Explanation

The Year 2000 Problem.
(An Explanation)

So what is this problem all about ? Briefly it concerns the fact that in the early 80's and even earlier for the old mainframe systems, computers were developed and began to be made in increasing quantities, together with silicon chips and other storage devices. Due to the fact that these chips and storage devices could hold only small amounts of data, ways had to be devised to shorten software and operating systems and keep them as small as possible.
One small way this was achieved was to develop software code using as few characters as possible, and this included the date. These dates were coded as xx/xx/xx meaning two digits for the day, two for the month, and two for the year. At this time, with the new century so far away no thought was given to the fact that when the year 2000 arrived the last two digits would be 00. !! These two digits could and can, be interpreted as 1900 just as much as 2000. It is this small fact which is now causing this large problem. !
Only in recent times have computer and chip manufacturers, and software producers woken up to the problems that this could, and will cause. Non acceptable dates (or dates in the range from 1900 to 1999) in hardware, software, systems and all kinds of machinery could cause them to operate incorrectly or not operate at all. The types of systems and machinery and the numbers involved are too vast to itemise here, so we will restrict it to a few well known recognised items. Computers of all types, software, alarm systems, heating systems, lifts, banking systems, worldwide communications, vending machines, supermarket checkouts, and time systems and time locks on almost everything. Mobile Phones, Trains, Traffic Lights. Ships, Aeroplanes, and much more.
The implications of all this affected equipment must be very obvious and does not need any explanation, so action has to be taken on a local, national and worldwide basis to prevent major disruptions before the year 2000 arrives.
The smallest problem will be small businesses, with a single, or two or three computers. Although there are millions of them their problem, as explained later can be overcome quite easily. The Larger businesses with their significant networks and communications face a much larger problem, but they must put their resources into the problem and overcome it before its too late. If they dont, then they will have only themselves to blame. The biggest problem of all will prove to be embedded systems, where chips which operate equipment are either firmly soldered into place, and not removeable, necessitating a replacement of the equipment, or could even be hidden from all but the very trained and experienced eye who knows what he is looking for. Once again, the implications are extensive, in that so many pieces of equipment or machiney are involved, that one wonders how such vast numbers can be reached, found, and replaced in the short time remaining before the end of 1999 ?? It would appear obvious that some companies, organisations and institutions will require extentive financial and legislative help. Who is to provide this help ? The obvious answer is governments, banks and large financial institutions, but they also have problems of their own to finance, so will there be enough help to go around, for those who need it ??

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