Although the analysis of digital media has been ongoing for many years, initially, analytical methods and procedures were silent on the use of appropriate standards and controls. The use of standards and controls is a relatively new concept to many computer forensic examiners. Appropriate standards and controls provides a means to check the accuracy and precision of sample preparation, the calibration of the instrumentation, the reliability of the procedure itself, and provides a level of confidence that the results obtained were accurate. The use of standards and controls in scientific experiments is a fundamental axiom of the scientific method. No experiment can be considered “scientific” unless they are used to ensure reliable results. This holds true in forensic science. Forensic science is an applied science, meaning that scientific principles and practices are employed to obtain results. In forensic science, the analysis of physical evidence has at its foundation many of the basic scientific principles inherent in the fields of biology, chemistry, and physics. Physical evidence is analyzed using methods and procedures that have previously been verified or validated with the use of appropriate standards and controls. Therefore, all forensic science disciplines must document in their methods and procedures specific standards and controls. Reference and endnotes