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The Multi-Tech Year 2000 Program |
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Year 2000 Links |
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Frequently Asked Questions Y2K |
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Y2k -the basics |
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Multi-Tech's Year 2000 disclosure '99 |
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Year 2000 Homepage |
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Multi-Tech Homepage |
Year 2000 Basics -the Millenium bug
The Year 2000 issue is a result of the fact that most of the world's computer hardware and software have historically used only two digits, rather than four, to identify the date. While this practice worked fine when all dates began with "19" (such as 1998), when the computer has to perform operations using the date field for dates after December 31, 1999 (as well as certain other dates), it may be unable to distinguish between the years 1900 and 2000 and therefore generate improper results.
The Year 2000 issue arose when computers had limited storage capacity and memory was expensive, requiring programmers to limit the space required by the system to store the date field. Even as programmers have become more aware of the Year 2000 issue, programming conventions and habit have led to the continuation of using a two-digit date field. As a result, even software and systems which have recently been produced may experience a Year 2000-related failure.
The Year 2000 issue can effect almost any kind of computer hardware, software or system, from mainframe systems to personal computers and desktop applications. Where networks or users share data, the problem may become more pronounced, as there is the possibility that although a system may operate properly in a stand-alone environment, it may send or receive data which may not be correctly interpreted by systems with which it is internet-worked or shares data.
To learn more about the Year 2000 issue in general, visit our Year 2000 links page. We also are offering to check your PCs and office network for Y2K complience - call 810-776-9664 for information.
This site is being designated as a
Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure and the
Information contained herein is provided in accordance with the
Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act (112 Stat. 2386).