Method for using pointers for pointing to examination software when generating and examining electronic signatures or electronically signed documents

A method of generating a digital document, the method comprising the steps of:

• creating a digital signature for an original document;
• generating a digital document from the original document;
• and
• adding to the digital document the digital signature and a pointer to a piece of software for checking the digital signature.

A computer system for generating a digital document containing a digital signature, wherein the digital document comprises a pointer to software for checking the digital signature, the computer system comprising:

• means for storing data;
• means for storing programs;
• means for executing programs;
• and
• program code means for performing a method of generating a digital document when executed by the means for executing programs, the method comprising:
• creating a digital signature for an original document;
• generating a digital document from the original document;
• and
• adding to the digital document the digital signature and a pointer to software for checking the digital signature.

A computer program stored on a computer readable medium, the computer program comprising program code means for performing a method of generating a digital document when executed on a computer, the method comprising:

• creating a digital signature for an original document;
• generating a digital document from the original document;
• and
• adding to the digital document the digital signature and a pointer to software for checking the digital signature.