1.   When the disk is found to be free from a virus infection it is given an electronic signature code.

2.   Also last year, Congress passed legislation that specifies that electronic signatures are a legal and valid form of identification.

3.   Although the California secretary of state has identified technology that could be used for gathering and validating electronic signatures, there are political and legislative hurdles to overcome.

4.   Another system, designed by PenOp Inc., is based on electronic signatures.

5.   Another stumbling block had been the refusal of some states to accept electronic signatures as binding in online transactions, including mortgages.

6.   -- Electronic records and electronic signatures in electronic transactions will be legally enforceable.

7.   But a fully electronic system must await DEA signoff on electronic signatures.

8.   By giving electronic signatures legal standing, the new law will enable consumers to sign contracts for bank loans, new cars and other business deals from home.

9.   Congress has approved electronic signatures, but state insurance regulators have yet to develop rules for their use.

10.   Did anyone else find it ironic that when President Clinton signed the electronic signature bill into law, he used a felt-tipped pen?