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Nineteenth and early twentieth century American governments—local, state, and national—profoundly shaped diffusion of novel mathematical instruments. The federal government ran an office that judged what inventions were patentable and a legal system for those who defended or challenged patent rights. Governments at all levels employed inventors. Sometimes new laws required extensive calculations promoting invention and sale of computing instruments. Governments were customers for mathematical instruments ranging from teaching apparatus to adding and calculating machines to harmonic analyzers to tabulating machines. They not only bought goods, but set standards for what they would purchase. Government buyers also offered testimonials to businesses. From the 1890s, ant.itrust legislation led to some federal government oversight of corporations. Historians usually rely on documents to tell this story. This paper begins from objects—a few known only from patent descriptions, but most surviving in museum collections. This perspective complements rich existing accounts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using refurbished equipment for information technology (IT) needs. Since information technology had become a major component of business budgets, many companies are considering the secondary market for its IT equipment rather than paying full price for new ones. It is suggested that buyers should deal with reputable suppliers when purchasing refurbished IT equipment. The secondary market for telecommunications equipment and accessories in the United States has grown from a handful to more than 400 companies.

The article discusses the use of Information Technology (IT) in businesses and industries in the U.S. It commences with a short overview of the status of current research, then histories of the IT industries, the to the demand side which discusses how users adopted computing in their daily works. Business historians look up the study of IT which resulted into writing histories of firms and the uses to which the technology is being applied. According to the author, how IT was used, varies more in the industry side than in companies. The article ends with the authors observations and questions related to the story of IT.

The author offers specific instances where refurbished equipment might not be the right choice for companies who wants to buy information technology (IT) equipment. Companies who may want top-of-the-line computer equipment would benefit more if they purchase directly from manufacturers. Products that are new in the market will normally show up in the secondary market after a year, so companies who want to purchase the latest IT equipment would do well to purchase for regular stores. There is very little risk, or no risk at all, if products are bought brand new from reputable brands.

Recent hardware and software developments have paved the way for exploiting Web 2.0 in healthcare. This survey reviews these developments and the related security risks and considers how Enterprise 2.0 can help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on what to consider before buying or selling information technology (IT) equipment to the secondary market. The author suggests that those who are interested in buying refurbished IT equipment should research on the company they are dealing with, know its reputation and learn about the warranties and guarantees that it can offer. Some American companies that refurbishes or sell refurbished gear include, Network Liquidators, CxTec, Great Lakes Computers and World Data Products.