During the Convention in Kansas City, I was asked more than once about the Y2K situation and PC's. I thought the problem was mainly going to affect mainframe computers, but have since learned differently. One of my suggestions was to reset the system clock on your PC "back" on New Year's Eve, a few months, just to see what happened to others. Another scheme I had mentioned to folks was to make sure all your data was backed up, sit down at your computer with a martini, and set the system clock ahead to 12/31/99 at 11:59pm and wait a minute to see what would happen! Unfortunately, this was INCREDIBLY STUPID ADVICE, so DO NOT DO THIS! The problem with Y2K is that the year 2000 is also a leap year. Not all millenia are ushered in a year divided by 4. There are new viruses lurking out there that will be triggered January 1, and February 29. If you have inadvertently already been infected, and don't know it yet, you WOULD NOT want to see how Y2K would affect your computer by setting the system clock ahead. Y2K can affect both your computer's hardware and the software. Instead of the year in the date going from 1999 to 2000, it could go from 1999 to 1900. The default Windows fix is to give dates from 1930 to 2029, but that is only in the very newest verions. For a free test and fix, go to the http://www.McAfee.com website to download the free software that will diagnose both hardware and software on your PC. Another good website for information, and comparisons of all the Y2K software on the market, is at http://www.bugdoctor2000.com . Also, IT IS IMPERATIVE that you download (free at the McAfee site) a VIRUS PROTECTION software and RUN IT FIRST before checking your computer for any Y2K problems. I am sure there is other software out there, and more yet to come, but these two websites will give you some idea of what you might be in for. Also, it is important to take care of these problems BEFORE January 1 for the many reasons listed in the Bug Doctor website. Make sure you read the entire website, as the sidebars are not as informative to the useful information to be found. I get sick of hearing about Y2K and don't always understand all the ramifications, but a few minutes of testing your computer now might save you a lot of grief of New Years Day! Carol Beigel Greenbelt, Maryland
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