Abstract: A process for securely tracking debit transactions on an RFID charge media by encoding RFID charge media with an initial charge value, securing the RFID charge media with a cryptographic signature using a private key and a unique ID, verifying the cryptographic signature using a public key paired to the private key, and writing and locking a debit transaction record block on the RFID charge media. The RFID charge media is encoded and secured by reading the RFID charge media with a unique ID, encoding and writing an initial data set containing the initial charge value and a unique ID copy, and securing the RFID charge media using the cryptographic signature. The cryptographic signature is verified using a public key on the unique ID copy. The initial charge value and all locked debit transaction record blocks are used to calculate a current charge value.

Abstract: In an electronic network having a computer, a spooler and a printer, the network address of the printer is automatically detected by a method and a system in which a non-print job, which includes a job header identifying the sending computer, is generated by the computer and transmitted via the spooler to the printer. The printer responds by transmitting an acknowledgment which includes the network address of the printer, to the sending computer. The sending computer identifies and stores the printer address therein. Thereafter, the printer address stored at the computer can be used to provide direct communications with the printer, for purposes of certain printer related functions such as determining the printer configuration or set-up, or monitoring the printer.