Article 5: "9/9/99"
As I write this article for the Y2K coming date, I have chosen to do so on September 9, 1999. The reason to do this is to illustrate the confusion about computers. Today is "09/09/99, or 9/9/99" another problem date….according to popular, false theory.
The theory states that when programs were written the number 999 or 9999 told the computer it was the end of the program. Thus it would stop, not continue to run, cease to function.
Now carry this flawed theory to today and we have those of hysteria claiming that your computer will see the date and tell itself that it is the end of the program. The computer would then make a choice that since it was the end of the program it would cease to function.
I was interviewed on the radio about today and basically explained that it is a "nonevent". The interviewer proceeded to question as to why I could be so certain. It became evident to me that this interviewer wanted to find some problem. He was "creating" a story and not reporting a story.
September 9, 1999 gives us an example of what to expect on Jan. 1, 2000. There will be people looking for problems and troubles to blame on the Y2K issue. Some will be trying to create a story. Remember that most computer systems have been updated to handle the millennium date.
Did you know that another special computer date, July 1, 1999, passed? This date passed without much notice and yet if Y2K is a problem we should have had a prelude of the coming supposed catastrophe.
On July 1, 1999 about "10" of the states in America changed to the new fiscal year. This means that they are now using computers, programs and systems that are based on the year 2000. This means that Y2K has happened for those states!
There have been no reports of late checks, government offices being closed, overloaded systems or any other difficulty. I haven't heard of even one desktop computer failing to respond to the new fiscal year. I did an extensive search of the Internet to see if I missed something and the results came back as "July 1, 1999" was a nonevent, another one!
What does this mean to us? It reveals that Y2K is not the extreme problem that many think or want us to think. Granted changes had to be made to make sure that all or most computerized systems will function on Jan. 1, 2000. Most government agencies and businesses have or are making these changes.
It is projected that small businesses will have most of the problems. This will be due to software issues. These issues can be easily fixed by contacting the software manufacturer and getting an update. The updates are often free or there is a minimal fee. You can also obtain the update on the Internet. If you don't have access to the Internet you can go to the public library. Most Libraries have Internet access for you to use.
I choose to write this article about 09/09/99 specifically today. I want to show the confusion about computers and Y2K. As I write my computer's clock tells me it is 12:53 P.M. I am already half way through the day and my computer still functions. I am half way through the day and I can still use my word processor. I am half way through the day and I can still use my spell checker. "9/9/99" a nonevent.
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