Y2K and Your PC

By Avril Rinn

It’s been called the millennium virus, the Y2K problem, and the year 2000 bug. And all the dire predictions of the chaos it will cause computer systems around the world have left many people wondering just how Y2K will effect their home computers. Happily for most of us, the answer is -- probably not much at all.

Sensational media accounts of PCs that cease to function at 12 a.m. January 1, 2000 are greatly exaggerated. Some software, such as very old accounting programs will certainly experience problems and may need to be replaced. Many computers will have trouble "rolling over" from 11:59 p.m., December 31, 1999 to 12:00 a.m., January 1, 2000; an issue that’s easily resolved by resetting the date the first time you turn on your PC in 2000. Generally, most home computer owners have little more to fear from the "millennium bug" than a few minor inconveniences.

If you’re feeling concerned about Y2K, here are a few things you can do to re-assure yourself:

- Contact the manufacturer of your PC’s components. Hopefully, they’ll have tested their own products, will know what problems (if any) you can expect, and will supply you with solutions.

- Don’t wait until December 31 to find out how your PC will react. Back up your system and test it today by setting the clock ahead to January 1, 2000 and seeing what happens.

- The Internet is a wealth of Y2K resources. But stick to reputable websites. Those of Intel, Microsoft and Byte Magazine are just a few of the many well-known companies providing Y2K information via the Internet.

(Avril Rinn is a Special Program Coordinator at ATN, an organization that provides pre-employment training to adults with disabilities in London, ON.)