- If you don't want to read (or don't know how), skip to the second post and start hijacking.
Ever wondered why System Override Software (SOS) is illegal? You think it's because it lets its owners claim abandoned ships from the comfort of their pilot seat? Pffff, peanuts. If that was all, it would make as much sense for the Boron to outlaw water pistols.* No, SOS is much more powerful than that.
System Override Software can be used in conjunction with a Transporter Device and a few computer components to actually hack an opponent's ship and take control -- ejecting the current pilot and crew before they even know what's happened. It can even be used to take over factories since they generally have no security personnel on board to worry about contesting control after the computer systems have been hijacked. The workers don't care who they're working for as long as they get to keep their jobs. (What's the difference between working for pirates and working for the government, right?)**
After a ship's (or factory's) shields have been reduced to the point where your transporter device can gain access to the target's interior, it can transport and install the specially programmed computer components into the target's expansion slots where software extension modules are usually installed. The computer components then begin bypassing the ship's communication system to give your SOS access to internal systems. Then as long as you stay within communication range, the SOS goes to work on the mainframe computer, surreptitiously gaining control of each system until the point when it can suddenly assert that control and eject the occupants before they have a chance to counter. Unfortunately, marines and mercenaries are trained against such attacks and thus must be dealt with differently. To thwart any attempt at sabotage, the SOS momentarily disables the ship's cargo life support systems when it asserts control.***
It isn't a foolproof method, though. Because it is an automated hacking program, there will be occasional failures that result in the target system becoming aware of the alien components and disabling them.****Advanced Firewall Software also provides extra protection against internal hacking and thus greatly reduces chances of success when it is installed in the target's system. And Xenon targets are especially difficult for the SOS to disable as the Xenon are the ships themselves and much more intelligent than the SOS can safely be. (Wouldn't want it smart enough to decide to take over your own ship, now, would you?)
On a more positive note, drones are no problem and don't even require the remote installation of computer components. They are not controlled by internal systems, but rather via command signals from their host ship; SOS can hack these signals and take control of the drones without much difficulty and without the need to physically attack them.
But who wants fortune without fame? Not to worry, continued hijacking success will also gain you the respect of your fellow gentlemen (and women) of fortune.*****You can also avoid unwanted attention from authorities by installing Software Signature Scrambler. (Now available at Anarchy Ports everywhere, thanks to successful negotiations with Duke's Buccaneers!)******
As a limited time offer, for a mere (SALE!) 0 credits you can download this script and immediately start your leisurly carreer as a real privateer! Just click the SPK download link below to get started.*******
*Private Ear Advertising LLC ("WE") does not insult Boron intelligence.
**WE do not promote piracy or encourage disloyalty to any government.
***WE do not accept any responsibility for any loss of life directly or indirectly arising from the use or attempted use of this information.
****WE do not accept any responsibility for any damages or loss of property directly or indirectly arising from the use or attempted use of this information.
*****WE do not accept any responsibility for the loss of notoriety or damages to reputation directly or indirectly arising from the use or attempted use of this information.
******We do not promote smuggling. WE neither make business arrangements with pirates, nor do WE have any communication or contact with pirates.
*******Some installation required. WE do not sell or promote the sale or purchase of illegal goods or warez. System Override Software not included. Requires Plugin Manager Lite v1.30 RC1 and Hotkey Manager.