especially software is more important than armour or weapons.
Human bodies are completely replaceable, except for the brain. Most people got an interface implanted, allowing them to access computers easily. But this way you can access and manipulate the brain as well.
Of course the AIs are getting more sophisticated as well. Androids develop their individual pattern of behaviour and the possibilities of the programs in the nets are sheer unlimmeted. The differences between human and machine are hardly to find. It's only a matter of time...
The Members of Section 9 are fully tuned Cyborgs. Especially Major Kusanagi consists only of hydraulics, chips and wires. No original bodyparts remained, but a few braincells in the titanium armored skull of hers. Sadly enough that leaves her without any touchable proof that she is really human, except for the whispers from her ghost (or soul, though this word doesn't really fit). These thoughts follow her throughout the whole story and as the Puppet Master enters the scene it's not getting easier for her.
important enterprises. Is it up to Major Kusanagi and her fellows to neutralise him. But what starts as a run of the mill case of espionage ends up in a unpenetrable net of intrigues and betrayal. Several government sections are involved and try to deceive each other. In the end Major Kusanagi and her partner Batou find themselves entrapped between the fronts.
As the story continues it turns out that the Puppet Master isn't a human but an AI, a program developed for espionage and sabotage. To fulfill its purpose it was released into the international nets. There it evolved by itself into a self-conscious being. The Puppet Master is an intelligent lifeform, at least he says so, and he intends to ask Major Kusanagi a favour...
Nobody knows what the future looks like, but this story relates some very interesting
visions. Just to think of an intelligent entity, consisting only of Bits and Bytes! The Puppet Master isn't just another Data (from Star Trek), who was constructed and programed by purpose. No! He is a result of the technological progress, you might even say the result of an evolution. He was created by accident, for the right ingredients where at the right place at the right time, though 'accident' isn't the proper word. He still bears the heritage of its original programing and the data he collected. But he evolved far beyond the intentions of his creators.