So, I'm really excited about Kite, so here are some thoughts, though you were probably going to do most of these anyway:
1) Operating Systems
It would be nice if we had a variety of different operating systems, each with their own directory structures, and maybe even other features!
2) Randomly generated filenames
Self-explanatory. Feels like it would add a lot more flavor to the game.
3) Viruses
We only have one in Onlink. I propose that it be possible, for an extra cost, to make a macro a virus, worm, Trojan, or rootkit. Worms spread fastest, but are easily detected, while rootkits do not spread, but are nigh-undetectable. Viruses and Trojans are in the middle.
EDIT: Actually, now that I think about it, perhaps this would be better done with 'infect' and 'transmit' commands, where infect infects a file, and transmit spreads to another system.
4) Real Corporations
Basically, corporations make and lose money randomly over time, and destroying their files will make them lose a lot of money, whereas giving them data from other corporations will cause them to gain money, and you to gain favor with them. In this way, it is possible to destroy an entire company via extensive hacking.
5) External security
It should be possible for security systems such as proxies to exist as separate network devices, preventing access to the system behind them, but also for them to run on the server itself, as in Onlink. You should also be able to install security systems for yourself.
6) Game modes
Some ideas:
- A mode in which you start at the dawn of the internet
A mode in which you hack a single, massive network, with new tools stolen from servers
A console-only mode
A mode in which you have a contract with a corporation instead of being freelance.
7) New system ideas:
- Mail servers
ISPs
Dedicated security servers with network-wide antivirus
Prank servers that give you a virus when connecting
Message boards (for multiplayer?) that work like this:
There is a large list of premade conversations. These will occur at random times, with random delays between posts. The list of conversations could include "fill in the blanks" conversations about recent events.
8) Dwarf fortress-esque worldgen
Basically, you make a world, and you can play multiple games in it.
You can make a new world, but it will overwrite the old.
9) Removable media
If the game has an (in-game) physical world, there should be floppies, CDs, USB sticks, etc. to allow more ways to complete missions (eg. put a disk containing a virus into the CM)
If you read this, please tell me what you think and if any of these are impractical/bad ideas!