[忍]

I can't seem to find a definitive statement regarding whether or not an AI can begin the game knowing an advanced program. Does anyone know heads or tails of this?

[fseperent]

An AI player character starts with a number of free inherent
programs equal to its Rating. These inherent programs must be
appropriate to the AI’s origin, and are subject to approval by the
gamemaster.
Inherent programs start at a rating equal to the rating
of one of the AI’s Mental attributes; each program is based on a
specific attribute. Inherent program ratings may not be increased
at character generation, but may be advanced later during play.
Inherent programs automatically have the Ergonomic and
Optimize (pp. 114–115, Unwired), but may not have any other
options. Inherent programs may not be copied, cracked, infected,
traded, or run by any other icon; they are an integral part of the
AI. Also note that only the initial ratings of inherent programs are
based on the AI’s attributes, but the AI does not use its Mental
attributes for Matrix Tests.

Charisma: Attack, Black Hammer, Blackout, Command, Disarm, Nuke, Spoof
Intuition: Analyze, Decrypt, Edit, Scan, Sniffer, Stealth
Logic: Browse, Corrupt, Data Bomb, Defuse, Encrypt, Exploit
Willpower: Armor, ECCM, Medic, Purge, Reality Filter, Track

[Herr Brackhaus]

Whatever your symbol means;
You'll want to state whether this is 4th or 5th Edition.

[Malevolence]

AIs can learn a number of programs equal to their Depth + Essence.

AIs then spend 5 Karma to learn a regular program, 8 to learn an advanced program.

Putting the two together, I'd say you can have up to Depth+Essence Advanced Programs for 8 karma a piece, not including the cost of the Programs they are based on.

[忍]

Whatever your symbol means;
You'll want to state whether this is 4th or 5th Edition.

I wasn't aware that 4th had Advanced Programs for AI. Also I presumed the recent release of Data Trails would have been enough of a clue to the context of the question.

[Herr Brackhaus]

And yet the first person to reply gave you information from 4th Edition. What does that tell you about your presumption?

Specificity is key...

[JackVII]

Well, there's technically a Previous Edition Child Board to the Rules and Such Board where SR4 questions are supposed to be asked so the presumption is normally a safe one. I think most people default to 5th Edition on this board unless something about the question looks odd... like "Why are TMs so awesome?" odd.

[fseperent]

In all honesty, I haven't seen much of SR5.
Saw your question when I was looking for how many normal and non inherent programs with Ergonomic could be active on a SR4 AI without Rating or System loss.
Oh well, mistakes happen.