It seems in today's high-tech world where we are surrounded by electronic equipment and gadgets of every type, batteries are playing a huge roll. They are not only allowing endless hours of enjoyment with games, music, videos and phones just to mention a few they also offer portability like never before in history. These days you can take any of your electronic equipment or gadgets anywhere in the world with the right set of batteries.
They come packed and super charged with power and allow you to run everything from the simplest contraptions to the most complex instantly. More and more these days people around the world are choosing solar powered battery operated cars to drive and are amazed with the power they produce. Yes, I would have to say batteries play a huge part in our everyday lives and will for a very long time.
Probably the most familiar batteries to everyone are the dry cell batteries such as AA's, AAA's, C's, and D's that are used in flashlights, remote controls, clocks, lights, games and toys. The most common are alkaline batteries and they claim to have a longer life.
There are several types of batteries for electronic devices and cordless tools. The first that comes to mind is a lithium-ion battery. While they may not deliver a better run time than the NiMH battery, the lithium-ion battery will deliver better total performance over the life of the battery than NiCad and NiMH batteries. Most cell phone batteries are Lithium Ion (LiOn)— the most lightweight rechargeable battery kind that does not have an effect on memory.
Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries have the capacity of the NiMH battery, With ZERO memory effect and zero toxins. Another added bonus is the fact that Li-Ion batteries weigh half as much as NiMH batteries.
NiCad (Nickel Cadium) batteries are hardly ever seen anymore, they proved to have low capacities and heavy metals that harmed the environment. In addition they had the dreaded "memory effect". Which meant if they were recharged before they were completely drained of power the longevity (Memory Effect) of the battery was compromised.
NiMH (Nickel Metal Hybrid) batteries have up to twice the capacity of the NiCad batteries and only half susceptible to the memory effect. The NiMH batteries are also becoming rare.
There are a few reasons a battery may fail these include but are not limited to:
* A faulty cell design
* Battery abuse
* Manufactured improperly
* Operated in uncontrolled conditions
* Batteries lose power or degrade overtime
There are many place in the world that are still very remote and without electricity, many of these people depend on the use of batteries to complete daily activities. While batteries may be common place for most here in the United States, they play a very important part in making life bearable for many people.
Be sure to read all product brochures or guides for compatibility requirements before using batteries of any type. Batteries should be handled and stored properly. Manufacturers warn against exposing batteries to extreme heat or over charging. Batteries are composed of combustible chemicals and should be handled as such. Also remember there are proper ways to dispose of batteries so not to contaminate land fills.
Sophie Beck writes consumer information articles for websites and businesses including Depot4.com Sophie helps her reader's by providing excellent information.
For more in depth informaion on batteries please visit: http://depot4.com/batteries/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sophie_Beck
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Electronic Component Suppliers
You will find many suppliers of electronic components who will sell them in small quantities. Suppliers of new components, or in a few cases "new and some used" components, include Digi-Key (having blue LEDs, prices reasonable), Mouser Electronics (Fast service, $20 minimum, $5 charge under $20, export orders $100 minimum), Ocean State Electronics (good collection of RF parts, especially air variables and B&W coils), Radiokit (lots of components), Circuit Specialists Inc ( no minimum with check or money order, or else $15, good RF collection), Active Electronics (many stores across the US and Canada, $25 minimum), Maplin Electronics Ltd. (UK), Newark Electronics ($25 minimum, prices on the higher side but have a lot of things that are hard to find elsewhere), Arrow Electronics, Inc. (minimum $25, accepts personal order also), MCM Electronics (minimum $20, mostly VCR parts and lots of useful stuff difficult to find elsewhere), and Fordham Radio Supply (tools for technicians).
Other companies include Jameco (computer parts and electronic components), JDR Microdevices (now no minimum order), Johnson Shop Products (new and some used electronic components), DC Electronics (good collection of ICs and electronic components), International Components Corporation (capacitors, diodes, ICs, potentiometers, resistors, sockets; transistors), Kelvin Electronics (minimum $20, lots of electronic parts and tools), H & R Company (Herbach and Rademan) (minimum $25), John Birkitt (good stocks of new components and tools), N R Bardwell (cheap, good stocks of ICs), Surplus Electronics ( resistors, capacitors, and some semiconductors),
All Electronics Corp. (minimum $10, new and surplus electronics), Alltronics (surplus electronics, $12 minimum), American Science and Surplus (formerly JerryCo),
Hosfelt Electronics (surplus electronics), and Marlin P. Jones & Assoc.(surplus electronics).
For specialty components, JAN Crystals, Crystek Corporation, International Crystal Manufacturing Co., Inc., Amidon Associates, Palomar Engineers, RF PARTS can be contacted.
You can also consult wholesale directories to find details about suppliers of electronic components, compare prices and features, and finally make your choice.
Electronic Components provides detailed information on Electronic Components, Surplus Electronic Components, Electronic Component Distributors, Electronic Component Suppliers and more. Electronic Components is affiliated with Electronic Data Discovery.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole
Buying the Latest Electronic Gadgets Online: How You Can Get It before Anyone Else
Everyone likes to see and try out the newest electronic gadgets. For someone that is normally hard to buy for or someone who just likes to upgrade or add to their collections, buying an innovative new gadget will satisfy their curiosity and interest. Some gadgets are not practical or necessarily useful, but they all have a unique function.
Electronic gadgets are not just for computer geeks or children. There are such a wide variety of devices now that any age will be able to get use from a gadget. The next generation will always be looking for cool new gadgets and accessories.
Why Buy Online
Buying electronic gadgets online gives you a chance to get it before anyone else. Finding new products as they come out would take a lot of time in driving around to different stores, as well as the expense of traveling. It is much easier and less stressful to shop right from your home or office computer.
Taking time to check out different websites will give you a chance to compare products and prices. Instead of spending time going to several stores to check, you can spend less time looking at a large variety of websites. Saving time will also help you to get it before anyone else. And, browsing sites will give you many great gift ideas.
Find New Products and Get It Before Anyone Else
Finding new products is easier online because you can check websites as often as you want, every day or more, and it just takes a few minutes. Bookmark the sites that interest you the most and they will just be a click away.
Some websites offer free shipping on orders of a certain amount. This would save the expense of shipping or gasoline if you had to drive to a store to buy it. If you find a unique product on a website, you could order immediately and get it before anyone else.
Shop Around Online
Most websites have online catalogs where you can search the different products they offer on the site. This gives you a chance to review a wide selection of products that often is not available in retail stores. You can search by subject or type in a keyword for a specific product that you want.
Finding the lowest prices and best deals is easy. It is so convenient to take advantage of their information and comments. Some sites feature customers' emails and comments. You can check out a product before you buy and decide if you want to get it before anyone else.
Many websites allow you to register a wish list. This way you can keep track of what you are watching for on a certain page. Also, some sites let you put in requests for a product or subject you are interested in finding.
Take advantage of modern technology and shop online. There are many reasons to shop on the Web. The convenience and the amount of variety give you a big jump on other shoppers. Start surfing for gadgets now and get it before anyone else!
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Advantages of Buying Gadgets Online or Majon's Electronics directory.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson
Electronic gadgets are not just for computer geeks or children. There are such a wide variety of devices now that any age will be able to get use from a gadget. The next generation will always be looking for cool new gadgets and accessories.
Why Buy Online
Buying electronic gadgets online gives you a chance to get it before anyone else. Finding new products as they come out would take a lot of time in driving around to different stores, as well as the expense of traveling. It is much easier and less stressful to shop right from your home or office computer.
Taking time to check out different websites will give you a chance to compare products and prices. Instead of spending time going to several stores to check, you can spend less time looking at a large variety of websites. Saving time will also help you to get it before anyone else. And, browsing sites will give you many great gift ideas.
Find New Products and Get It Before Anyone Else
Finding new products is easier online because you can check websites as often as you want, every day or more, and it just takes a few minutes. Bookmark the sites that interest you the most and they will just be a click away.
Some websites offer free shipping on orders of a certain amount. This would save the expense of shipping or gasoline if you had to drive to a store to buy it. If you find a unique product on a website, you could order immediately and get it before anyone else.
Shop Around Online
Most websites have online catalogs where you can search the different products they offer on the site. This gives you a chance to review a wide selection of products that often is not available in retail stores. You can search by subject or type in a keyword for a specific product that you want.
Finding the lowest prices and best deals is easy. It is so convenient to take advantage of their information and comments. Some sites feature customers' emails and comments. You can check out a product before you buy and decide if you want to get it before anyone else.
Many websites allow you to register a wish list. This way you can keep track of what you are watching for on a certain page. Also, some sites let you put in requests for a product or subject you are interested in finding.
Take advantage of modern technology and shop online. There are many reasons to shop on the Web. The convenience and the amount of variety give you a big jump on other shoppers. Start surfing for gadgets now and get it before anyone else!
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Advantages of Buying Gadgets Online or Majon's Electronics directory.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson
Photomerge - Electronic Versions Of Your Paper Scrapbook Layouts
A few months ago I discovered the Photomerge function in Photoshop Elements. It was always there I know, but I’m the sort of person who’s a bit slow on the uptake with new functionality.
Anyway, suddenly I was able to make a decent electronic replica of my paper scrapped layouts. No more wonky digital photos. Paper scrapped layouts now have the ’shareability’ of digi-scrapped ones.
However, one thing I’ve noticed is that the Scanner bed doesn’t cover the full 12″ depth. So the first thing I’d recommend is to ensure that either the top or the bottom half inch of the layout is free from photos or embellishments. Then butt the opposite end of your layout up against the edge of the scanner bed and scan (I recommend 300 dpi in case you need to print it out later). When you have scanned one half of your layout, slide the layout over to scan the other half. It doesn’t matter that there will be overlap. In fact that’s a good thing.
Save the two files that your scanner will have created. Then in Photoshop Elements (I expect the function is similar in PSP) click on File>New>Photomerge Panorama. The two files you have just scanned should appear in the file selection window (if not just click the browse button and select them). Click OK and let PSE work its magic. Save the resulting layout and then you can work on it.
I usually adjust the lighting (Enhance>Adjust Lighting>Levels). As a basic rule of thumb move the end sliders on the lighting graph inwards so that they sit at each end of the black ‘body’ of the graph. Then if you like you can move the centre slider back and forth until the lighting levels reflected on your layout are to your satisfaction.
Then I usually like to sharpen the picture by going in to the Unsharp Mask filter (Filter>Sharpen>Unsharp Mask). I set the Amount to 500, the Radius to 0.1 and the threshold to 0. With the cursor in the Radius field, use the up arrow key to increase the radius by increments of 0.1. You will find that before long the picture will ‘pop’. That’s my signal to stop.
When I finish all that I drag the Crop Tool across the image to cut off the daggy tops and bottoms that were a result of the merge.
And that’s it! An electronic version of your paper layout. Save the file as a JPEG or use the Save for the Web function to compress it still further if you need to make it more email friendly.
By the way, if you have scratchy elements on your layout you may want to protect your scanner bed by putting a sheet of clear acetate down between the layout and the scanner bed.
Karen Bellamy is a digital as well as a traditional scrapbooker from Australia. She writes the Scraps of Mind blog which she describes as:
A feast of Scrapbooking information and tutorials for both the Digital Scrapbooker and the Traditional Paper Scrapbooker. Seasoned with Antiques & Collectibles, Music inspired, and Blog Presentation articles to add some extra spice. All served up with a light hearted and fun style.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Bellamy
Anyway, suddenly I was able to make a decent electronic replica of my paper scrapped layouts. No more wonky digital photos. Paper scrapped layouts now have the ’shareability’ of digi-scrapped ones.
However, one thing I’ve noticed is that the Scanner bed doesn’t cover the full 12″ depth. So the first thing I’d recommend is to ensure that either the top or the bottom half inch of the layout is free from photos or embellishments. Then butt the opposite end of your layout up against the edge of the scanner bed and scan (I recommend 300 dpi in case you need to print it out later). When you have scanned one half of your layout, slide the layout over to scan the other half. It doesn’t matter that there will be overlap. In fact that’s a good thing.
Save the two files that your scanner will have created. Then in Photoshop Elements (I expect the function is similar in PSP) click on File>New>Photomerge Panorama. The two files you have just scanned should appear in the file selection window (if not just click the browse button and select them). Click OK and let PSE work its magic. Save the resulting layout and then you can work on it.
I usually adjust the lighting (Enhance>Adjust Lighting>Levels). As a basic rule of thumb move the end sliders on the lighting graph inwards so that they sit at each end of the black ‘body’ of the graph. Then if you like you can move the centre slider back and forth until the lighting levels reflected on your layout are to your satisfaction.
Then I usually like to sharpen the picture by going in to the Unsharp Mask filter (Filter>Sharpen>Unsharp Mask). I set the Amount to 500, the Radius to 0.1 and the threshold to 0. With the cursor in the Radius field, use the up arrow key to increase the radius by increments of 0.1. You will find that before long the picture will ‘pop’. That’s my signal to stop.
When I finish all that I drag the Crop Tool across the image to cut off the daggy tops and bottoms that were a result of the merge.
And that’s it! An electronic version of your paper layout. Save the file as a JPEG or use the Save for the Web function to compress it still further if you need to make it more email friendly.
By the way, if you have scratchy elements on your layout you may want to protect your scanner bed by putting a sheet of clear acetate down between the layout and the scanner bed.
Karen Bellamy is a digital as well as a traditional scrapbooker from Australia. She writes the Scraps of Mind blog which she describes as:
A feast of Scrapbooking information and tutorials for both the Digital Scrapbooker and the Traditional Paper Scrapbooker. Seasoned with Antiques & Collectibles, Music inspired, and Blog Presentation articles to add some extra spice. All served up with a light hearted and fun style.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Bellamy
Which Dart Board? Bristle vs Electronic Dart Boards
A dart board is a great accessory for any games room or home bar, but how do you decide between the myriad bristle and electronic dart boards on sale? Do you go for a traditional bristle dart board, or opt for a modern electronic board? This article outlines the qualities of different types of dart boards, to help you make that decision. Whatever you decide, your new dart board is sure to provide your friends and family with hours of entertainment over many years. Being able to play darts in your own home is a huge amount of fun!
Quality bristle dart boards are made from African sisal fibers, which have the unique ability to self-heal, or close up, each time darts are removed from the surface, so there won't be any visible holes from dart tips. A well made board will be regulation size of 18 inches in diameter and 1.5 inches thick. Good features to look for include rotating wire numbers, which help prolong the life of a board, and staple free bulls eye wire to help eliminate bounce-outs. To play on a bristle dartboard you'll need to use steel tip darts. Dartboards can be mounted onto a backboard or displayed in a specially designed cabinet to protect the surrounding walls from being hit by mis-thrown darts.
Electronic dart boards are increasingly popular, using the latest technology to enable automatic scoring, score displays for multiple players, sound effects and a huge choice of different games. Most have playing surfaces that require players to use soft tip darts, which have the advantage of being softer and safer for younger members of the family. Some modern versions have a specially adapted surface that is suitable for both types of darts, depending on your personal preferences and throwing techniques. Most electronic boards enable a single player to play against the computer, which is great for practicing your skills.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, and other factors such as the look of your dart board and how it will match your décor, need to be considered too. But whether you opt for a traditional bristle board for that authentic appearance, or go for the useful additional features of an electronic board, you're sure to have hours of fun playing darts!
Caroline Smith is a regular contributor to DartBoards180.com - an online resource all about the game of darts and dart boards, including electronic dart boards and other dart supplies.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_Smith
Quality bristle dart boards are made from African sisal fibers, which have the unique ability to self-heal, or close up, each time darts are removed from the surface, so there won't be any visible holes from dart tips. A well made board will be regulation size of 18 inches in diameter and 1.5 inches thick. Good features to look for include rotating wire numbers, which help prolong the life of a board, and staple free bulls eye wire to help eliminate bounce-outs. To play on a bristle dartboard you'll need to use steel tip darts. Dartboards can be mounted onto a backboard or displayed in a specially designed cabinet to protect the surrounding walls from being hit by mis-thrown darts.
Electronic dart boards are increasingly popular, using the latest technology to enable automatic scoring, score displays for multiple players, sound effects and a huge choice of different games. Most have playing surfaces that require players to use soft tip darts, which have the advantage of being softer and safer for younger members of the family. Some modern versions have a specially adapted surface that is suitable for both types of darts, depending on your personal preferences and throwing techniques. Most electronic boards enable a single player to play against the computer, which is great for practicing your skills.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, and other factors such as the look of your dart board and how it will match your décor, need to be considered too. But whether you opt for a traditional bristle board for that authentic appearance, or go for the useful additional features of an electronic board, you're sure to have hours of fun playing darts!
Caroline Smith is a regular contributor to DartBoards180.com - an online resource all about the game of darts and dart boards, including electronic dart boards and other dart supplies.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_Smith
Buy Electronic Items Wholesale - Increase Your Profits
Perhaps one of the best ways to buy cheap electronic products is through a wholesaler, be it for business or personal use. However finding a cheap and best electronic items wholesaler is a hard accomplishment for retailers and buyers.
But today, with thousands of wholesalers scouring the Internet for selling products and finding suppliers, consumers and retailers are left with a wide range of options. Purchasing electronic items online like mobile phones, laptops, computers and iPods can be a promising means one can adopt to lower down his expenses.
For making huge profits, a retailer should keep in mind that he ought to have a high turnover. Again, even though the wholesale rates of electronic items are quite cheap compared to its retail price, they are not that cheap as people assume to be. The case may not be like selling a digital camera of retail price $1000 and making a profit of $ 500. People can think of making little profits by buying an electronic appliance from a wholesaler, only if he adopts a careful strategy of selling that particular electronic gadget. Since there are many retailers providing the same electronic gadget in affordable prices, the competition is fierce and so the profit margin is very less. The best thing a retailer can do is whenever he buys a wholesale electronics, he should think of making a profit of some $30--$50 dollars than trying to reap all the harvest in a single day.
No doubt, buying wholesale electronic products for your business gives you enough scope for making profits, even than you should be careful about certain factors, such as before buying wholesale electronics you should compare and ensure that you are getting a reliable and economic deal, and ensure that even after spending for advertisement you still have a room for profit.
Again in making profit by retailing electronic products one should also be aware of the market trends and enough research is to be done so that he can sell a enough numbers in a day to bring him high profits. Also the pricing and advertising strategies matters a lot in giving better profit in selling electronic items. Anyway, buying electronic goods wholesale for business gives enough scope for making profit, but above all what matters is the marketing strategy and effort.
Jayson Pablo, an author who writes on different themes for xpert4u and appeal to visit the site to get information about wholesale electronics like digital tv.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jayson_Pablo
But today, with thousands of wholesalers scouring the Internet for selling products and finding suppliers, consumers and retailers are left with a wide range of options. Purchasing electronic items online like mobile phones, laptops, computers and iPods can be a promising means one can adopt to lower down his expenses.
For making huge profits, a retailer should keep in mind that he ought to have a high turnover. Again, even though the wholesale rates of electronic items are quite cheap compared to its retail price, they are not that cheap as people assume to be. The case may not be like selling a digital camera of retail price $1000 and making a profit of $ 500. People can think of making little profits by buying an electronic appliance from a wholesaler, only if he adopts a careful strategy of selling that particular electronic gadget. Since there are many retailers providing the same electronic gadget in affordable prices, the competition is fierce and so the profit margin is very less. The best thing a retailer can do is whenever he buys a wholesale electronics, he should think of making a profit of some $30--$50 dollars than trying to reap all the harvest in a single day.
No doubt, buying wholesale electronic products for your business gives you enough scope for making profits, even than you should be careful about certain factors, such as before buying wholesale electronics you should compare and ensure that you are getting a reliable and economic deal, and ensure that even after spending for advertisement you still have a room for profit.
Again in making profit by retailing electronic products one should also be aware of the market trends and enough research is to be done so that he can sell a enough numbers in a day to bring him high profits. Also the pricing and advertising strategies matters a lot in giving better profit in selling electronic items. Anyway, buying electronic goods wholesale for business gives enough scope for making profit, but above all what matters is the marketing strategy and effort.
Jayson Pablo, an author who writes on different themes for xpert4u and appeal to visit the site to get information about wholesale electronics like digital tv.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jayson_Pablo
Electronic Air Purifiers
Over the years, the concept of air purification has assumed great importance and has evolved significantly. With more and more pollutants being released in the air we breathe, an increasing number of air purifiers have come into existence. Each of these appliances employs a different and unique technology to rid the air of impurities.
While the HEPA filter and ozone purifiers are popular choices, electronic air purifiers prove to be more effective than these. A HEPA filter purifier is ineffective against gases, fumes and odors and an ozone purifier can do little about particulate matter. On the contrary, an electronic air purifier uses an effective technology to absorb all contaminants from the air.
The concept of electronic air filters was first developed by Frederick G. Cottrell. Since Cottrell lived in a smoke filled environment, he was prompted to experiment with air purification methods. He developed a process to charge particles of smog in the air. These were then attracted to an opposite charge like a magnet, causing them to exit the air and stick to the oppositely charged medium. This same phenomenon is used effectively in electronic air purifiers. A charge is placed onto the air passing through the purifier, whereas an opposite charge is placed onto a collection medium, usually metal plates. Once the particles stick to the medium, they do not reenter the air. Due to this, electronic purifiers are more effective at cleaning air as charged particles stick easily to the medium as opposed to absorbed ones.
The efficiency of an electronic air purifier depends upon the size of the collection plates, the volume of air flowing through the unit at a time and the intensity of the electric field generated. Unlike other filters, electronic air purifiers require very little maintenance. There are no filters to change and the collection medium can be easily wiped with a damn cloth. With an efficiency rate of almost 95%, electronic air purifiers are one of the best options for any air filtration needs.
Air Purifiers provides detailed information on Air Purifiers, Home Air Purifiers, Ionic Air Purifiers, Ozone Air Purifiers and more. Air Purifiers is affiliated with Electronic Air Cleaners.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson
While the HEPA filter and ozone purifiers are popular choices, electronic air purifiers prove to be more effective than these. A HEPA filter purifier is ineffective against gases, fumes and odors and an ozone purifier can do little about particulate matter. On the contrary, an electronic air purifier uses an effective technology to absorb all contaminants from the air.
The concept of electronic air filters was first developed by Frederick G. Cottrell. Since Cottrell lived in a smoke filled environment, he was prompted to experiment with air purification methods. He developed a process to charge particles of smog in the air. These were then attracted to an opposite charge like a magnet, causing them to exit the air and stick to the oppositely charged medium. This same phenomenon is used effectively in electronic air purifiers. A charge is placed onto the air passing through the purifier, whereas an opposite charge is placed onto a collection medium, usually metal plates. Once the particles stick to the medium, they do not reenter the air. Due to this, electronic purifiers are more effective at cleaning air as charged particles stick easily to the medium as opposed to absorbed ones.
The efficiency of an electronic air purifier depends upon the size of the collection plates, the volume of air flowing through the unit at a time and the intensity of the electric field generated. Unlike other filters, electronic air purifiers require very little maintenance. There are no filters to change and the collection medium can be easily wiped with a damn cloth. With an efficiency rate of almost 95%, electronic air purifiers are one of the best options for any air filtration needs.
Air Purifiers provides detailed information on Air Purifiers, Home Air Purifiers, Ionic Air Purifiers, Ozone Air Purifiers and more. Air Purifiers is affiliated with Electronic Air Cleaners.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson
The ABCs of Personal Electronics
Wallis Simpson once infamously said, "You can never be too rich or too thin." Today, she might say, "You can never have too many personal electronics." With a tremendous variety of electronics from which to choose, and ever lower prices, personal electronics make life more enjoyable, more convenient, and definitely more fun. In the spirit of fun, here are the ABCs of personal electronics:
Apple - For many reasons, Apple belongs at the top of the list. Think Mac, iMac, iPod, iPhoto, and iTunes.
BlackBerry - The ubiquitous handheld device from RIM that keeps you in constant contact.
Cell Phones - Now that everyone carries around cell phones, our society has experience a sea change in the way we communicate.
Digital Camera - If you're still using film, you're so twentieth century. It's time to go digital!
Email - The ultimate electronic communication.
Flat Screen TVs - Combine a flat screen TV with HDTV, and you'll have an unprecedented home entertainment experience.
GPS System - The best automotive electronic since self-locking doors. With a GPS system, you'll never get lost!
Handheld Computer - Whether it's a Palm, a BlackBerry, or a tablet PC, handheld computing is the way to plug in - wirelessly - anytime and anywhere.
IPod - Steve Jobs and his crew have forever changed the way we buy and listen to music.
Jensen - Manufacturer of great headphones and earbuds.
Kid's Electronics - Virtually every adult electronic item is available in a kid's version, from CD players and DVD players to cell phones and karaoke machines.
LCD Flat Screen TV - The best of the best when it comes to televisions, and the prices are coming down!
MP3 Player - If you don't have an iPod, an MP3 player is a must-have to listen to the latest tunes.
Nintendo - A great gaming system, and home to Mario and Luigi!
Online - The best place to find electronics bargains is at an online shopping mall.
Personal Computer - Whether it's a desktop, a laptop, or a handheld, a personal computer is a necessity in today's world.
Questions - When buying electronics, always ask questions to learn everything you need to know about the device.
Radar Detectors - Another electronic automotive necessity.
Sony - The world's premiere manufacturer of personal electronics.
Toys - Electronic toys are amazing, fun, and educational.
USB Key - The portable information storage system that allows you to save files and carry them with you on your keychain.
Video Games - Non-gamers may not understand the attraction, but video games can take you place and challenge you in ways you could never imagine.
Watches - Great watches are packed with wonderful options that allow you to do everything from simply telling the time to checking your email.
Xbox 360 - The best gaming platform around - for the time being!
Yellow - The most popular color of kid's electronics, followed by red.
Zzzz - Something (sleep) you won't get a lot of once you're hooked on personal electronics!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson
Apple - For many reasons, Apple belongs at the top of the list. Think Mac, iMac, iPod, iPhoto, and iTunes.
BlackBerry - The ubiquitous handheld device from RIM that keeps you in constant contact.
Cell Phones - Now that everyone carries around cell phones, our society has experience a sea change in the way we communicate.
Digital Camera - If you're still using film, you're so twentieth century. It's time to go digital!
Email - The ultimate electronic communication.
Flat Screen TVs - Combine a flat screen TV with HDTV, and you'll have an unprecedented home entertainment experience.
GPS System - The best automotive electronic since self-locking doors. With a GPS system, you'll never get lost!
Handheld Computer - Whether it's a Palm, a BlackBerry, or a tablet PC, handheld computing is the way to plug in - wirelessly - anytime and anywhere.
IPod - Steve Jobs and his crew have forever changed the way we buy and listen to music.
Jensen - Manufacturer of great headphones and earbuds.
Kid's Electronics - Virtually every adult electronic item is available in a kid's version, from CD players and DVD players to cell phones and karaoke machines.
LCD Flat Screen TV - The best of the best when it comes to televisions, and the prices are coming down!
MP3 Player - If you don't have an iPod, an MP3 player is a must-have to listen to the latest tunes.
Nintendo - A great gaming system, and home to Mario and Luigi!
Online - The best place to find electronics bargains is at an online shopping mall.
Personal Computer - Whether it's a desktop, a laptop, or a handheld, a personal computer is a necessity in today's world.
Questions - When buying electronics, always ask questions to learn everything you need to know about the device.
Radar Detectors - Another electronic automotive necessity.
Sony - The world's premiere manufacturer of personal electronics.
Toys - Electronic toys are amazing, fun, and educational.
USB Key - The portable information storage system that allows you to save files and carry them with you on your keychain.
Video Games - Non-gamers may not understand the attraction, but video games can take you place and challenge you in ways you could never imagine.
Watches - Great watches are packed with wonderful options that allow you to do everything from simply telling the time to checking your email.
Xbox 360 - The best gaming platform around - for the time being!
Yellow - The most popular color of kid's electronics, followed by red.
Zzzz - Something (sleep) you won't get a lot of once you're hooked on personal electronics!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson
Understanding the Law - E-SIGN Compliant Electronic Signatures
On June 30, 2000, Congress enacted the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act ("ESIGN" or "the Act"), to facilitate the use of electronic records and signatures in interstate and foreign commerce by ensuring the validity and legal effect of contracts entered into electronically. Yet many do not understand how their business can be compliant with the E-SIGN Act.
First we need to understand that E-SIGN (additional E-SIGN analysis here), in section 101(b) does not require people to use electronic signatures. When electronic signatures are used then Sub-section (c), in direct support of (b), requires a “Consumer Disclosure” that the consumer also "consent electronically, in a manner that reasonably demonstrates that the consumer can access information in the electronic form that will be used to provide the information that is the subject of the consent".
As we can clearly see, the law outlines a two step process to signing files electronically. First, disclosure of the consumer’s right to use paper, which is followed by their consent to the electronic process. The second phase is the actual capture of the electronic signature.
Once the signature is captured the law directs its attention to the electronic record that has now been created. This aspect of the law, while often overlooked, provides the true power and cost savings of electronic signatures – the ability to STORE electronic files. Printing and storing a paper copy of the electronic record defeats the achievements of this law. It is the accessibility and cheap storage costs of electronic files that really amount to long term cost savings. Sub-section (d) details the retention of contracts and records. If a “statute, regulation, or other rule of law requires” the file to be retained then “that requirement is met by retaining an electronic record”.
Accuracy and availability are discussed in both (d.1.B) and (e). The record must be available to all parties involved; this is easily accomplished by allowing each signatory to save an electronic copy of the record on their own computer. The electronic record and signature created must be in a format that is both accurate and accessible. Meaning that the technology to read, display and transfer the record is of a generally acceptable form. This aspect of the law requires businesses to choose electronic signature services that provide them with flexibility.
PrivaSign provides a multi-step approach to “Consumer Disclosure”, by providing multiple disclosure messages to the signatory. Acknowledgement of this disclosure is captured as proof that the consumer was informed, and did accept to use an electronic process.
PrivaSign's "electronic records" are compliant with both sub-section (d) and (e). PrivaSign stores all files for a minimum of 3 months. Additional storage maybe purchased or at anytime during the 3 months both sender and recipient may download the file so that they may be in compliance with any applicable laws. This downloaded file can be saved to their computer, saved to a portable medium (CD, DVD or others) or even printed to paper. PrivaSign captures file integrity hashes so that all parties can verify the integrity of saved files.
PrivaSign allows any file type to be electronically signed. This increases the availability of the electronic record as described in (d.1B) and (e) and gives each business the ability to select the best electronic format for their clients.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Isaac_Bowman
First we need to understand that E-SIGN (additional E-SIGN analysis here), in section 101(b) does not require people to use electronic signatures. When electronic signatures are used then Sub-section (c), in direct support of (b), requires a “Consumer Disclosure” that the consumer also "consent electronically, in a manner that reasonably demonstrates that the consumer can access information in the electronic form that will be used to provide the information that is the subject of the consent".
As we can clearly see, the law outlines a two step process to signing files electronically. First, disclosure of the consumer’s right to use paper, which is followed by their consent to the electronic process. The second phase is the actual capture of the electronic signature.
Once the signature is captured the law directs its attention to the electronic record that has now been created. This aspect of the law, while often overlooked, provides the true power and cost savings of electronic signatures – the ability to STORE electronic files. Printing and storing a paper copy of the electronic record defeats the achievements of this law. It is the accessibility and cheap storage costs of electronic files that really amount to long term cost savings. Sub-section (d) details the retention of contracts and records. If a “statute, regulation, or other rule of law requires” the file to be retained then “that requirement is met by retaining an electronic record”.
Accuracy and availability are discussed in both (d.1.B) and (e). The record must be available to all parties involved; this is easily accomplished by allowing each signatory to save an electronic copy of the record on their own computer. The electronic record and signature created must be in a format that is both accurate and accessible. Meaning that the technology to read, display and transfer the record is of a generally acceptable form. This aspect of the law requires businesses to choose electronic signature services that provide them with flexibility.
PrivaSign provides a multi-step approach to “Consumer Disclosure”, by providing multiple disclosure messages to the signatory. Acknowledgement of this disclosure is captured as proof that the consumer was informed, and did accept to use an electronic process.
PrivaSign's "electronic records" are compliant with both sub-section (d) and (e). PrivaSign stores all files for a minimum of 3 months. Additional storage maybe purchased or at anytime during the 3 months both sender and recipient may download the file so that they may be in compliance with any applicable laws. This downloaded file can be saved to their computer, saved to a portable medium (CD, DVD or others) or even printed to paper. PrivaSign captures file integrity hashes so that all parties can verify the integrity of saved files.
PrivaSign allows any file type to be electronically signed. This increases the availability of the electronic record as described in (d.1B) and (e) and gives each business the ability to select the best electronic format for their clients.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Isaac_Bowman
Recycling Dell Electronics Products
Much too many peoples surprise, recycling of electronic products has been around since these, now, indispensable products have been in existence. For much of that time the recycling process was more oriented toward greed with the recovery of precious metals like gold and silver being the main goal. Oddly, electronics manufacturers have been right on top of the issue, if not wanting on getting the message out that they are on top of the issue.
Owing to its heavy concentration in laptop batteries, Dell computer has become a leader in recycling and promotion of the three “R’s”; Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Most manufacturers are following the same process for reuse and recycling. This is an idea of what they are up to with credit for Dell being a leader.
There are several steps in the recycling of Dell laptop batteries, monitors, printer cartridges and alike. They include:
Getting the components to a recycling center for sorting
Marketing v. altruism
Determining what needs to be recycled v. reused
Extracting raw materials
Return programs
Mail back -The big deal in hardware recycling is a return label inside the new unit’s box. This one is nice because the return label is right on top where you cannot miss it, and in its own bag. For my home printer, I simply put the old unit in the new box, slapped on the return label where indicated (their sorta fussy on this) taped it up (again as indicated) and called for a no charge FedEx pick up.
Return credits - For the most part, all concerned are taking their products back if a new item is purchased. Dell will actually pay you for your recycling effort even if you recycle at your local center. Just show proof of it. Dell in particular has a good reason for reuse programs as lithium cells are easily reused and they offer a model for every laptop or electronic device (or so it would appear.).
Marketing v. altruism
Non-profits, education, less fortunate – Deciding what can be reused and what needs to be recycled is the leading “in-process” step for recycling. Ideally, these companies would like to reuse product to lower costs and increase margins. We’re not talking sainthood here for the manufacturers. However, there is a window of use opportunity where the manufacturer can take credit for giving a not-so-old unit to a non-profit. After all they will get it for recycling eventually.
Extracting raw materials – This is where Dell and the others make the cash from recycling. It’s not big money and it even costs to recycle on occasion. This step takes the entire unit and strips it right down to its most basic components. Lead for laptop batteries to silver and gold for connections. Copper is a so-so these days even though copper prices are very high because the connections are getting so small wires are becoming almost impossible to use.
This Article is written by James Kara Murat from PrintCountry.com, the contributor of Recycling Dell Laptop Batteries. A longer version of this article is located at Recycling Dell Electronics Products and some related resources can be found at Recycling Computers Batteries Phones.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Kara_Murat
Owing to its heavy concentration in laptop batteries, Dell computer has become a leader in recycling and promotion of the three “R’s”; Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Most manufacturers are following the same process for reuse and recycling. This is an idea of what they are up to with credit for Dell being a leader.
There are several steps in the recycling of Dell laptop batteries, monitors, printer cartridges and alike. They include:
Getting the components to a recycling center for sorting
Marketing v. altruism
Determining what needs to be recycled v. reused
Extracting raw materials
Return programs
Mail back -The big deal in hardware recycling is a return label inside the new unit’s box. This one is nice because the return label is right on top where you cannot miss it, and in its own bag. For my home printer, I simply put the old unit in the new box, slapped on the return label where indicated (their sorta fussy on this) taped it up (again as indicated) and called for a no charge FedEx pick up.
Return credits - For the most part, all concerned are taking their products back if a new item is purchased. Dell will actually pay you for your recycling effort even if you recycle at your local center. Just show proof of it. Dell in particular has a good reason for reuse programs as lithium cells are easily reused and they offer a model for every laptop or electronic device (or so it would appear.).
Marketing v. altruism
Non-profits, education, less fortunate – Deciding what can be reused and what needs to be recycled is the leading “in-process” step for recycling. Ideally, these companies would like to reuse product to lower costs and increase margins. We’re not talking sainthood here for the manufacturers. However, there is a window of use opportunity where the manufacturer can take credit for giving a not-so-old unit to a non-profit. After all they will get it for recycling eventually.
Extracting raw materials – This is where Dell and the others make the cash from recycling. It’s not big money and it even costs to recycle on occasion. This step takes the entire unit and strips it right down to its most basic components. Lead for laptop batteries to silver and gold for connections. Copper is a so-so these days even though copper prices are very high because the connections are getting so small wires are becoming almost impossible to use.
This Article is written by James Kara Murat from PrintCountry.com, the contributor of Recycling Dell Laptop Batteries. A longer version of this article is located at Recycling Dell Electronics Products and some related resources can be found at Recycling Computers Batteries Phones.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Kara_Murat
Electronics: The Must-Have Accessory
You might not see iPods on Paris runways, but electronics have undergone a transformation from a utilitarian necessity to a fashion accessory. While electronics aren't exactly replacing jewelry as a status symbol - bling is still the thing - the types of gadgets a person can't live without speaks volumes about his or her lifestyle.
Those in the halls of power can't live without a BlackBerry - nor can Hollywood celebrities, it seems. Keeping in touch - anywhere, anytime - makes everything from cell phones to Bluetooth to PDAs must-haves. The popularity of electronics hasn't escaped the notice of those in the automotive world, as microchips have migrated from those controlling the vehicle's on-board computer system to the automotive accessory of the year - the Global Positioning System (GPS).
There are, of course, the ubiquitous headsets, which are connected to cell phones, MP3 players, or - for the electronics fashionista - the iPod nano. On any give airline flight, passengers will have a mind-boggling array of electronics on board to entertain them or keep them otherwise occupied. Computers, music players, and portable gaming devices all appear once cruising altitude is reached. With the plethora of must-have electronics devices, it's a wonder that today's travelers have room to pack their clothes!
Electronics have also begun to accessorize the home. When the X-Box 360 sold out before Christmas 2005, eBay sellers raked in the cash for the must-have gaming console, which sold on the auction site for $1,000 or more. Plasma and LCD televisions are proudly displayed on walls, while microchips are finding their way into our kitchen appliances. While true wireless integration is still some time away, the stage is being set for complete interactivity among all our electronic devices.
Luckily for consumers, the cost of electronics goes down with the passage of time. The newest and greatest must-have is sure to be priced at a discount within eighteen months, and will grace the clearance aisle a year after that. In the meantime, those of us who don't have the cash or the desire to keep up with the trends on the fashion runways or the trends in the world of electronics can continue to observe how the other half lives.
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this Electronics Website and Majon's Electronics directory.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson
Those in the halls of power can't live without a BlackBerry - nor can Hollywood celebrities, it seems. Keeping in touch - anywhere, anytime - makes everything from cell phones to Bluetooth to PDAs must-haves. The popularity of electronics hasn't escaped the notice of those in the automotive world, as microchips have migrated from those controlling the vehicle's on-board computer system to the automotive accessory of the year - the Global Positioning System (GPS).
There are, of course, the ubiquitous headsets, which are connected to cell phones, MP3 players, or - for the electronics fashionista - the iPod nano. On any give airline flight, passengers will have a mind-boggling array of electronics on board to entertain them or keep them otherwise occupied. Computers, music players, and portable gaming devices all appear once cruising altitude is reached. With the plethora of must-have electronics devices, it's a wonder that today's travelers have room to pack their clothes!
Electronics have also begun to accessorize the home. When the X-Box 360 sold out before Christmas 2005, eBay sellers raked in the cash for the must-have gaming console, which sold on the auction site for $1,000 or more. Plasma and LCD televisions are proudly displayed on walls, while microchips are finding their way into our kitchen appliances. While true wireless integration is still some time away, the stage is being set for complete interactivity among all our electronic devices.
Luckily for consumers, the cost of electronics goes down with the passage of time. The newest and greatest must-have is sure to be priced at a discount within eighteen months, and will grace the clearance aisle a year after that. In the meantime, those of us who don't have the cash or the desire to keep up with the trends on the fashion runways or the trends in the world of electronics can continue to observe how the other half lives.
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this Electronics Website and Majon's Electronics directory.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson
Electronic Medical Billing Software, HIPAA Compliance, and Role Based Access Control
HIPAA compliance requires special focus and effort as failure to comply carries significant risk of damage and penalties. A practice with multiple separate systems for patient scheduling, electronic medical records, and billing, requires multiple separate HIPAA management efforts. This article presents an integrated approach to HIPAA compliance and outlines key HIPAA terminology, principles, and requirements to help the practice owner to ensure HIPAA compliance by medical billing service and software vendors.
The last decade of the previous century witnessed accelerating proliferation of digital technology in health care, which, along with reduced costs and greater service quality, introduced new and greater risks for accidental disclosure of personal health information.
The Health insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was passed in 1996 by Congress to establish national standards for privacy and security of personal health data. The Privacy Rule, written by the US Department of Health and Human Services took effect on April 14, 2003.
Failure to comply with HIPAA risks accreditation and reputation damage, lawsuits by federal government, financial penalties, ranging from $100 to $250,000, and imprisonment, ranging from one year to ten years.
Protected Health Information (PHI)
The key term of HIPAA is Protected Health Information (PHI), which includes anything that can be used to identify an individual and any information shared with other health care providers or clearinghouses in any media (digital, verbal, recorded voice, faxed, printed, or written). Information that can be used to identify an individual includes:
1. Name
2. Dates (except year)
3. Zip code of more than 3 digits, telephone and fax numbers, email
4. Social security numbers
5. Medical record numbers
6. Health plan numbers
7. License numbers
8. Photographs
Information shared with other healthcare providers or clearinghouses
1. Nursing and physician notes
2. Billing and other treatment records
Principles of HIPAA
HIPAA intends to allow smooth flow of PHI for healthcare operations subject to patient's consent but prohibit any flow of unauthorized PHI for any other purposes. Healthcare operations include treatment, payment, care quality assessment, competence review training, accreditation, insurance rating, auditing, and legal procedures.
HIPAA promotes fair information practices and requires those with access to PHI to safeguard it. Fair information practices means that a subject must be allowed
1. Access to PHI,
2. Correction for errors and completeness, and
3. Knowledge of others who use PHI
Safeguarding of PHI means that the persons that hold PHI must
1. Be accountable for own use and disclosure
2. Have a legal recourse to combat violations
HIPAA Implementation Process
HIPAA implementation begins upon making assumptions about PHI disclosure threat model. The implementation includes both pre-emptive and retroactive controls and involves process, technology, and personnel aspects.
A threat model helps understanding the purpose of HIPAA implementation process. It includes assumptions about
1. Threat nature (Accidental disclosure by insiders? Access for profit? ),
2. Source of threat (outsider or insider?),
3. Means of potential threat (break in, physical intrusion, computer hack, virus?),
4. Specific kind of data at risk (patient identification, financials, medical?), and
5. Scale (how many patient records threatened?).
HIPAA process must include clearly stated policy, educational materials and events, clear enforcement means, a schedule for testing of HIPAA compliance, and means for continued transparency about HIPAA compliance. Stated policy typically includes a statement of least privilege data access to complete the job, definition of PHI and incident monitoring and reporting procedures. Educational materials may include case studies, control questions, and a schedule of review seminars for personnel.
Technology Requirements for HIPAA Compliance
Technology implementation of HIPAA proceeds in stages from logical data definition to physical data center to network.
1. To assure physical data center security, the manager must
1. Lock data center
2. Manage access list
3. Track data center access with closed circuit TV cameras to monitor both internal and external building activities
4. Protect access to data center with 24 x 7 onsite security
5. Protect backup data
6. Test recovery procedure
2. For network security, the data center must have special facilities for
1. Secure networking - firewall protection, encrypted data transfer only
2. Network access monitoring and report auditing
3. For data security, the manager must have
1. Individual authentication - individual logins and passwords
2. Role Based Access Control (see below)
3. Audit trails - all access to all data fields tracked and recorded
4. Data discipline - Limited ability to download data
Role Based Access Control (RBAC)
RBAC improves convenience and flexibility of systems management. Greater convenience helps reducing the errors of commission and omission in granting access privileges to users. Greater flexibility helps implement the policy of least privilege, where the users are granted only as much privileges as required for completing their job.
RBAC promotes economies of scale, because the frequency of changes of role definition for a single user is higher than the frequency of changes of role definitions across entire organization. Thus, to make a massive change of privileges for a large number of users with same set of privileges, the administrator only makes changes to the role definition.
Hierarchical RBAC further promotes economies of scale and reduces the likelihood of errors. It allows redefining roles by inheriting privileges assigned to roles in the higher hierarchical level.
RBAC is based on establishing a set of user profiles or roles according to responsibilities. Each role has a predefined set of privileges. The user acquires privileges by receiving membership in the role or assignment of a profile by the administrator.
Every time when the definition of the role changes along with the set of privileges that is required to complete the job associated with the role, the administrator needs only to redefine the privileges of the role. The privileges of all of the users that have this role get redefined automatically.
Similarly, if the role of a single user is changed, the only operation that needs to be performed is the reassignment of the user profile, which will redefine user's access privileges automatically according to the new profile.
Summary
HIPAA compliance requires special practice management attention. A practice with multiple separate systems for scheduling, electronic medical records, and billing, requires multiple separate HIPAA management efforts. An integrated system reduces the complexity of HIPAA implementation. By outsourcing technology to a HIPAA-compliant vendor of vericle-like technology solution on an ASP or SaaS basis, HIPAA management overhead can be eliminated (see companion papers on ASP and SaaS for medical billing).
Yuval Lirov, PhD, author of "Mission Critical Systems Management" (Prentice Hall), inventor of patents in Artificial intelligence and Computer Security, and CEO of Vericle.net Billing Technologies and Services. Vericle® unites hundreds of billing services across the nation. Its electronic medical billing software tracks payer performance from a single point of control and shares compliance rules globally. Yuval invites you to register to the next webinar on audit risk at BillingPrecision.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yuval_Lirov
The last decade of the previous century witnessed accelerating proliferation of digital technology in health care, which, along with reduced costs and greater service quality, introduced new and greater risks for accidental disclosure of personal health information.
The Health insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was passed in 1996 by Congress to establish national standards for privacy and security of personal health data. The Privacy Rule, written by the US Department of Health and Human Services took effect on April 14, 2003.
Failure to comply with HIPAA risks accreditation and reputation damage, lawsuits by federal government, financial penalties, ranging from $100 to $250,000, and imprisonment, ranging from one year to ten years.
Protected Health Information (PHI)
The key term of HIPAA is Protected Health Information (PHI), which includes anything that can be used to identify an individual and any information shared with other health care providers or clearinghouses in any media (digital, verbal, recorded voice, faxed, printed, or written). Information that can be used to identify an individual includes:
1. Name
2. Dates (except year)
3. Zip code of more than 3 digits, telephone and fax numbers, email
4. Social security numbers
5. Medical record numbers
6. Health plan numbers
7. License numbers
8. Photographs
Information shared with other healthcare providers or clearinghouses
1. Nursing and physician notes
2. Billing and other treatment records
Principles of HIPAA
HIPAA intends to allow smooth flow of PHI for healthcare operations subject to patient's consent but prohibit any flow of unauthorized PHI for any other purposes. Healthcare operations include treatment, payment, care quality assessment, competence review training, accreditation, insurance rating, auditing, and legal procedures.
HIPAA promotes fair information practices and requires those with access to PHI to safeguard it. Fair information practices means that a subject must be allowed
1. Access to PHI,
2. Correction for errors and completeness, and
3. Knowledge of others who use PHI
Safeguarding of PHI means that the persons that hold PHI must
1. Be accountable for own use and disclosure
2. Have a legal recourse to combat violations
HIPAA Implementation Process
HIPAA implementation begins upon making assumptions about PHI disclosure threat model. The implementation includes both pre-emptive and retroactive controls and involves process, technology, and personnel aspects.
A threat model helps understanding the purpose of HIPAA implementation process. It includes assumptions about
1. Threat nature (Accidental disclosure by insiders? Access for profit? ),
2. Source of threat (outsider or insider?),
3. Means of potential threat (break in, physical intrusion, computer hack, virus?),
4. Specific kind of data at risk (patient identification, financials, medical?), and
5. Scale (how many patient records threatened?).
HIPAA process must include clearly stated policy, educational materials and events, clear enforcement means, a schedule for testing of HIPAA compliance, and means for continued transparency about HIPAA compliance. Stated policy typically includes a statement of least privilege data access to complete the job, definition of PHI and incident monitoring and reporting procedures. Educational materials may include case studies, control questions, and a schedule of review seminars for personnel.
Technology Requirements for HIPAA Compliance
Technology implementation of HIPAA proceeds in stages from logical data definition to physical data center to network.
1. To assure physical data center security, the manager must
1. Lock data center
2. Manage access list
3. Track data center access with closed circuit TV cameras to monitor both internal and external building activities
4. Protect access to data center with 24 x 7 onsite security
5. Protect backup data
6. Test recovery procedure
2. For network security, the data center must have special facilities for
1. Secure networking - firewall protection, encrypted data transfer only
2. Network access monitoring and report auditing
3. For data security, the manager must have
1. Individual authentication - individual logins and passwords
2. Role Based Access Control (see below)
3. Audit trails - all access to all data fields tracked and recorded
4. Data discipline - Limited ability to download data
Role Based Access Control (RBAC)
RBAC improves convenience and flexibility of systems management. Greater convenience helps reducing the errors of commission and omission in granting access privileges to users. Greater flexibility helps implement the policy of least privilege, where the users are granted only as much privileges as required for completing their job.
RBAC promotes economies of scale, because the frequency of changes of role definition for a single user is higher than the frequency of changes of role definitions across entire organization. Thus, to make a massive change of privileges for a large number of users with same set of privileges, the administrator only makes changes to the role definition.
Hierarchical RBAC further promotes economies of scale and reduces the likelihood of errors. It allows redefining roles by inheriting privileges assigned to roles in the higher hierarchical level.
RBAC is based on establishing a set of user profiles or roles according to responsibilities. Each role has a predefined set of privileges. The user acquires privileges by receiving membership in the role or assignment of a profile by the administrator.
Every time when the definition of the role changes along with the set of privileges that is required to complete the job associated with the role, the administrator needs only to redefine the privileges of the role. The privileges of all of the users that have this role get redefined automatically.
Similarly, if the role of a single user is changed, the only operation that needs to be performed is the reassignment of the user profile, which will redefine user's access privileges automatically according to the new profile.
Summary
HIPAA compliance requires special practice management attention. A practice with multiple separate systems for scheduling, electronic medical records, and billing, requires multiple separate HIPAA management efforts. An integrated system reduces the complexity of HIPAA implementation. By outsourcing technology to a HIPAA-compliant vendor of vericle-like technology solution on an ASP or SaaS basis, HIPAA management overhead can be eliminated (see companion papers on ASP and SaaS for medical billing).
Yuval Lirov, PhD, author of "Mission Critical Systems Management" (Prentice Hall), inventor of patents in Artificial intelligence and Computer Security, and CEO of Vericle.net Billing Technologies and Services. Vericle® unites hundreds of billing services across the nation. Its electronic medical billing software tracks payer performance from a single point of control and shares compliance rules globally. Yuval invites you to register to the next webinar on audit risk at BillingPrecision.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yuval_Lirov
Electronic Discovery
Electronic discovery is the detection of information in the digital format. Electronic information is retrieved from computer-based systems such as hard drives, CD ROMs, floppy disks, tapes and other electronic backup devices that may contain data. It involves the use of certain technologies that enable easy and consistent extraction of valuable data.
Today, there are millions of pages of electronic data that are being transferred through thousands of systems across the world every minute. The onset of electronic mailing systems, instant messaging and other online programs has made data transfer very fast and easy. In this process, there is the possibility of the data being lost or tampered with. Electronic discovery systems help to retrieve even lost or altered data as per user requirements. Electronic discovery can be used for any kind of data retrieval, such as document recovery, data recovery, evidence recovery and so on.
User files, backup media, spreadsheets, CAD/CAM/CAE and graphics, personnel records, policy and procedure manuals, software and source code, internet and intranet content, internet service providers, fax servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), telephone /security / network activity systems, cell phones, pagers, voice/video mail and special databases such as CRM or ERP databases are the typical sources of data. Electronic extraction has to be done by professionals using proper tools, so that the information, especially the meta-data of the document, remains intact. Once the documents are extracted, they are processed through de-duplication.
Electronic discovery has its pros and cons. Rising levels of electronic data storage, expensive lawsuits and strict laws such as Sarbanes-Oxley, which require corporate archiving, are some of the reasons for the increasing use of electronic discovery. Information gathered from electronic sources can be used in litigation that can make or break companies. There are special software programs that enable easy and efficient retrieval of any kind of data from anywhere. There are some companies that specialize in providing electronic discovery services.
Some of the top providers of electronic discovery services are: Daticon, Electronic Evidence Discovery Inc., Kroll Ontrack Inc., Renew Data Corp, ZANTAZ Inc, Applied Discovery Inc., Fios Inc., Ibis Consulting, KPMG and SPI Litigation Direct. The top software programs in 2004 were: Concordance (Dataflight Software Inc.), Summation (Summation Legal Technologies Inc.), CaseMap (Bowne DecisionQuest (CaseSoft)), Access (Microsoft Corp.), Attenex (Attenex Corp.), Encase (Guidance Software Inc.), iConect (iConect Development), Introspect (ZANTAZ Inc.) and LiveNote (LiveNote Technologies).
Electronic Discovery provides detailed information on Electronic Discovery, Electronic Evidence Discovery, Electronic Data Discovery, Electronic Discovery Software and more. Electronic Discovery is affiliated with Electronic Component Distributors.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson
Today, there are millions of pages of electronic data that are being transferred through thousands of systems across the world every minute. The onset of electronic mailing systems, instant messaging and other online programs has made data transfer very fast and easy. In this process, there is the possibility of the data being lost or tampered with. Electronic discovery systems help to retrieve even lost or altered data as per user requirements. Electronic discovery can be used for any kind of data retrieval, such as document recovery, data recovery, evidence recovery and so on.
User files, backup media, spreadsheets, CAD/CAM/CAE and graphics, personnel records, policy and procedure manuals, software and source code, internet and intranet content, internet service providers, fax servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), telephone /security / network activity systems, cell phones, pagers, voice/video mail and special databases such as CRM or ERP databases are the typical sources of data. Electronic extraction has to be done by professionals using proper tools, so that the information, especially the meta-data of the document, remains intact. Once the documents are extracted, they are processed through de-duplication.
Electronic discovery has its pros and cons. Rising levels of electronic data storage, expensive lawsuits and strict laws such as Sarbanes-Oxley, which require corporate archiving, are some of the reasons for the increasing use of electronic discovery. Information gathered from electronic sources can be used in litigation that can make or break companies. There are special software programs that enable easy and efficient retrieval of any kind of data from anywhere. There are some companies that specialize in providing electronic discovery services.
Some of the top providers of electronic discovery services are: Daticon, Electronic Evidence Discovery Inc., Kroll Ontrack Inc., Renew Data Corp, ZANTAZ Inc, Applied Discovery Inc., Fios Inc., Ibis Consulting, KPMG and SPI Litigation Direct. The top software programs in 2004 were: Concordance (Dataflight Software Inc.), Summation (Summation Legal Technologies Inc.), CaseMap (Bowne DecisionQuest (CaseSoft)), Access (Microsoft Corp.), Attenex (Attenex Corp.), Encase (Guidance Software Inc.), iConect (iConect Development), Introspect (ZANTAZ Inc.) and LiveNote (LiveNote Technologies).
Electronic Discovery provides detailed information on Electronic Discovery, Electronic Evidence Discovery, Electronic Data Discovery, Electronic Discovery Software and more. Electronic Discovery is affiliated with Electronic Component Distributors.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson
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