Doom In The Year 2000

By Anna Williamson

Talking to people and businesses about the year 2000 computer glitch, I am amazed at the number who think it's just a computer problem -- one that can be fixed simply by rewriting a lot of lines of software code. However, this is not the case, and the impact on everyone will be staggering.

Back in the late 1960s when many software programs were being written, computer memory was scarce and expensive. To save space and money, programmers decided to write the code so the century "19" would be understood and therefore only two fields for the year would be required. Although memory became less expensive and more powerful, no one looked at the impact the year 2000, or Y2K, would bring.

A few years ago someone discovered many of these programs, particularly those which perform date calculations, were causing errors. The computers understood "00" to be 1900 instead of 2000. These errors can cause a multitude of problems, ranging from computer shutdown to mortgage payments not being correctly posted to incorrect (and possibly large) telephone bills.

In 1992 Peter de Jager, now known as the Y2K guru, brought this potential problem to the attention of industry. However, until very recently, industry as well as government paid little attention.

How does the Y2K issue impact you? Date-logic computer chips control nearly every facet of our lives. These chips not only control the large computer systems but also heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, water treatment plants, fuel pumps, water meters, elevators, microwaves, fuel injection systems, coffee makers, medical equipment, personal computers, hand-held calculators -- well you get the picture.

Even if you don't think one of these impacts you directly, think again. How many of us depend on electronic banking (electronic fund transfers, direct deposits of our paychecks, using the Automated Teller Machines) and credit cards? How many small businesses depend upon personal computers and software to manage their business? How many of us expect that our utility bills will be correct? The Y2K issue affects all these areas.

What can you do about it? For the most part, we are at the mercy of industry and governments to fix the problem. If you have a personal computer, you can easily check the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) in your machine to see if the system's real time clock will automatically turn over. There are many year 2000 web sites that have free downloads you can get to check your machine.

Even if you have more than one machine of the same manufacturer in your home or business, you need to check all of them. Every BIOS is different, even those in machines from the same manufacturer and the same model. If your RTC doesn't automatically turn over, you may be able to re-set it manually. Failing that, you will have to purchase an upgrade.

Check your software vendor's web site to see if it lists your software as Y2K compliant. Be aware there is no standard definition for Y2K compliance, so you will need to judge for yourself if it's noted as compliant. This is particularly important if you use software applications such as a home finance program, where calculations are critical.

Many vendors are wary of publicizing Y2K compliance information, and most will add a disclaimer. The Y2K issue is expected to be a bonanza for attorneys. One estimation has the legal bill as high as $3 trillion!

Talk to business and government officials to see what they're doing about Y2K. Have they checked with their suppliers and vendors to make sure they are compliant? Do they have plans in place in the event of failures such as traffic lights, emergency dispatch centers, etc.?

Every level of government should have someone responsible for the Y2K issue. Businesses should find someone with knowledge and experience to assist them in identifying Y2K impacts and solutions.

The Y2K issue is not going to go away, and this is one deadline that cannot be slipped. This is also not a Chicken Little issue -- the potential impacts are real.

Time is passing quickly; in 18 months it will be Jan. 1, 2000. Will you and/or your business be ready?

Anna Williamson of Abilene worked on year 2000 projects while in the Air Force. She is now a year 2000 consultant in the private sector.