There are three other Host creation systems on the web that I know of. I've not been particularly taken with any of them because they usually have some zany system that's not like any other system in Shadowrun. Not to mention the costs are usually astronomical (although not as high as the laughable 5 million nuyen per rating point quoted in VR2).
So here's a quick syste that uses the exact same mechanics as VR2. HAve fun and tell me if it works for you.
MAINFRAME CONTROL PROTOCOL
Mainframes and hosts do not run MPCPs. This should be pretty obvious but I'm makng sure its pointed out. For game purposes this little program becomes the hosts security rating and limits the maximum ratings of the various Subsystem Programs.
If you don't like the acronym MCP then feel free to change it, just remember to give it an acronym that is kinda snappy - like "Master Mainframe Omnibu Controller" or something. After all it would not be Shadowrun without alphabet soup terms.
The Security Code of the MCP program actually determines the
Multiplier.
Blue
Multiplier: 6
Green
Multiplier: 9
Orange
Multiplier: 13
Red
Multiplier: 14
SUBSYSTEM PROGRAMS
Mainframes also do not use persona programs. Instead they use other program suites more suited for their actual job.
No subsystem program can exceed 1.5x the Security Value of the MCP.
To get each suites final Multiplier, multiply the programs
base Multiplier by a value assigned from the Security Code.
Blue = x1
Green = x1.5
Orange = x2
Red = x3
Access
Base Multiplier: 3
Control
Base Multiplier: 2
Index
Base Multiplier: 2
Files
Base Multiplier: 3
Slaves
Base Multiplier: 2
INTRUSION COUNTERMEASURES
I would just pick some Multipliers for IC. Don't make them too high - since making something like Probe a Multiplier:14 program or something is frankly just ridiculous. Remember IC cannot be loaded onto another grid or host. So no carting around Killer with your decker.
Trace should be the same Multiplier or so as Track and use Killjoy and Black Hammer as guides for Grey and Black IC respectively. the Multipliers of those programs effectively precludes any player EVER programming it themselves unless they literally have 6 years or so to burn programming 12 hours a day 7 days a week, 365 days a year.