Slicer/Legends

The term "slicer" was used to describe computer experts, often self-taught, who excelled at working within a complex computer network, and were able to extract information from this network with great skill. Often, this information was secured by any number and manner of encryption and lockout systems, and a skilled slicer was able to circumvent these systems without triggering alarms.

The Empire, Rebel Alliance, New Republic, and assorted law-enforcement and criminal organizations employed computer experts to write & slice code. While most code slicing could be performed by droids, the 'personal touch' was often required for special jobs.

Image
The first image that often came to mind upon hearing the word 'slicer' was of a skinny, pale-complexioned post-adolescent with bad posture surrounded by half-eaten food products while they hunch over a computer terminal. That stereotype however, was far from accurate, as many slicers were true professionals adapt at forging documents, circumventing security systems, or seeking out hidden information on the HoloNet.

Equipment
Slicers used specialized computers, many built by the slicers themselves, to eke out a living in the digital world. These computers were carefully guarded and constantly modified & upgraded by the slicer, who rarely discussed its specs except, on occaision, with other like-minded individuals. Complex access codes and even self-destruct mechanisms were often used to prevent a slicer's computer from falling into the wrong hands.

Many freelance slicers charged their clients for these 'necessary' modifications as part of the requirements for the job in question.

Identities
Slicers essentially had two, or sometimes more identities. In place of their true identity, slicers generally used code names and even regular business associates would not know a slicer's true identity. Keeping their true identity a secret was very important to successful slicers; they would rather not have to spend their time evading law-enforcement personnel, bounty hunters, and underworld-types with personal vendettas. Criminal slicers tended to use flashy pseudonyms, while government and corporate slicers often had militaristic code names or alphanumeric designations.

Socketguards were specially designed to combat slicers.

Slicer Droids were intelligent automatons that excelled at sifting through mounds of useless data for the one needed factoid.

Notable Slicers

 * Filli Bitters
 * Zakarisz Ghent
 * Aeron Azzameen
 * Sha'a Gi
 * Eurrsk Thri'ag
 * Gara Petothel
 * Kiph
 * RC-1140
 * T3-M4
 * Whistler

Behind the scenes
A slicer or the verb slicing all are equal to the real life term hacker or hacking, along with the sterotyped appearance.