Y2K problem

The Y2K problem...the Y2K glitch...the millennium bug. Whatever you call it, it is the inability of some computers and computerized systems to correctly recognize dates after December 31, 1999. Many products have microchips that have been programmed to process only the last two digits of a year on the assumption that the first two would be one and nine. As a result, 98 is read as 1998, and 00 could be read as 1900 instead of 2000.Y 2 Care About Y2K: ChecklistHow do you know if you will encounter Y2K problem? I have prepared the following checklist to help you avoid being bitten by the millennium bug. If you have a personal computer, PC software, fax machine, camcorder, camera, digital wristwatch, monitored security system or Global Positioning System unit, check the manufacturers web site or contact the manufacturer to see whether your product has the potential for a Y2K problem. Make a list of your other household products with a calendar function. Check the manufacturers web site or contact the manufacturer by telephone or mail to find out compliance status.  If you have a bank, mutual fund or brokerage account, start to keep records of any transactions that you make at least 3 months before and after January 1, 2000. If you use your computer to make any of these transactions, download the records of your transactions, and keep them on a backup diskette. Print copies for your files. If you have a mortgage, car loan or other debts, keep your canceled checks as proof of the payments you have made. Ask your mortgage or car lender for a statement of payments already made and those to come with the amounts allocated to interest, principal and escrow in order to ensure an accurate record of your payments. Ask your financial service providers about their plans to deal with the Y2K date change. Make sure you are satisfied with the answers. Get a copy of your credit report from one of ...