Y2K Compliant!
No Problem?
It Ain't Necessarily So!
Two Digits For A Date = The Problem
MILLENIUM BUG OR YEAR 2000 PROBLEM.
One Problem = Many Bugs
Picture the Year 2000 Problem [Y2K] is like peeling an onion.
As you peel away one layer, another layer appears.
Starting with paper thin, each layer is a little thicker and smaller.
Until you reach the center.
With each and every piece a part of the same onion.
Each and and every layer has its' problems and solutions.
In either instance, to reach the virtual problems and apply the virtual solutions, you have to virtually take it apart and put it back together again.
Y2K Worldwide
The Big Onion
Because the Y2K problem is layered like an onion there is No Single Solution to resolve the total problem.
Globally the whole problem starts at the core of mainframe computers.
Progressing outward to engulf everything and everyone connected through any system.
Fortunately the Y2K PC Problem is a much smaller onion.
More easily managed and individually resolved by the user.
At The Core Of
PC Y2K
Starting at the Interior center, the PC Y2K Compliance Problem is a series of levels.
Like the layers of an onion; each a little thinner and larger.
Until you reach the Exterior skin.
With each and every piece a part of the same Problem.
Every level has a problem, every problem has a bug.
To evaluate and resolve the Y2K Problem you must start at the Internal center.
At the computer's central processor chip.
In general, if the processor chip was manufactured prior to early 1990's, chances are this is an embedded two digit chip.
The chip should function normally when the computer's Time/Date/Day Registry is set between January.01,1980 and December.30, 1999.
Your options are:
- If there is a newer chip ... replace with newer chip.
- Manually reset the computer's Time/Date/Day Registry back to the 1980's.
- Counter setting [back date] your PC is a viable alternative if you do not use date sensitive software such as spreadsheet and data base.
- Use a Utility to preset and reset computer's Time/Date/Day Registry back to the 1980's.
In general, the following are software based problems, requiring software based solutions.
If available, there are software Patch and Fix solutions.
Some will be total; while others will only extend for a limited amount of additional time.
Others will be impossible to find.
* Microsoft offers Patch and Fix on line at their web site *.
However, Microsoft has abandoned DOS.
MS DOS will require other solutions.
Maybe Microsoft will offer new Windows NT 4.0 purchasers an upgrade "deal" for the coming NT 5.0.
Hopefully to arrive 1999, or before January.01, 2000.
By that time only the new Microsoft NT 5.0 applications will be compatible.
Your options are:
- Use The Russian Solution: Do Nothing; wait for the year 2000.
- Convert underlying MS DOS to* Caldera's "OpenDOS" [Novel 7.0] *.
- Convert underlying MS DOS to* IBM PC DOS [include patches] *.
- Watch for "underground" patch and fix for MS DOS/ Windows 3.+, 95, 98, NT. [Search Newsgroups: Hack, Crack, Warez, etc].
- Convert underlying MS DOS to * FreeDOS *.
- Convert underlying MS Windows to [the coming] * FreeDOWES *.
- The Microsoft/Intel Solution: Buy Everything New; before December.30,1999.
Unless software manufacturers offer specific Patch and Fix solutions for their Applications and Utiltities; you face a Do -It- Yourself De-Bugging Project.
Following Microsoft's lead, most of the industry will cover only recent and current Applications and Utilities.
With most DOS and Windows, Applications and Utilities, you are already on your own.
Fortunately there is help.
But you will have to educate yourself; before you Do -It- Yourself.
Here you will find the Tests, Tools, and Training:
- * THE LUDDITE'S LAMENT "
Y2K Current Search Results
- * SOFTWARE DREAMS LOOKING AT MICROSOFT THROUGH WINDOWS *
98 And Beyond - Y2K Resources
- * THE YEAR 2000 PROBLEM SOLUTIONS *
Y2K Resources
- * SOFTWARE DREAMS AND OLDER PCs *
Life After Dos and the Alternative Movement
Periferals should have no problems ... unless there is a time sensitive Embedded Chip.
The only way to know ... Is Try It.
At the end [on the onion's outer skin] there are your computer's External interface to Networks and Internet system providers.
There should be no problems ... unless there is a time sensitive Embedded Chip in your modem or system.
The only way to know ... Is Try It.
GOOD HUNTING AND ENJOY!
SUPERADAPTOID.
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07-18-98