When the clock ticks over into January 1, 2000, aeroplanes will fall from the sky, nuclear weapons will launch themselves, and the world as we know it will be thrown into chaos. We've all heard the Y2K horror stories by now and unfortunately they are likely to escalate in the weeks leading up to the new millennium.
While it's highly unlikely that a 747 will land in your backyard on New Year's Day (in fact, Qantas has spent approximately $135 million remedying Y2K problems to ensure this won't happen), there are a number of processes, systems and equipment in your home, business and local area that may be affected by the Y2K Bug. However, many IT experts predict that the impact of the Y2K bug will be minimal due to the amount that has been spent rectifying predicted problems before they have the chance to occur.
Personal Computers
The Y2K Bug poses little threat to those who use their PC for word processing and games. If you use your PC for more complex record keeping or for organising your finances, it is a good idea to run a simple test that will indicate whether or not your hardware is Year 2000 compliant.
Before running the test, back up all irreplaceable programs and data files and check that you can return the computer to its present state using these back ups. You should also close all applications before testing and disable all passwords. Start the test by setting the system's date to 31/12/99 and the time to 23.58.00. The next step is to switch the computer off and wait for 'midnight' to pass. Once this has occurred, turn the computer back on and check that the date is now 01/01/00. If your PC fails this test, try manually setting the date to 01/01/00. If it still fails to show the 'correct' date contact the manufacturer or retailer for further advice: it may be necessary to replace part of your PC's hardware and it may be easier and cheaper to buy a new computer. Accessories including printers, modems, scanners and digital cameras may also be affected by the Y2K Bug if they use microprocessors driven by clocks and dates. Check with the manufacturer if in any doubt.
Banking & Financial Systems
Australian financial institutions - including banks, lending societies, insurance companies, funds management firms and the Australian Stock Exchange - have employed almost 3,000 people and will have spent more than $1.1 billion in order to eliminate the Y2K Bug before the crucial date. However, concerns still exist in the community as to whether or not banking systems, particularly ATMs and EFTPOS terminals, will continue to operate as per usual on January 1, 2000. The Reserve Bank of Australia is stockpiling cash and printing extra notes to cater for any shortage of funds which is more likely to arise from customers withdrawing all their savings from financial institutions for fear of their records disappearing from the system rather than any effects of the Y2K Bug.
Retail
Areas at risk of being affected by the Y2K Bug within the retail sector include point-of-sale systems, weighing and monitoring equipment, ordering and financial systems and telecommunication links. The supply of staple foods and products, however, is likely to continue uninterrupted due to the high level of contingency planning within the retail sector. Some niche and imported products may be unavailable for some months due to lack of Year 2000 compliance by smaller and overseas companies and distributors.
Communal Living
Amenities in communal buildings - such as alarms, lifts, heating, airconditioning and lighting - are usually more complex than in individual homes and may be affected by the Y2K Bug if they are date reliant. Residents of apartment blocks - particularly those where access is via the use of a swipe card or a personal identification number - are advised to check with the body corporate or managing agent to find out if Year 2000 compliance is in place.
Emergency Services
New Year's Eve, even without the added pressure of possible effects of the Y2K Bug, is a hectic time for emergency services. In order to deal with both factors, many emergency services - including fire brigades, police departments and hospitals - will greatly increase staffing during this period. Hospitals will install extra generators and prioritise resources in order to keep operating theatres, life support services and other essential services running during any Y2K related interruptions.
The following processes, systems and equipment that are oriented to time and date may be affected by the Millennium Bug:
Y2K OK?
Airconditioning systems
Answering machines
Battery chargers
Cash registers
Data acquisition systems
Elevator controllers
Facsimile machines
Fire detection and protection
Fuel card systems
Generator units
Global positoning systems
Lighting systems
Medical equipment
Modems
Personal organisers
Photocopiers
Postage franking systems
Radio communications
Scientific calculators
Traffic control systems
Video cameras and recorders
Wind turbine controls
Word processing software
Although some of the following appliances have a timer, they do not recognise what day, month or year it is and, therefore, are not at risk of malfunction when the Millennium Bug hits.
Bread makers
Clothes dryers
Hair dryers
Microwaves
Ovens
Refrigerators
Smoke alarms
Telephones
Televisions
Toasters
Vacuum cleaners
Washing machines