| m |
|
Updating your computer for Y2K
Windows-based systems
These are general steps you can take to safeguard a PC running on a Microsoft Windows operating system. Check the Microsoft Y2K site for information on specific versions of Windows and other commonly used software. Also check the IS Lab's Helpful Links page for access to the Y2K sites of several software and hardware manufacturers.
 Check your hardware and software
Find out what hardware and software you have, including the version numbers of the software. You may find it helpful to write down the manufacturer, model number and serial number of your PC, and keep it handy when you're ready to contact the PC vendor about your hardware's Y2K readiness. For many software titles, the version number and other information can be found under the heading labeled "About," which is usually found by pulling down the "Help" menu at the top of the screen.
|
|
 |
Determine readiness
Contact the manufacturer of your PC and your software programs about the Y2K readiness of their products. For hardware questions, most manufacturers have information on their Web sites about issues such as the status of their computer's clock and BIOS. Software makers have information on readiness as well as software updates. Our Helpful Links page has access to the Web sites of major hardware and software makers.
 Choose a strategy
If you find after checking with manufacturers that a product is not Y2K compliant, you may need to take action. How you respond will depend on how you use your computer, and how sensitive your work is to Y2K issues. You may decide after investigating that no action is necessary. In many cases, you can download a software update from the manufacturer to address potential problems. In some cases, you may decide to install a complete upgrade or purchase a different program.
|
|
|
 Take action.
If you decide an update or upgrade is needed, contact the manufacturer (or manufacturer's Web site) for downloading or mail-ordering instructions. If possible, have all updates installed on your computer before Jan. 1, 2000.
Macintosh systems
Apple's Macintosh computers have been Y2K compliant since their introduction in 1984. According to the company, Mac OS and most Mac applications can handle internally generated dates correctly all the way to the year 29,940. But you should still verify that non-Apple software running on your computer is Y2K compliant, using the steps listed above. Check Apple's Y2K site for more information. |
|
|
General things you can do
- In deciding how to prepare for Y2K, you should check out your important files that contain year dates, such as spreadsheets, financial records and other documents. Especially examine documents that contain only two digits, or are used for some type of calculation -- or as a "trigger" to cause an event to take place. Where possible, change two-digit years to four digits.
- Examine whether you have financial information that is tracked by date, and whether you exchange data files with other individuals or businesses.
- In case others may not have taken steps to be Y2K compliant, be careful about data files you exchange with others.
- Experts at Stanford University suggest that when you type dates into a computer program, make a habit of typing four-digit years instead of two-digit ones whenever possible. If you must type two-digit years (some programs only have room for two digits), be sure the program is interpreting them correctly, especially if the dates you are typing are on or after Jan. 1, 2000.
- Keep informed on new information regarding the Year 2000 changeover. Our Helpful Links page has access to news articles on the Web, as well as product manufacturers, information centers, government agencies and college campuses. Additional information can be found on ASU Information Technology's Y2K pages.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
