The Y2K Problem

You’ve probably heard about the Y2K problem from people on the news. Y2K stands for Year 2000. Back in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s when computers were first built people designed two numbers instead of four for an example 1999 is 99. So when the year 2000 comes around it will read 00, which it thinks is less than 99 and will lock up your system so tight, you couldn't open it with a jackhammer. The computers that control ALL the power fit into this category! This means that you won't have power to cook food in an oven or fix a TV dinner in a microwave! TV and Radio will die; News won't be broadcast, civilization will be unprotected and won't be warned when hurricanes or other disasters hit. Some things that probably will break down are computers, streetlights, some cars, VCRs, and pretty much any thing that use dates. Windows 95 and 98 are not prone to this even though they use dates.

People are trying to fix this disaster by resetting the dates or re-configuring the running systems (windows is a running system). People are behind (they just started when they should've started a long time ago). This means they might have to go into next year when power will be out and they'll also have to set up a power source to fix the computers! Families should start stocking up on batteries, flashlights, and canned foods: fruits, vegitables, etc… They should even buy a NON-COMPUTERIZED generater (between $50 and $500)!

Here are some sights to go to for more information on Y2K: