@Celtibero Just reading through the matrix rules more, there's a lot I need to learn 
I would describe a host as a standard icon, just larger? If I am understanding correctly the control center at the boat ramp would be a host? I'm assuming inside the host I can store files, etc. You can either use brute force or hack on the fly to gain marks, gaining access to the host and whatever files it contains. Am I understanding this correctly?
I'll likely have a little issue with astral and matrix actions until I am more comfortable, sorry if I end up asking a bunch of questions.
no worries, i actually bungled the post as it was already late in the evening, i was thinking "regular device" as opposed to host, although i believe the matrix perception could allow me to assess the host's rating.
a host can be... well basically a building block, like a house or a club, most are the virtual representation of the meat world, a stuffer shack might just be a virtual copy, low security, gives you a invite mark on request, inside you get the local fare, menu, and you can function within certain parameters (order take out, etc etc) the big ones (AAA corps) might be a block (or that bloody pyramid floating in the matrix) in the sky. an Icon can be, for instance your regular run of the mill C-N Jackrabbit, can look like the Flinstones car (if the owner was geeky enough to bother changing the icon), a host is more akin to a structure (imo).
yes, inside the host it can store files, in the "host archives", imo i would see it (generally) like an archive with a agent filling stuff, hack on the fly at the agent? get mark to perform a spoof?
yes, hack on the fly allows me to get a mark (or more), 1 mark basically labels you as having the permission to enter the host.
but my bad on bungling the interpretation, mind if i change the post?
