If I install Overmind with no other programs installed does it get 4 power counters or 3? I am wondering if it counts against itself.

Also lets say I have 1 program installed worth 1 MU and install overmind over the top of it. How many powered counters are placed on overmind?

As per the news page on this particular card, yes, the 1 MU used by Overmind counts against itself ( http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=4736 ). The check is made, it seems, AFTER Overmind is installed.

As to your second question: there is no "overwriting" a program. If you have only 1 MU in use of your base 4, installing Overmind will not allow you to first trash the other program. You can only trash programs either due to a card effect or because you try to install something that goes beyond your current MU allowance.

If you intend to install a program that would put you over your MU allowance, you can trash any number of currently installed programs as part of the install action.

So, if you wanted Overmind to have 3 counters but you already have a program installed, you first have to fill up your MU with other programs, THEN install Overmind and as part of that install trash all your other programs.

Incorrect. The Runner can choose to trash any number of his installed programs at the beginning of an install program action. Core Rulebook, p. 15, col 2 graf 3.

So, if you have one drained Overmind on the table, feel free to install right over it for the full 3 MU.

Also note that conditional MU applies, so Deep Red is getting a lot of play in Overmind decks. Also popular is installing Overmind on Omni-Drive, so you get one more token on it.

Thanks Grim. Best thing about these boards is the re-arranging of errors into facts in my head

no problem, grievous errors are part of my own personal learning process