file and you miss your check by 10 or more, you set off the computer's security system. Your DM determines the result. It can range from locking your access point out of the system to sounding an alarm.
Special
You must have the Technical Proficiency feat to use this skill.
The owner of any computer system or network you crack can normally track your activity. To hide any trace of your tampering, you must make a Use Device check. Your activities will only be noticed if someone working with the system beats your check result with his own Use Device check. If you were accessing the system directly, the person won't learn very much. He will know that someone accessed the computer, and he will be able to identify your activities—programs you uploaded or downloaded, files you accessed or copied, and so forth. If you were accessing the system over a network, he will know your name and your Indentification Number (IN), or at least the alias you used to register your network account. He will also know the location from which you accessed the system.