Y2K
, A simple Subject.
So many people are up
in arms regarding the year 2000 mess.Understanding the year 2000 concept is
a relatively simple task, so let?s dive in.
Computer Hardware
The first step in comprehending year 2000 issues is understanding computer
hardware. Inside these wonderful techno boxes reside about 15 different components,
similar to stereo system components. The main component is the motherboard,
so called because nearly all the other components (modem, sound card, etc.)
plug directly into this oversized printed circuit board. The motherboard contains
a small, but very important read-only program
called the BIOS. This BIOS is responsible, along with your operating system,
for regulating certain functions, some of which are the date and time.
Computer Software
Any computer must have an operating system in order for it to function. For
Microsoft users, this would include DOS, Windows 3.X, Windows 95, Windows
98, and Windows NT. The second half of the Y2K equation relates to your particular
operating system.
Even if your motherboard is fully Y2K compliant, your operating system must
also be fully Y2K compliant. Since the operating system controls all functions
after the BIOS boots up, it?s absolutely necessary that the dates be processed
properly, especially when creating or modifying files.
Date And Time Rollover
When the year 2000 occurs, all computers will have to cope with rolling over
to January 1, 2000. How hard can that be? Well, for older motherboards (with
older BIOS?s) that simple
task may not take place at all. If the year is represented as a two digit
date (i.e. 99), some computers will roll that over to 00. The "zero zero"
date will be understood as the year 1900 and thusly, a regression of 99 years
instead of a progression of 1 year will take place. At this point, many operating
systems (Windows 3.1, 95, etc.) will go nuts. They were never designed to
handle that large of a date range.
Hardware Fixes
Any motherboard deemed as not Y2K compliant needs either one of two things:
a BIOS upgrade or replacement. The BIOS upgrade is the most inexpensive route;
however, if your computer is of the x486 generation or older, upgrades are
most likely not available. BIOS upgrades can be found on most major manufacturer?s
sites, just locate the make and model of your motherboard and download the
appropriate file.
Software Fixes
First, the bad news. DOS, Windows 3.X, Windows 95 (all versions), Windows
98, and Windows NT 4.0 are not fully Y2K compliant "right out of the
box" as per Microsoft. On to the good news. Patches are available to
fix most of these problems. Windows 95 has 1 dedicated Y2K patch, Windows
98 has 4 dedicated patches, and Windows NT 4.0 needs service pack 5 to be
compliant. Note to Internet Explorer users: IE 3.02 (32-bit for Win95 or NT4.0)
has 1 Y2K patch and IE 4.0 must be upgraded to 4.01 with service pack 2. Note
to MS Office 97 users: Office 97 is only compliant with service pack 1 and
2 installed.
Check your status by opening Word and clicking "Help" then "About
Microsoft Word." You should see Microsoft Word SR-2 at the top of the
dialog box.
What You Don?t Hear About . . . Yet
The year 2000 rollover is certainly one issue, but what is an equally significant
issue? The Leap Year 2000 rollover! February 29, 2000 to March 1, 2000 will
surprise even those who are Y2K savvy. Many computers that successfully pass
any Y2K test will not pass the leap year test! All of the above hardware and
software issues still apply to the leap year 2000 test. Make sure to ask for
leap year testing when determining if your setup will last more than 2 months
into the next year.
RTC Rollover . . . New Information
RTC refers to the real time clock generator on your computer?s motherboard.
It the almost exclusive function of this clock generator to generate the correct
time that your operating system and BIOS must understand. While some of the
newest motherboards have BIOS programming that corrects for RTC errors, most
older motherboards do not possess such programming. The bottom line is that,
while your computer may operate successfully into the year 2000, the actual
transition from December 31, 1999 to January 1, 2000 may not take place. You
will have to roll over the date manually.
What You Can Do
If you are unsure if your computer system is ready for the millennium, have
it checked by a technician that specializes in Y2K testing. While no lock-tight
guarantees can be made (even by Microsoft or your computer manufacturer),
it is better to be safe than sorry.
Disclaimer: While all the information contained herein is believed
to be accurate, updates are always occurring. For Microsoft issues, try their
Y2K site. For individual computer models, go to your manufacturer?s site.
