Contemporary issues in HIM. The application layer--IV.

Abstract

Productivity tools can greatly simplify our day-to-day work around the office. Many of these tools are inexpensive and can be "test driven" before they are purchased. However, a word of warning is in order. One of the most common ways computer viruses are spread is via shared software. If you are going to sample the myriad of programs available on computer bulletin boards and that friends have given you, practice safe computing. Before installing any new software, use a virus checker to make sure the new software is not contaminated. It should be noted that there have even been a few cases where reputable software vendors have shipped software that was contaminated with a virus. Finally, as networks of computers proliferate, you can expect to see growth in the quantity and quality of groupware. As we become more dependent on the computer to store all kinds of information, we will need better tools to carefully manage the distribution of, and access to, that information. Sharing documents presents another problem that will be discussed in next month's article: security. Computer security has been a concern of computer scientists for many years. Now with the advent of computer-based medical records, it has a direct impact on the health information management field.