Y2K Countdown: Experts Say Most Home PCs Unaffected

88.04.15　General News　Page 7

(Stock photo) A computer store offering a "Y2K checkup."

[Staff Report]

With less than nine months to go until the year 2000, the "millennium bug" has the public worried. A university computer center in the North District said the bug mainly affects older systems that record years with two digits, and most home computers will not be affected.

The center advised people to check the date settings on their computer's motherboard and back up important files before the end of the year. Systems at banks, hospitals and similar institutions are being tested under the supervision of the relevant authorities.

Some computer stores have begun offering a "Y2K checkup" service, and say calls have noticeably increased. One computer cram school has even opened a "Y2K survival class," eight lessons a term, and it is filling up fast.

Computer center staff warned that some "Y2K fix programs" circulating around are of unknown origin, and people should not download and install them, as they may cause more trouble than they fix.

Reader DiscussionReplies 9

Netizen A-Te88.04.15

so do I need to replace my 486 or not
↳ Netizen Hsiao-lu88.04.15

if the 486 still runs don't replace it
↳ Reader Mr. Ho88.04.16

my company already replaced everything the boss says better safe
Reader Mrs. Lu88.04.18

will the elevators stop on New Year's Eve I live on the twelfth floor
↳ Information Office88.04.19

Hello, please direct such questions to your building management. Thank you.
Netizen Kevin88.04.26

I set my computer's date to 2000 and tried it nothing happened relax everyone
↳ Netizen A-Te88.04.26

above = brave
Reader Miss Kao88.05.02

will the paper's web site crash on New Year's Eve
↳ Information Office88.05.03

Hello, our online edition has been tested. Thank you for your concern.

※ This section is maintained by the Information Office. Readers may also call the Reader Service Line (see About Us for extensions).

← Back to News Search

ALSO ON THIS PAGE

This newspaper is fictional. Any resemblance is purely coincidental.

Y2K Countdown: Experts Say Most Home PCs Unaffected

Street Tree Pruning Begins This Week

Community College Spring Term Registration Open

Exam Asks Students to Convert Calendar Years; Students: "Didn't See That Coming"

Sports Center Pool Temporarily Closed

Teens Gather in North District Park Late at Night; Residents Fear for Safety

North District Sports Park Completed; Opens Next Month

Borough Karaoke Contest Draws Crowd of Entrants