A coder specializes in writing programs that run on computer systems. There are many systems that could be affected by coders, from the computers in satellites to the terminals throughout many technological cities and outposts. Coders are also able to write and control bots, which act like "minions" on a computer system. They can remain indefinitely, but they can also purge other bots or be hijacked by hackers.

Bots are a unique kind of entity, in that a coder determines exactly what they can do. In the below Coder's Guide, various functions are listed which a coder may include in a bot. Try to customize a bot to accomplish the necessary task... The more functions that a coder implements, the larger the program is, and the slower it may run. The more specialized it is, the stronger it will generally be at that task because it will be able to execute instructions more quickly.

Purge Virus - A coder is able to quickly purge viruses from computers, returning normal functionality.

Repair Data - If a virus damaged a computer's data or file system, a coder can repair it. This often requires a lot of time to accomplish, and is not always possible.

Overclock - A skilled coder is capable of increasing the speed of a computer. Be aware that this increases heat, which could ultimately cause the computer to fail.

Firewall - A coder is able to configure a firewall to make remote access to a computer very difficult.

Install Bot - This skill allows a coder to program and install a bot on a computer system. The bot can be handled like a "minion", and its abilities are determined by the functions that the coder implements. Note that the bot will run slowly if too many functions are implemented.

The following are functions that may be coded into a bot before installation...

• daemon() - Starts a daemon process that prevents other bots from being installed.
• kill() - Attempts to purge another bot or process.
• parity() - A parity check that prevents corruption of the bot's code.
• zombie() - Creates an identical process and kills the original bot. This effectively duplicates the bot and changes its process ID, causing an enemy kill command to fail.
• reap() - Attempts to kill a zombie process.
• hook() - Causes the system to consider the bot a critical process. If the bot is killed, the system will restart and purge all bots.
• tcp() - Opens slow but accurate communication between systems on a network.
• udp() - Opens fast but less-reliable communication between systems on a network.
• stealth() - Allows a bot to be ignored by a daemon.
• uninstall() - Self destruct the bot.
• fork() - Creates a copy of the bot.
• upload() - Once a network connection is established, allows the bot to "travel" to another computer system. This kills the bot on the original computer.
• block() - Prevents a specific computer from connecting to the one with the bot.
• antiVirus() - Protects critical files and prevents hackers from installing viruses.
• scan() - Searches the computer for viruses and automatically purges them.