There's a lot of hype about 'y2k' (which stands for "year
2000" if you didn't know).
If you're concerned about YOUR computer and the new year,
hopefully, I can help you put your worries aside.
As far as planes falling out of the sky and cows walking
backwards, I can't help you there. But I CAN make sure your
PC is still running well into the next millenium.
Background:
The main concern with the year 2000 problem stems from the
fact that 'back in the day' when memory was expensive, the
many of the people in charge of writing software (and firmware
- instructions for hardware) decided to use a 2-digit numbering
scheme for the year (ie 79 for 1979) and omit the '19' so
save space, time and money. They didn't think that whatever
they were working on would still be being used in the 90's
let alone in the year 2000 and beyond.
So some software and hardware cannot correctly deal with
'00' as the year. That's just about it.
That's where the whole year 2000 issue comes from. If there's
an old-ass computer, you can pretty much bet that some part
of it is going to have trouble with the year 2000.
Tems:
You see the terms compliant
and not-compliant, but
you might not know exactly what they mean.
In either case, you will want to check with the manufacturer
about compliance. The best (easiest) way is usually to access
their web-site, but you may want to call their tech-support
if the web-site doesn't answer all of your questions.
compliant: this means
you're in pretty good shape. It means that whoever is responsible
for this product (ie Microsoft for Windows operating systems)
has tested and verified that this product will function correctly
and problem-free in the new millenium.
The usual suspects: New Motherboard BIOS- I guarantee
you that's compliant.
applications (or anything for that matter) produced within
the last few years, hardware that doesn't require a BIOS or
other date-related firmware: ie hard-drives, CPU's memory...etc.
Remedy: You don't need any: You're good to go! If
you're banal, you may want to check the manufacturer's web-site
for complete information.
not-compliant: just put
your head between your knees and kiss your ass goodbye.
I'm kidding. There are various levels of non-compliance.
not-compliant, but can
be patched:
Many applications (and operating systems) are in their current
state, not-completely y2k compliant, but can be fixed or 'patched'
by installing software that updates the application in question
and brings it up to compliant.
The usual suspects: Microsoft Windows95, Microsoft
Windows NT4...etc. ie complex applications and Operating systems.
totally not-compliant:
Some older software (and hardware) is beyond help. For whatever
reasons, there is no help for these applications. The usual
reason is (because of lack of foresight) there is a 2-digit
year-system HARD-CODED into the application and it cannot
be fixed.
The usual suspects: "Legacy" (aka old-ass)
DOS or Win3.1 based applications, old, old hardware with and
incompatible BIOS, like motherboards.
Remedy: You're in a bit of a bind. Usually the reason
you're still using such old hardware or software is because
you haven't been able to find a suitable replacement. Unfortunately,
you're going to have to find something else that will do the
best job. Start looking now; you may need time to learn and
move to a new system (for example, accounting software).
Year
2000 issues with personal computers
There are three main areas of concern for y2k and PC's:
1. BIOS (Basic Input Output System) - The BIOS is
the low-level instructions that allow the hardware inside
your PC to work. All PCs have a BIOS and most since the mid
80's are y2k compatible.
Actions: Update (aka "flash") the BIOS.
Most modern BIOS' can be updated by downloading a new BIOS
and flash utility. See your motherboard (or computer) manufacturer's
web-site.
*NOTE: It's usually not recommended to unnecessarily flash
your BIOS, so look into y2k compliance before doing anything
hasty.
2. Operating System: The manufacturer of your operating
system, for most people, MICROSOFT can provide information
concerning compliance.
Actions: For Windows95, Windows98 and NT4 (which covers
most of us) users need to download and install a number of
patches (or updates) to bring their system up to full compliance.
3.Applications: Applications (software 'programs'
you run on your computer, ie Microsoft Word) produced within
the last few years are usually compliant, but some are not
and need to be patched. If your application deals with date-time
information (ie accounting or spreadsheet) you will definitely
want to check to make sure it is compliant.
Actions: Again, check the manufacturer. For example,
Microsoft Office 97 (and 95) need to be patched in order to
bring them to full compliance.
Year
2000 issues with personal computers
It's important to keep things in perspective and not get
carried away with all the hype surrounding Y2K.
Just remember what the problem is, it's just the inability
for some 2-digit based software and hardware to deal with
the new year correctly.
btw. I don't recommend some "y2k compliance" checking
software or services unless you have trouble comprehending
this stuff or have very limited time to do it yourself. If
that's the case, try to find someone who understands your
concerns and genuinely wants to help you.
If you find any errors
or have any questions, please let me know:
email:
Patch up Windows
