SECNAV (Navy/marines) GUIDANCE ON YEAR 2000 (Y2K) RELATED ISSUESgreenspun.com : LUSENET : TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000) : One Thread |
R 101715Z FEB 99 ZYB MIN PSN 080072M17 FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV....
UNCLAS//N05720// ALNAV 006/99 MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV// SUBJ/GUIDANCE ON YEAR 2000 (Y2K) RELATED ISSUES// RMKS/1. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE PROVIDE OUR SAILORS WITH SOUND, USEFUL INFORMATION ON THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF Y2K ON THEIR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIVES, AS WELL AS THE LIVES OF THEIR FAMILIES. 2. THE YEAR 2000 (Y2K) "MILLENNIUM BUG" IS BECOMING AN INCREASINGLY POPULAR SUBJECT FOR THE "TALKING HEADS" OF THE WORLD AS MASS MEDIA FOCUS ON POSSIBLE Y2K DISRUPTIONS AND EXTREMISTS PREDICT CATASTROPHIC SOCIAL BREAKDOWN. ADDITIONALLY, AN INCREASING NUMBER OF ENTREPRENEURS AND "SCAM ARTISTS" VIEW Y2K AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO CAPITALIZE ON FEAR AND UNCERTAINTY FOR PERSONAL PROFIT. 3. THIS IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF MESSAGES PREPARED BY THE NAVY OFFICE OF INFORMATION (CHINFO) ADDRESSING HOW SAILORS CAN EXPECT Y2K TO AFFECT VARIOUS ASPECTS OF BOTH THE DOMESTIC AND THE MILITARY INFRASTRUCTURE. COMMANDING OFFICERS AND OFFICERS IN CHARGE SHOULD ENSURE WIDEST POSSIBLE DISSEMINATION OF THIS INFORMATION VIA PLAN OF THE DAY (POD), COMMAND NEWSPAPER, FAMILYGRAM, SITE TV, DAILY QUARTERS, CAPTAIN'S CALL AND OTHER APPROPRIATE VENUES. 4. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS DRAWN FROM A VARIETY OF PRIVATE SECTOR AND OFFICIAL SOURCES INCLUDING COMMERCIAL NEWS MEDIA PRODUCTS. THIS INFORMATION IS CONSIDERED TO BE RELIABLE, BUT NOT NECESSARILY AUTHORITATIVE, AS NO ONE CAN PREDICT FUTURE EVENTS WITH COMPLETE CERTAINTY. THIS PARTICULAR MESSAGE ADDRESSES ONLY A FEW OF THE WIDE ARRAY OF Y2K TOPICS. FUTURE MESSAGES WILL CONTINUE TO ADDRESS OTHER AREAS IN MORE DETAIL. TOGETHER, THIS SERIES OF MESSAGES SHOULD PROVIDE A CURRENT, COMPREHENSIVE DATABASE OF Y2K INFORMATION. LOOK FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT Y2K RELATED ISSUES TO BE COMMUNICATED ON A REGULAR BASIS THROUGH NAVY INTERNAL MEDIA SUCH AS ALL HANDS MAGAZINE, NAVY- MARINE CORPS NEWS, DIRECT TO SAILOR AND NAVY NEWS SERVICE. Y2K INFORMATION IS ALSO AVAILABLE THROUGH THE FOLLOWING NAVY WEB SITES: WWW.NAVY.MIL WWW.CNOY2K.NAVY.MIL DONCIO.NAVY.MIL A. Y2K BUG--GENERAL/BACKGROUND: Q1. WHAT IS THE YEAR 2000 CHALLENGE AND HOW DID IT HAPPEN? A1. THE YEAR 2000 CHALLENGE POTENTIALLY AFFECTS ANY DIGITAL COMPUTER SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT OR PRODUCT THAT USES DATE INFORMATION. IT ARISES FROM THE NEARLY UNIVERSAL PRACTICE IN ACADEMIA, GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS OF USING TWO RATHER THAN FOUR DIGITS TO DESIGNATE THE CALENDAR YEAR (E.G., DD/MM/YY). IT ALSO HAS ITS ROOTS IN THE COMMON PRACTICE OF USING TWO DIGITS TO SHORTHAND REFERENCES TO THE YEAR (JUST AS PEOPLE COMMONLY REFER TO "THE CLASS OF '99'" INSTEAD OF THE "CLASS OF 1999"). THIS COMMON PRACTICE CAN LEAD TO INCORRECT RESULTS WHENEVER COMPUTER SYSTEMS, SOFTWARE OR MICROCHIPS PERFORM ARITHMETIC OPERATIONS, COMPARISONS OR DATA FIELD SORTING INVOLVING YEARS LATER THAN 1999. NON-COMPLIANT SYSTEMS MAY INTERPRET 00 AS THE YEAR 1900, 01 AS THE YEAR 1901, ETC. B. DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SYSTEM (DFAS): Q2. WILL PAY AND ALLOWANCES BE DISRUPTED BY Y2K? A2. THE DFAS SENIOR MANAGEMENT HAS MADE THE YEAR 2000 (Y2K) PROBLEM DFAS' NUMBER ONE SYSTEMS PRIORITY. THE CORPORATE LEVEL INITIATIVE WAS BEGUN OVER 2 YEARS AGO, AND SYSTEM LEVEL INITIATIVES WERE BEGUN AS FAR BACK AS 1991. ALL DFAS SYSTEMS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLIANT BY MAR 31, 1999. C. PERSONAL FINANCES: Q3. I HEARD LOTS OF CONFLICTING ADVICE ON HOW I SHOULD HANDLE MY PERSONAL FINANCES IN ORDER TO BE WELL PREPARED FOR JAN 1, 2000. WHAT SHOULD I DO? A3. THE BEST ADVICE IS DON'T DO ANYTHING RASH WITH YOUR FINANCES. MOST BANKS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE, SINCE THINGS LIKE LOAN CALCULATIONS AND THE LIKE HAVE REQUIRED YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCY FOR YEARS. SO KEEP YOUR MONEY IN THE BANK AND DON'T CASH IN YOUR INVESTMENTS. BEWARE OF THE SCAM ARTISTS WHO PREY ON YOUR FEARS. THEIR INTEREST IS IN GETTING YOUR MONEY, NOT YOUR WELL-BEING. MANY Y2K SALES PITCHES ARE DESIGNED TO SCARE YOU INTO DOING SOMETHING RASH. IF AN OFFER SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS. AS WITH ANY SOUND FINANCIAL PLAN, YOU SHOULD HAVE GOOD PAPER RECORDS OF YOUR ACCOUNTS AND BANK STATEMENTS. HAVING THESE STATEMENTS ALLOWS YOU TO QUICKLY RESOLVE ANY ADMINISTRATIVE ERRORS THAT MIGHT OCCUR AT ANY TIME, NOT JUST IN THE EVENT OF A Y2K-CAUSED ADMINISTRATIVE ERROR. IF YOU HAVE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS CONCERNING YOUR INVESTMENTS AND ACCOUNTS, CONTACT YOUR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS DIRECTLY AND ASK THEM ABOUT THEIR Y2K COMPLIANCY. D. TELEPHONE SYSTEMS: Q4. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY TELEPHONE SERVICE? A4. THERE ARE VARYING ANSWERS TO THIS QUESTION. ACCORDING TO AMERITECH SPOKESMAN FRANK MITCHELL, "BASICALLY, NOTHING WILL CHANGE. YOUR CALLER ID AND NETWORK WILL WORK. AND WE'RE CURRENTLY UPDATING THE 911 SERVICES WE ARE INVOLVED WITH SO THERE WILL BE NO DISRUPTIONS." MOST Y2K OBSERVERS BELIEVE THAT WIDESPREAD DISRUPTION OF SERVICE IS EXTREMELY UNLIKELY. INCORRECT BILLING IS MUCH MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR. OBVIOUSLY UNFORESEEN EVENTS, INCLUDING ISSUES NOT RELATED TO POSSIBLE Y2K PROBLEMS (IE. ICE STORMS) MAY MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE PHONE COMPANIES TO MAINTAIN ALL SERVICE. NAVY SWITCHES ON BASES AND INSTALLATIONS HAVE BEEN INSPECTED AND ONLY 21 OF 165 SWITCHES STILL REQUIRE MODIFICATIONS TO MEET BILLING AND MAINTENANCE FUNCTIONS RELATED TO YEAR 2000 REQUIREMENTS. WORK IS UNDERWAY TO IMPLEMENT THE REQUIRED FIXES AND ALL WORK WILL BE COMPLETED BY 30 JUNE 1999. Q5: WILL I BE ABLE TO PLACE LOCAL AND LONG-DISTANCE CALLS IN THE NORMAL WAY AFTER JAN 1, 2000? A5: YES, ACCORDING TO U.S. WEST'S YEAR 2000 INITIATIVE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN AN INTERVIEW WITH THE GLENWOOD POST JAN 4, 1999. U.S. WEST IS A TELEPHONE COMPANY THAT PROVIDES LONG-DISTANCE SERVICE TO CUSTOMERS IN 14 WESTERN STATES. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WILLIAM WHITE EXPLAINED THAT MOST TELEPHONE SWITCHES, WHICH RELAY LONG- DISTANCE CALLS TO THEIR PROPER DESTINATION, ARE NOT DATE- DEPENDENT. "MOST SWITCHES DON'T CARE WHAT DAY IT IS," WHITE EXPLAINED, WHEN IT COMES TO COMPLETING CALLS. "IF YOU CAN'T PROGRAM A DATE INTO IT, IT'S LIKELY TO BE VERY DATE INSENSITIVE." WHITE SAID REGIONAL TELEPHONE COMPANIES HAVE COLLABORATED TO ENSURE THE SWITCHED NETWORK WORKS SMOOTHLY THROUGH THE DATE CHANGE. E. ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS: Q6. WILL THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS BE Y2K READY IN TIME? A6. BASED ON RECENT ANALYSIS, ON AVERAGE, THE ELECTRIC INDUSTRY IS CLOSE TO ITS Y2K READINESS TARGETS. ACCORDING TO A REPORT PREPARED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY BY THE NORTH AMERICAN ELECTRICAL RELIABILITY COUNCIL, "NEARLY ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS NECESSARY TO OPERATE INTO THE YEAR 2000 WILL HAVE BEEN TESTED, REMEDIATED, AND DECLARED Y2K READY BY JUNE 30, 1999." Q7. SOME REPORTS PREDICT THAT THERE WILL BE WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES ANTICIPATED AT THE YEAR 2000 MARK. IS THIS TRUE? A7. WHILE WE CAN'T BE CERTAIN THERE WON'T BE SOME MINOR POWER DISRUPTIONS, INDUSTRY EXPERTS DO NOT PREDICT WIDESPREAD OUTAGES. SPECULATION THAT POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS WILL EXPERIENCE WIDESPREAD FAILURES ARE NOT BASED ON FACTS OR RATIONAL ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION FROM THE INDUSTRY. CONTINUITY OF SERVICE IS A HISTORICAL HALLMARK OF THE NATION'S UTILITY INDUSTRY. ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY EFFORTS ARE ON-TARGET TO MAINTAIN THAT SAME QUALITY OF SERVICE THROUGH THE MILLENNIUM. F. WATER UTILITIES: Q8. WILL THE WATER UTILITY COMPANIES BE Y2K COMPLIANT BY 2000? A8. INDUSTRY EXPERTS OFFER A RANGE OF ANSWERS TO THIS QUESTION. SOME EXPERTS PREDICT THAT SOME WATER SUPPLIERS MAY BE TEMPORARILY UNABLE TO MEET CUSTOMER DEMAND. HOWEVER, WATER UTILITIES AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES HAVE COMPREHENSIVE Y2K- COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS UNDER WAY AND ARE SPENDING LARGE SUMS OF MONEY TO PREPARE THEIR COMPUTER SYSTEMS TO BECOME Y2K-COMPLIANT OR Y2K-READY. MOST EXPERTS BELIEVE WATER TREATMENT AND DISTRIBUTION SHOULD NOT BE GREATLY AFFECTED BY THE Y2K PROBLEM. G. POSTAL SERVICE: Q9. WILL THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE (USPS) BE COMPLIANT BEFORE JAN 1, 2000? A9. ALTHOUGH USPS HAS NOT RELEASED A GREAT DEAL OF SPECIFIC INFORMATION REGARDING THEIR Y2K EFFORTS, THE POSTAL SERVICE'S WEB SITE STATES THAT USPS INTENDS TO HAVE SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT USED TO PROCESS MAIL READY BY YEAR 2000. H. STOCKS AND SECURITIES: Q10. WILL THE STOCK MARKET STILL OPERATE NORMALLY, OR WILL IT CRASH WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES MIDNIGHT ON DEC 31, 1999? A10. FINAL RESULTS OF THE SECURITIES INDUSTRY'S DRY RUN OF ITS YEAR 2000 INDUSTRY-WIDE TESTS VERIFIED THAT FIRMS WERE ABLE TO INPUT TRADES IN A SIMULATED YEAR 2000-ENVIRONMENT, AND SEND THEM TO THE APPROPRIATE MARKET FOR EXECUTION, CONFIRMATION AND CLEARANCE. THE MARKETS WERE LIKEWISE ABLE TO PROCESS THE TRADES ON A NORMAL SCHEDULE. "THE TEST FULFILLED ITS PURPOSE," SAID DON KITTELL, SECURITIES INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (SIA) EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT IN AN ARTICLE POSTED ON SIA'S WEBSITE. "WE LEARNED A GREAT DEAL ABOUT HOW TO CONDUCT THE INDUSTRY-WIDE TEST." KITTELL EMPHASIZED THE SCRIPTS ARE BEING REFINED AND SOME OF THE TESTING PROCESSES MODIFIED BASED ON INPUT FROM THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE BETA TEST. "WE'LL BE MUCH BETTER PREPARED FOR THE TESTING THIS YEAR IN MARCH AS A RESULT OF THE TREMENDOUS EFFORT THAT WAS PUT IN THIS DRESS REHEARSAL," HE SAID. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CHECK THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECURITIES DEALERS WEBSITE AT WWW.NASD.COM I. CIVIL AVIATION/FAA: Q11. WILL THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION'S COMPUTER SYSTEMS OPERATE PROPERLY IN THE YEAR 2000 OR WILL AIR TRAVEL BE DISRUPTED ACROSS THE COUNTRY'S SKIES? A11. MANY OF THE FAA'S SYSTEMS ARE CLASSIFIED AS MISSION CRITICAL. SEVERAL OF THOSE MISSION CRITICAL SYSTEMS ARE IMPACTED BY YEAR 2000 AND REQUIRE REPAIRS TO BECOME YEAR 2000 COMPLIANT. FORTUNATELY, THOSE REPAIRS ARE WELL UNDERWAY AND MANY SYSTEMS HAVE ALREADY BEEN RENOVATED AND CERTIFIED COMPLIANT. A SCHEDULE HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED THAT REQUIRES ALL FAA SYSTEMS TO BE YEAR 2000 COMPLIANT BY JUN 30, 1999. J. HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES: Q12. WILL ALL MY HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES STILL OPERATE NORMALLY AFTER THE YEAR 2000 STARTS? A12. THE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (CEMA) FILED COMMENTS WITH THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC) STATING THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF CONSUMER ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS WILL NOT EXPERIENCE YEAR 2000 (Y2K) PROBLEMS BECAUSE THEIR COMPONENTS ARE NOT DATE SENSITIVE. CEMA'S COMMENTS WERE THE RESULT OF A RECENT MEMBER SURVEY CONDUCTED IN RESPONSE TO THE FTC'S MAY 6, 1998 REQUEST FOR COMMENT. MEMBER COMPANY INPUT INDICATES THAT ONLY A FEW PRODUCTS MAY BE AFFECTED(OLDER VCR MACHINES AND COFFEE POTS WITH DIGITAL CLOCK TIMERS FOR EXAMPLE). FIXES WILL LIKELY BE AVAILABLE FOR AFFECTED PRODUCTS. IF IN DOUBT, CONTACT THE PRODUCT'S MANUFACTURER FOR DETAILS. K. FOOD SUPPLY: Q13. WHAT IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOING ABOUT POTENTIAL FOOD SUPPLY PROBLEMS? A13. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS UNDERTAKING A MASSIVE OUTREACH PROGRAM AIMED AT MAKING PRIVATE-SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS AWARE OF Y2K PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS. ACCORDING TO U.S. SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE, DAN GLICKMAN, "THE USDA FOOD SUPPLY WORKING GROUP IS COMMITTED TO ASSURING THAT EVERYONE INVOLVED IN FOOD SUPPLY PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION IS AWARE OF POTENTIAL Y2K PROBLEMS, UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF ACTING NOW TO CHECK THEIR SYSTEMS, AND KNOWS WHERE THEY CAN GO FOR HELP. OUR GOAL: TO DO WHATEVER WE CAN TO PREVENT ANY DISRUPTION IN THE FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN COME JANUARY 1, 2000." THE USDA FSWG WEB SITE CAN BE LOCATED AT WWW2.HQNET.USDA.GOV/APHIS/FSWG. L. AUTOMOBILES: Q14. WILL MY CAR START ON JAN 1, 2000? A14. ALMOST CERTAINLY. CARS AND TRUCKS SHOULD BE UNAFFECTED BY THE Y2K BUG, ACCORDING TO SPOKESPERSON MITCH FUGUA OF THE AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION. THAT IS BECAUSE VEHICLE COMPUTERS RECOGNIZE TIME ONLY IN THE PASSING OF MILLI-SECONDS, NOT MONTHS AND YEARS. IF YOU THINK YOUR CAR MIGHT BE "DATE AWARE" OR TO ENSURE YOUR PARTICULAR MAKE AND MODEL ARE UNAFFECTED, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE OR DEALER. M. SOCIAL SECURITY: Q15. WHAT ABOUT THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM? WILL IT STILL OPERATE AFTER DEC 31, 1999? A15. YES. SOCIAL SECURITY CHECKS WILL BE ON TIME WHEN THE NEW MILLENNIUM ARRIVES. "A YEAR IN ADVANCE, PEOPLE CAN BE SURE THEIR CHECKS ARE GOING TO BE THERE ON TIME," ACCORDING TO COMMISSIONER KENNETH APFEL, ON NBC'S "TODAY" SHOW. "WE HAD ABOUT 30-PLUS MILLION LINES (OF COMPUTER CODE) THAT WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON TO FIX THIS ISSUE AND HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ON THE STAFF HAVE BEEN SPENDING TIME ON IT, BUT IT'S NOW RESOLVED. APFEL SAID HIS AGENCY TACKLED THE PROBLEM THROUGH "PLAIN OLD-FASHIONED HARD WORK" AND BY FOOLING THE SYSTEMS WITH TESTS THAT SIMULATED THAT THE YEAR 2000 HAD ALREADY ARRIVED. THE IMMEDIATE BENEFICIARIES WILL BE THE ESTIMATED 46 MILLION AMERICANS WHO RELY ON SOCIAL SECURITY CHECKS EACH MONTH. "WE HAD TO BRING IN AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR WORKING WITH THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT AND THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION AND DO AN OUTSIDE EVALUATION AND MAKE SURE THOSE CHECKS WERE GOING TO WORK AND I CAN TELL YOU WE PASSED THAT TEST WITH FLYING COLORS," APFEL SAID. N. Y2K PERSONAL COMPUTER ISSUES: Q16. HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF MY HOME PC IS READY FOR THE CHANGE FROM 1999 TO 2000? A16. THE FIRST STEP IN THE PROCESS IS TO FIND OUT IF YOUR COMPUTER IS COMPLIANT. GO TO THE MANUFACTURER'S WORLDWIDE WEB SITE. ON THESE SITES, YOU WILL MOST LIKELY FIND A YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE SECTION OR CHART. THE WEB SITE WILL LIKELY TELL YOU YOUR SYSTEM IS Y2K COMPLIANT OR YOU WILL BE GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS ON WHAT TO DO TO MAKE YOUR SYSTEM COMPLIANT. IF YOU HAVE AN OLDER SYSTEM, OR THE MANUFACTURER IS OUT OF BUSINESS, THE SOLUTION MAY BE A HARDWARE UPGRADE. IF A WEB SITE IS NOT AVAILABLE, THEN YOU WILL NEED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER DIRECTLY. YOU CAN ALSO LINK TO NUMEROUS Y2K SITES TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON TOOLS AND REMEDIATION PROCEDURES. BE AWARE THAT MANY MANUFACTURERS AND Y2K SITES ARE ALSO OFFERING FREEWARE TO HELP RESOLVE Y2K DIFFICULTIES, SO CHECK OUT ALL YOUR OPTIONS BEFORE YOU ARE TEMPTED TO PURCHASE Y2K REMEDIATION TOOLS. Q17. HOW SERIOUS ARE THE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS FOR PC OWNERS? A17. COMPARED TO THE MAINFRAME COMPUTERS USED BY LARGE BUSINESSES AND GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS, PC OWNERS HAVE LITTLE TO WORRY ABOUT BEYOND A SMALL POTENTIAL FOR MINOR INCONVENIENCES. COMPUTERS WITH INTEL PENTIUM CPU'S OR OTHER PROCESSORS BUILT AFTER ABOUT 1997 SHOULDN'T HAVE ANY Y2K HARDWARE PROBLEMS AT ALL. OWNERS OF MOST OLDER PC'S CAN CONDUCT A SIMPLE TEST TO MAKE SURE THE MACHINE'S BIOS (BASIC INPUT/OUTPUT SYSTEM THAT CONTROLS THE MOST BASIC MACHINE FUNCTIONS) WILL PROPERLY KEEP TRACK OF THE TIME AFTER THE CENTURY CHANGES. HERE'S HOW TO TEST YOUR PC: FIRST, TEMPORARILY DISABLE ANY PROGRAMS THAT NORMALLY START AS SOON AS YOUR COMPUTER IS TURNED ON, ESPECIALLY IF THE PROGRAMS ARE DATE OR TIME RELATED SUCH AS CALENDAR PROGRAMS, VIRUS CHECKERS, ETC. ALL OF THESE PROGRAMS SHOULD BE TEMPORARILY DISABLED BEFORE YOU FORWARD ANY CLOCKS ON YOUR PC. YOU SHOULD ALSO MAKE A BACKUP COPY OF THESE PROGRAMS ON FLOPPY DISK BECAUSE THERE IS A CHANCE THAT THEY MAY BECOME PERMANENTLY DISABLED IF THEY PERCEIVE THAT THEIR LICENSE IS EXPIRED BECAUSE OF ROLLING THE CLOCK FORWARD. ONE WAY FOR WINDOWS USERS TO REMOVE SOME OF THOSE PROGRAMS IS TO TEMPORARILY MOVE THE SHORTCUTS IN THE STARTUP FOLDER TO ANOTHER FOLDER. THE STARTUP FOLDER CAN BE FOUND IN WINDOWS, START MENU, PROGRAMS, AND STARTUP. DON'T FORGET TO MOVE THE SHORTCUTS BACK AFTER THE TEST. DETERMINE WHETHER THE PC CONTAINS ANY SOFTWARE THAT WILL EXPIRE AS OF A PARTICULAR DATE. THIS MAY INCLUDE SOFTWARE YOU HAVE DOWNLOADED FROM THE INTERNET ON A TRIAL BASIS OR SOFTWARE THAT REQUIRES YOU TO RENEW AN ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION (I.E., "OIL CHANGE" AND SEVERAL ANTI-VIRUS PACKAGES). IF YOU ARE NOT SURE, CONTACT THE SOFTWARE VENDOR FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TESTING FOR Y2K. THEN, START THE COMPUTER'S CMOS SETUP ROUTINE. IF YOU'RE NOT SURE HOW TO DO THIS, CHECK THE SETUP SECTION OF THE INSTRUCTIONS THAT CAME WITH YOUR COMPUTER. RESET THE SYSTEM CLOCK TO 23:30 DEC 31, 1999 AND WAIT. THE SYSTEM TIME WILL PROBABLY ROLL OVER TO JAN 1, 2000 WITHOUT PROBLEMS. NOW SHUT DOWN THE MACHINE, WAIT 20 SECONDS OR SO, AND RESTART IT. MOST MACHINES WILL COME UP BELIEVING THE DATE IS JAN 1, 2000. COMPUTERS WITH PROBLEMS WILL BELIEVE THE YEAR IS 1900 OR 1980 OR SOME OTHER INCORRECT YEAR, DEPENDING UPON THE SYSTEM. A FEW COMPUTERS CAN MAKE THE YEAR CHANGE BUT THEN HAVE PROBLEMS KEEPING TRACK OF THE DAY AND MONTH IN YEARS 2000 AND BEYOND SO IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO LET THE MACHINE RUN FOR 24 HOURS OR SO AFTER THE TEST TO MAKE SURE THE CALENDAR UPDATES CORRECTLY. O. BANKING/CREDIT UNIONS: Q18. WHAT ARE BANKS DOING TO INFORM THEIR CUSTOMERS ON Y2K? A18. BANKS HAVE BECOME COMMUNITY LEADERS ON Y2K BY HELPING THEIR CUSTOMERS, INCLUDING BUSINESSES, LEARN ABOUT THE ISSUE AND MAKE PREPARATIONS. THEY ARE HOLDING SMALL BUSINESS SEMINARS AND WORKING WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS TO ENCOURAGE READINESS. Q19. HOW ARE BANKS PREPARING FOR Y2K? A19. INDEPENDENT SOURCES, INCLUDING CONSULTANTS AND COLUMNISTS, HAVE SINGLED OUT THE BANKING INDUSTRY AS ONE OF THE BEST PREPARED TO KEEP THEIR BUSINESS RUNNING SMOOTHLY. BANKS ARE PREPARING IN A SIMILAR FASHION AS THEY WOULD FOR A FIRE, HURRICANE, FLOOD OR OTHER POTENTIAL CRISIS. THEY HAVE BACKUP PLANS SO THAT IT WILL BE BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR ALL OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. Q20. HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHAT MY BANK/CREDIT UNION IS DOING TO PREPARE FOR Y2K? A20. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR BANK OR CREDIT UNION, STOP BY FOR A VISIT OR CALL THEM TO HEAR ABOUT THE THINGS THEY ARE DOING TO KEEP YOUR MONEY SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE. NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION HAS BEEN WORKING TOWARD ACHIEVING A SEAMLESS TRANSITION TO THE YEAR 2000 SINCE 1991. NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION HAS POSTED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ON THEIR WEBSITE: "NAVY FEDERAL WANTS TO REASSURE OUR MEMBERS THAT WE ARE TAKING A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO THE YEAR 2000. IN FACT, WE HAVE BEEN AN INDUSTRY LEADER -- WORKING WITH AND ADVISING CREDIT UNION TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND OUR REGULATOR TO ASSIST OTHER CREDIT UNIONS WITH YEAR 2000 ISSUES." THE NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION WEBSITE IS LOCATED AT WWW.NAVYFCU.ORG MANY BANKS AND CREDIT UNIONS ARE INCLUDING Y2K UPDATES IN THEIR MONTHLY STATEMENTS. LOOK FOR THEM. P. HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT Q21. HOW CAN I ENSURE MY HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT WILL BE Y2K READY? A21. THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU COULD DO. 1) TALK TO THE COMPANY YOU LEASED THE EQUIPMENT FROM AND ASK ABOUT ITS Y2K STATUS; 2) ACCESS THE FDA WEB SITE AT WWW.FDA.GOV/CDRH AND CLICK ON THE YEAR 2000 ICON. SEVERAL MEDICAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS ARE LISTED WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR PRODUCTS. LOOK UP THE Y2K STATUS OF YOUR EQUIPMENT, OR CONTACT THE COMPANY DIRECTLY; AND, 3) CHECK FOR A 1-800 NUMBER LISTED ON THE EQUIPMENT AND CALL FOR INFORMATION. Q. MILITARY HEALTH CARE: Q22. WHAT IS THE STATUS OF DOD HEALTH AFFAIRS COMPLIANCE WITH Y2K? A22. DOD BIOMEDICAL EQUIPMENT IS CURRENTLY 96 PERCENT Y2K COMPLIANT. THE REMAINING 4 PERCENT WILL BE COMPLIANT BY MAR 31, 1999. "BIOMEDICAL" MEANS INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT TYPICALLY FOUND IN A CLINIC, HOSPITAL, DOCTOR'S OR DENTIST'S OFFICE. AS AN EXAMPLE, SOME ELECTROCARDIOGRAM MACHINES HAVE A DATE FUNCTION WHICH COULD BE AFFECTED BY Y2K. HOWEVER, THE EKG EQUIPMENT RECORDS ANALOG SIGNALS WHICH ARE NOT DATE DEPENDENT, THE EQUIPMENT DEALS WITH DATES ONLY TO TAG THE DATA. DOD HEALTH AFFAIRS HAS TAKEN THE LEAD ON VERIFYING BIOMEDICAL EQUIPMENT COMPLIANCE ALONG WITH A MULTI-AGENCY FEDERAL WORKING GROUP CONSISTING OF THE ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, VETERANS AFFAIRS, INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE, AND PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE. THE GROUP HAS COLLABORATED WITH EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS TO DEVELOP A DATABASE OF COMPLIANCE INFORMATION FOR BIOMEDICAL EQUIPMENT USED IN THE MILITARY HEALTH SYSTEM. Q23. WILL Y2K AFFECT MY FAMILY'S DEERS ENROLLMENT? A23. BUMED IS TRACKING THE DEFENSE ELIGIBILITY ENROLLMENT REPORTING SYSTEM (DEERS) WHICH AUTOMATICALLY CONFIRMS MEDICAL BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY. DEERS IS ON TRACK FOR Y2K COMPLIANCE BY MAR 31, 1999. Q24. WHEN DOES DOD EXPECT TRICARE TO BE IN COMPLIANCE? A24. ACCORDING TO MS. CLARISA REBERKENNY OF OSD HEALTH AFFAIRS, ALL MISSION CRITICAL SYSTEMS AND AUTOMATED INFORMATION SYSTEMS ARE UNDERGOING END TO END TESTING FOR Y2K COMPLIANCE. DOD OFFICIALS ARE MEETING WITH TRICARE CONTRACTORS ON A RECURRING BASIS TO MONITOR PROGRESS. THE DOD DEADLINE FOR COMPLIANCE IS MAR 31, 1999. 5. AMERICAN FAMILIES STATIONED OVERSEAS MAY FIND THEMSELVES IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES NOT AS FULLY PREPARED TO DEAL WITH YEAR 2000 (Y2K) CONCERNS AS BACK HOME. THE GOOD NEWS IS INFRASTRUCTURES OUTSIDE NORTH AMERICA MAY BE LESS DEPENDENT ON CENTRALIZED COMPUTERIZED SERVICES, SO THE CONSEQUENCES OF A SINGLE COMPUTER FAILURE MAY BE LESS INTRUSIVE IN DAILY LIVING. THE BAD NEWS IS IT MAY BE DIFFICULT TO FIND ANYONE WHO CAN ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT LOCAL CAPABILITIES, OR THE STATUS OF EFFORTS TO COPE WITH Y2K ISSUES. THERE IS, FORTUNATELY, A GROWING AWARENESS OF THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM. JAPAN, THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND GERMANY, WHERE MANY AMERICAN MILITARY ARE STATIONED HAVE EXTENSIVE Y2K PROGRAMS. FOR EXAMPLE, THE EUROPEAN UNION RECOGNIZES THE POSSIBILITY OF A SERIOUS DISRUPTION, AND HAS A VERY GOOD Y2K WEBSITE AT
. IN EUROPE, NAVEUR BASE CO'S ARE VERY AWARE OF THE POSSIBLE IMPACT OF Y2K ON DON FAMILIES AND ARE ACTIVELY QUERYING LOCAL COMPANIES WHICH PROVIDE ELECTRICAL POWER, GAS, WATER/SEWAGE, TELEPHONE SERVICE AND BANKING SERVICES TO BASES AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES WHERE OUR PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES LIVE. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BASE/STATION Y2K OFFICE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. 6. COMMANDS SHOULD EMPHASIZE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL POINTS REGARDING Y2K TO ALL HANDS: -- BECAUSE OF EXTENSIVE PREPARATION THE EFFECTS OF THE Y2K BUG WILL BE MINIMAL ON THE LIVES OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. -- KEEP YOUR MONEY IN THE BANK. DON'T CASH IN YOUR STOCKS. -- YOUR MILITARY PAY RECORDS AND PERSONNEL RECORDS WILL BE SAFE. -- DON'T OVER PREPARE. THINK ABOUT Y2K AS A POTENTIAL WINTER STORM AND PREPARE ACCORDINGLY. -- SINCE COMPUTER SYSTEMS ARE INTERCONNECTED ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD, IT IS REASONABLE TO EXPECT SOME POSSIBLE DEGRADATION OF NETWORK-DEPENDENT SYSTEMS FOR A SHORT PERIOD, BUT THE EFFECTS CAN BE EXPECTED TO BE AN INCONVENIENCE, NOT A CATASTROPHE. -- IF SOMEONE TELLS YOU THE SKY IS FALLING IN REGARDS TO Y2K-- BEWARE, THEY ARE PROBABLY TRYING TO SELL YOU SOMETHING. 7. THIS ALNAV IS CANCELLED FOR RECORD PURPOSES ON JAN 1, 2001. 8. RELEASED BY THE HONORABLE RICHARD DANZIG, SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.// BT #8553 NNNN
-- (Busy@the.top), March 08, 1999
Thanks, Busy.Since its non-classified, care to post the link? I found it interesting to see what the military is likely telling their own about Y2K. -- Diane
TRANSLATION ....
R 101715Z FEB 99 ZYB MIN PSN 080072M17 FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV
UNCLAS//N05720// ALNAV 006/99 MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV// SUBJ/GUIDANCE ON YEAR 2000 (Y2K) RELATED ISSUES// RMKS/
1. It is important that we provide our sailors with sound, useful information on the potential impact of Y2K on their personal and professional lives, as well as the lives of their families.
2. The Year 2000 (Y2K) "millennium bug" is becoming an increasingly popular subject for the "talking heads" of the world as mass media focus on possible Y2K disruptions and extremists predict catastrophic social breakdown. Additionally, an increasing number of entrepreneurs and "scam artists" view Y2K as an opportunity to capitalize on fear and uncertainty for personal profit.
3. This is the first in a series of messages prepared by the Navy Office of Information (CHINFO) addressing how sailors can expect Y2K to affect various aspects of both the domestic and the military infrastructure. Commanding officers and officers in charge should ensure widest possible dissemination of this information via Plan Of the Day (POD), command newspaper, Familygram, Site TV, Daily Quarters, Captain's Call and other appropriate venues.
4. The following information is drawn from a variety of private sector and official sources including commercial news media products. This information is considered to be reliable, but not necessarily authoritative, as no one can predict future events with complete certainty. This particular message addresses only a few of the wide array of Y2K topics. Future messages will continue to address other areas in more detail.
Together, this series of messages should provide a current, comprehensive database of Y2K information. Look for additional information about Y2K related issues to be communicated on a regular basis through Navy Internal Media such as All Hands Magazine, Navy- Marine Corps News, Direct to Sailor and Navy News Service.
Y2K information is also available through the following Navy web sites:
http://www.navy.mil(Requires password)
http://www.cnoy2k.navy.mil(Requires password?)
http://doncio.navy.mil
A. Y2K bug--general/background:
Q1. What is the Year 2000 challenge and how did it happen?
A1. The Year 2000 challenge potentially affects any digital computer system, equipment or product that uses date information. It arises from the nearly universal practice in academia, government and business of using two rather than four digits to designate the calendar year (e.g., dd/mm/yy). It also has its roots in the common practice of using two digits to shorthand references to the year (just as people commonly refer to "the class of '99'" instead of the "class of 1999"). This common practice can lead to incorrect results whenever computer systems, software or microchips perform arithmetic operations, comparisons or data field sorting involving years later than 1999. Non-compliant systems may interpret 00 as the year 1900, 01 as the year 1901, etc.
B. Defense Finance And Accounting System (DFAS):
Q2. Will pay and allowances be disrupted by Y2K?
A2. The DFAS senior management has made the Year 2000 (Y2K) problem DFAS' number one systems priority. The corporate level initiative was begun over 2 years ago, and system level initiatives were begun as far back as 1991. All DFAS systems are scheduled to be compliant by Mar 31, 1999.
C. Personal Finances:
Q3. I heard lots of conflicting advice on how I should handle my personal finances in order to be well prepared for Jan 1, 2000. what should I do?
A3. The best advice is don't do anything rash with your finances. Most banks are in good shape, since things like loan calculations and the like have required Year 2000 compliancy for years. So keep your money in the bank and don't cash in your investments. Beware of the scam artists who prey on your fears. Their interest is in getting your money, not your well-being. Many Y2K sales pitches are designed to scare you into doing something rash. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. As with any sound financial plan, you should have good paper records of your accounts and bank statements. Having these statements allows you to quickly resolve any administrative errors that might occur at any time, not just in the event of a Y2K- caused administrative error. If you have specific questions concerning your investments and accounts, contact your financial institutions directly and ask them about their Y2K compliancy.
D. Telephone Systems:
Q4. What will happen to my telephone service?
A4. There are varying answers to this question. According to Ameritech spokesman Frank Mitchell, "Basically, nothing will change. Your caller ID and network will work. And we're currently updating the 911 services we are involved with so there will be no disruptions." Most Y2K observers believe that widespread disruption of service is extremely unlikely. Incorrect billing is much more likely to occur. Obviously unforeseen events, including issues not related to possible Y2K problems (ie. ice storms) may make it impossible for the phone companies to maintain all service. Navy switches on bases and installations have been inspected and only 21 of 165 switches still require modifications to meet billing and maintenance functions related to Year 2000 requirements. Work is underway to implement the required fixes and all work will be completed by 30 June 1999.
Q5: Will I be able to place local and long-distance calls in the normal way after Jan 1, 2000?
A5: Yes, according to U.S. West's Year 2000 Initiative Executive Director in an interview with the Glenwood post Jan 4, 1999. U.S. West is a telephone company that provides long-distance service to customers in 14 western states. Executive Director William White explained that most telephone switches, which relay long- distance calls to their proper destination, are not date- dependent. "Most switches don't care what day it is," White explained, when it comes to completing calls. "If you can't program a date into it, it's likely to be very date insensitive." White said regional telephone companies have collaborated to ensure the switched network works smoothly through the date change.
E. Electric Power Supply Systems:
Q6. Will the electrical systems be Y2K ready in time?
A6. Based on recent analysis, on average, the electric industry is close to its Y2K readiness targets. According to a report prepared for the Department Of Energy by the North American Electrical Reliability Council, "nearly all electrical systems necessary to operate into the Year 2000 will have been tested, remediated, and declared Y2K ready by June 30, 1999."
Q7. Some reports predict that there will be widespread power outages anticipated at the Year 2000 mark. Is this true?
A7. While we can't be certain there won't be some minor power disruptions, industry experts do not predict widespread outages. Speculation that power distribution systems will experience widespread failures are not based on facts or rational analysis of information from the industry. Continuity of service is a historical hallmark of the nation's utility industry. Electrical industry efforts are on- target to maintain that same quality of service through the millennium.
F. Water Utilities:
Q8. Will the water utility companies be Y2K compliant by 2000?
A8. Industry experts offer a range of answers to this question. Some experts predict that some water suppliers may be temporarily unable to meet customer demand. However, water utilities and government agencies have comprehensive Y2K- compliance programs under way and are spending large sums of money to prepare their computer systems to become Y2K- compliant or Y2K-ready. Most experts believe water treatment and distribution should not be greatly affected by the Y2K problem.
G. Postal Service:
Q9. Will the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) be compliant before Jan 1, 2000?
A9. Although USPS has not released a great deal of specific information regarding their Y2K efforts, the postal service's web site states that USPS intends to have systems and equipment used to process mail ready by Year 2000.
H. Stocks and Securities:
Q10. Will the stock market still operate normally, or will it crash when the clock strikes midnight on Dec 31, 1999?
A10. Final results of the securities industry's dry run of its Year 2000 industry-wide tests verified that firms were able to input trades in a simulated Year 2000-environment, and send them to the appropriate market for execution, confirmation and clearance. The markets were likewise able to process the trades on a normal schedule. "The test fulfilled its purpose," said Don Kittell, Securities Industry Association (SIA) Executive Vice President in an article posted on SIA's website. "We learned a great deal about how to conduct the industry-wide test." Kittell emphasized the scripts are being refined and some of the testing processes modified based on input from the participants in the beta test. "We'll be much better prepared for the testing this year in March as a result of the tremendous effort that was put in this dress rehearsal," he said. For additional information, check the National Association Of Securities Dealers website at
http://www.nasd.comI. Civil Aviation/FAA:
Q11. Will the federal aviation administration's computer systems operate properly in the Year 2000 or will air travel be disrupted across the country's skies?
A11. Many of the FAA's systems are classified as mission critical. Several of those mission critical systems are impacted by Year 2000 and require repairs to become Year 2000 compliant. Fortunately, those repairs are well underway and many systems have already been renovated and certified compliant. A schedule has been established that requires all FAA systems to be Year 2000 compliant by Jun 30, 1999.
J. Household Appliances:
Q12. Will all my household appliances still operate normally after the Year 2000 starts?
A12. The Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association (CEMA) filed comments with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) stating that the vast majority of consumer electronics products will not experience Year 2000 (Y2K) problems because their components are not date sensitive. CEMA's comments were the result of a recent member survey conducted in response to the FTC's May 6, 1998 request for comment. member company input indicates that only a few products may be affected (older VCR machines and coffee pots with digital clock timers for example). Fixes will likely be available for affected products. If in doubt, contact the product's manufacturer for details.
K. Food Supply:
Q13. What is the federal government doing about potential food supply problems?
A13. The federal government is undertaking a massive outreach program aimed at making private-sector organizations aware of Y2K problems and solutions.According to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Dan Glickman, "the USDA food supply working group is committed to assuring that everyone involved in food supply production and distribution is aware of potential Y2K problems, understands the importance of acting now to check their systems, and knows where they can go for help. Our goal: To do whatever we can to prevent any disruption in the food supply chain come January 1, 2000." The USDA FSWG web site can be located at
(As reported, this link doesnt seem to work)
http:// www2.hqnet.usda.gov/aphis/fswgL. Automobiles:
Q14. Will my car start on Jan 1, 2000?
A14. Almost certainly. Cars and trucks should be unaffected by the Y2K bug, according to spokesperson Mitch Fugua of the American Automobile Association. That is because vehicle computers recognize time only in the passing of milli-seconds, not months and years. If you think your car might be "date aware" or to ensure your particular make and model are unaffected, contact your local authorized service representative or dealer.
M. Social Security:
Q15. What about the social security system? Will it still operate after Dec 31, 1999?
A15. Yes. Social security checks will be on time when the new millennium arrives. "A year in advance, people can be sure their checks are going to be there on time," according to Commissioner Kenneth Apfel, on NBC's "Today" show. "We had about 30-plus million lines (of computer code) that we've been working on to fix this issue and hundreds of people on the staff have been spending time on it, but it's now resolved. Apfel said his agency tackled the problem through "plain old-fashioned hard work" and by fooling the systems with tests that simulated that the Year 2000 had already arrived. The immediate beneficiaries will be the estimated 46 million americans who rely on social security checks each month. "We had to bring in an independent contractor working with the Treasury Department and the Social Security Administration and do an outside evaluation and make sure those checks were going to work and I can tell you we passed that test with flying colors," Apfel said.
N. Y2K Personal Computer Issues:
Q16. How can I find out if my home PC is ready for the change from 1999 to 2000?
A16. The first step in the process is to find out if your computer is compliant. Go to the manufacturer's worldwide web site. On these sites, you will most likely find a Year 2000 compliance section or chart. The web site will likely tell you your system is Y2K compliant or you will be given instructions on what to do to make your system compliant. If you have an older system, or the manufacturer is out of business, the solution may be a hardware upgrade. If a web site is not available, then you will need to contact the manufacturer directly. You can also link to numerous Y2K sites to get more information on tools and remediation procedures. Be aware that many manufacturers and Y2K sites are also offering freeware to help resolve Y2K difficulties, so check out all your options before you are tempted to purchase Y2K remediation tools.
Q17. How serious are the potential problems for PC owners?
A17. Compared to the mainframe computers used by large businesses and government institutions, PC owners have little to worry about beyond a small potential for minor inconveniences. Computers with Intel Pentium CPU's or other processors built after about 1997 shouldn't have any Y2K hardware problems at all. Owners of most older PC's can conduct a simple test to make sure the machine's bios (basic input/output system that controls the most basic machine functions) will properly keep track of the time after the century changes.
Here's how to test your PC:
First, temporarily disable any programs that normally start as soon as your computer is turned on, especially if the programs are date or time related such as calendar programs, virus checkers, etc. All of these programs should be temporarily disabled before you forward any clocks on your PC. You should also make a backup copy of these programs on floppy disk because there is a chance that they may become permanently disabled if they perceive that their license is expired because of rolling the clock forward.
One way for Windows users to remove some of those programs is to temporarily move the Shortcuts in the Startup Folder to another folder. The Startup Folder can be found in Windows, Start Menu, Programs, and Startup. Don't forget to move the Shortcuts back after the test. Determine whether the PC contains any software that will expire as of a particular date. This may include software you have downloaded from the internet on a trial basis or software that requires you to renew an annual subscription (i.e., "oil change" and several anti-virus packages).
If you are not sure, contact the software vendor for more information on testing for Y2K. Then, start the computer's CMOS Setup Routine. If you're not sure how to do this, check the setup section of the instructions that came with your computer. Reset the system clock to 23:30 Dec 31, 1999 and wait. The system time will probably roll over to Jan 1, 2000 without problems. Now shut down the machine, wait 20 seconds or so, and restart it. Most machines will come up believing the date is Jan 1, 2000. Computers with problems will believe the year is 1900 or 1980 or some other incorrect year, depending upon the system. A few computers can make the year change but then have problems keeping track of the day and month in years 2000 and beyond so it's a good idea to let the machine run for 24 hours or so after the test to make sure the calendar updates correctly.
O. Banking/Credit Unions:
Q18. What are banks doing to inform their customers on Y2K?
A18. Banks have become community leaders on Y2K by helping their customers, including businesses, learn about the issue and make preparations. They are holding small business seminars and working with community groups to encourage readiness.
Q19. How are banks preparing for Y2K?
A19. Independent sources, including consultants and columnists, have singled out the banking industry as one of the best prepared to keep their business running smoothly. Banks are preparing in a similar fashion as they would for a fire, hurricane, flood or other potential crisis. They have backup plans so that it will be business as usual for all of their customers.
Q20. How can I find out what my bank/credit union is doing to prepare for Y2K?
A20. If you are concerned about your bank or credit union, stop by for a visit or call them to hear about the things they are doing to keep your money safe and accessible. Navy Federal Credit Union has been working toward achieving a seamless transition to the Year 2000 since 1991. Navy Federal Credit Union has posted the following statement on their website: "Navy Federal wants to reassure our members that we are taking a proactive approach to the Year 2000. In fact, we have been an industry leader -- working with and advising credit union trade associations and our regulator to assist other credit unions with Year 2000 issues."
The Navy Federal Credit Union website is located at
http://www.navyfcu.orgMany banks and credit unions are including Y2K updates in their monthly statements. Look for them.
P. Home Medical Equipment
Q21. How can I ensure my home medical equipment will be Y2K ready?
A21. There are a few things you could do.
1) Talk to the company you leased the equipment from and ask about its Y2K status;
2) Access the FDA web site at
http://www.fda.gov/cdrhAnd click on the Year 2000 icon. Several medical equipment manufacturers are listed with information about their products. Look up the Y2K status of your equipment, or contact the company directly; and,
3) Check for a 1-800 number listed on the equipment and call for information.
Q. Military Health Care:
Q22. What is the status of DoD health affairs compliance with Y2K?
A22. DoD biomedical equipment is currently 96 percent Y2K compliant. The remaining 4 percent will be compliant by Mar 31, 1999. "Biomedical" means instruments and equipment typically found in a clinic, hospital, doctor's or dentist's office. As an example, some electrocardiogram machines have a date function which could be affected by Y2K. However, the EKG equipment records analog signals which are not date dependent, the equipment deals with dates only to tag the data. DoD health affairs has taken the lead on verifying biomedical equipment compliance along with a multi-agency federal working group consisting of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Veterans Affairs, Indian Health Service, and Public Health Service. The group has collaborated with equipment manufacturers to develop a database of compliance information for biomedical equipment used in the military health system.
Q23. Will Y2K affect my family's deers enrollment?
A23. BUMED is tracking the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) which automatically confirms medical benefit eligibility. DEERS is on track for Y2K compliance by Mar 31, 1999.
Q24. When does DoD expect Tricare to be in compliance?
A24. According to Ms. Clarisa Reberkenny of OSD Health Affairs, all mission critical systems and automated information systems are undergoing end to end testing for Y2K compliance. DoD officials are meeting with Tricare contractors on a recurring basis to monitor progress. The DoD deadline for compliance is Mar 31, 1999. 5. American families stationed overseas may find themselves in local communities not as fully prepared to deal with Year 2000 (Y2K) concerns as back home. The good news is infrastructures outside North America may be less dependent on centralized computerized services, so the consequences of a single computer failure may be less intrusive in daily living. The bad news is it may be difficult to find anyone who can answer questions about local capabilities, or the status of efforts to cope with Y2K issues. There is, fortunately, a growing awareness of the potential problem. Japan, the United Kingdom, and Germany, where many American military are stationed have extensive Y2K programs.
For example, the European Union recognizes the possibility of a serious disruption, and has a very good Y2K website at . in europe (?).
Naveur Base CO's are very aware of the possible impact of Y2K on DON families and are actively querying local companies which provide electrical power, gas, water/sewage, telephone service and banking services to bases and the local communities where our people and their families live. Contact your local base/station Y2K office for additional information.
6. Commands should emphasize the following general points regarding Y2K to all hands:
-- Because of extensive preparation the effects of the Y2K bug will be minimal on the lives of you and your family.
-- Keep your money in the bank. Don't cash in your stocks.
-- Your military pay records and personnel records will be safe.
-- Don't over prepare. Think about Y2K as a potential winter storm and prepare accordingly.
-- Since computer systems are interconnected across the country and around the world, it is reasonable to expect some possible degradation of network-dependent systems for a short period, but the effects can be expected to be an inconvenience, not a catastrophe.
-- If someone tells you the sky is falling in regards to Y2K-- beware, they are probably trying to sell you something.
7. This ALNAV is cancelled for record purposes on Jan 1, 2001.
8. Released by the Honorable Richard Danzig, Secretary Of The Navy.// BT #8553 NNNN
-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), March 08, 1999.
This is a simple press release from Mr. K. - it repeats what he has said elsewhere verbatim, but is doubly sad because it appears to be expressly issued to "re-assure" sailors and marines overseas and deployed that "nothing will happen" - the "civilian" government has everything under control to keep your dependents safe, warm, fed, and dry.There is no original thought in it - no "military" officer has read it, signed it, or approved it, IMHO.
It's like seeing a message ordering the Army to Corregidor in November, 1940, then reading the Japanese war plans to invade the pennisula December 8, and send them to the death camps in April. Or the Navy's message on Dec 6 ordering its battleships in Pearl Harbor to prepare for Sunday services.
There is nothing in here but "hopes and wishes" - but it could be interesting to see how the real schedule maps out. March 31 - everything in the federal government is to be ready - except for those systems in here that are due to be finished in September.
And overseas base commanders are "trying" to make sure food, water, power, and fuel are available next year.
-- Robert A. Cook, P.E. (Kennesaw, GA) (cook.r@csaatl.com), March 08, 1999.
Robert,I find it very sad that even the military feels it has to keep up the "spin" to it's own. Hope the guys and gals are connected to the net! And they read the Senate Armed Services testimonies.
Diane
-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), March 09, 1999.
Robert hit the nail on the head--no military officer has "signed off" on this. It's simply a regurgitation of the administration's propaganda on the subject.My hope is that it will be seen for what it is; a poorly constructed "checklist" of "What You Should Believe About Y2K". It seems apparent to me that whoever the "PR" firm the administration hired was, they were either the lowest bidder or owned by someone's "Uncle Harry".
OTOH, after sending this out, it'll be pretty difficult for the government to convince the people who'll have to implement martial law that it's necessary, and if TSHTF big time, who's going to have any faith in what that government says?
-- Hardliner (searcher@internet.com), March 09, 1999.
This thread raises some interesting questions.If the rank and file of the military is being fed the same line of BS the public sector is, there are going to be alot of pissed off voters AND military men & women (not to mention reservist, NG, etc.).
Will they "take up the cause" knowing that their families have just exhausted their 3 day storm supplies and are in dire straits? Will the military bases be prioritzed for relief supplies so the active duty folks stay on the job?
A massive, reality-based communication to these folks is not possible without the public finding out.
What do you think?
R.
-- Roland (nottelling@nowhere.com), March 09, 1999.
This is the same document which I provided a link to either the end of Feb or early March.My spouse is military, and I am doing the computer thing (for 20 years). When I mentioned Y2K to him, and explained for about 5 minutes, he was a complete GI. Needless to say, when this document came out, we laughed at it.
One think that I would like to point out is, I think something (like a couple of lines) were left off of this "web" document than what was in the written form to the Navy. Since I do not have it in front of me, I cannot confirm.
My spouse and I have discussed this many times, and he thinks it is just the beginning, and that over the next couple of months the .gov will increase their warning to the armed forces.
Somehow, I get the feeling that if the government is going to want the service men/women to do their jobs, they will make sure the family members of these men/women can at least eat. I have nothing to confirm/deny this, as it is only MY thought.
It will be interesting to see how things progress over the year. I for one, am not waiting for the military to provide for me and mine. I can do it myself!
-- (cannot-say@this.time), March 09, 1999.
R 122210Z MAR 99 ZYB MIN PSN 268439M32
FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC//SN//
TO ALNAV
INFO SECDEF WASHINGTON DC//OASD:PA/DDI/DPL//
.......
***THIS IS A 3 PART MSG COLLATED BY MRS***
UNCLAS//N05720//
ALNAV 13/99
MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV//
SUBJ/GUIDANCE ON YEAR 2000 (Y2K) RELATED ISSUES-UTILITY SERVICES//
REF/A/MSG/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/101715ZFEB99//
AMPN/REF A IS ALNAV REGARDING VARIOUS Y2K RELATED ISSUES//
RMKS/1. THIS IS THE SECOND IN A SERIES OF MESSAGES INTENDED TO
PROVIDE OUR SAILORS AND MARINES WITH IMPORTANT, UNDERSTANDABLE
INFORMATION REGARDING THE YEAR 2000 "MILLENNIUM BUG" AND ITS
POTENTIAL EFFECTS ON BOTH THE MILITARY AND THE DOMESTIC
INFRASTRUCTURE. THIS MESSAGE, PREPARED BY THE NAVY OFFICE OF
INFORMATION (CHINFO), ADDRESSES DOMESTIC UTILITY SERVICES IN THE
UNITED STATES.
2. COMMANDING OFFICERS AND OFFICERS IN CHARGE SHOULD ENSURE
WIDEST POSSIBLE DISSEMINATION OF THIS INFORMATION VIA PLAN OF
THE DAY, QUARTERS, CAPTAIN'S CALL, FAMILYGRAM, SITE TV, UNIT
NEWSLETTER AND OTHER APPROPRIATE VENUES.
3. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS DRAWN FROM A VARIETY OF PRIVATE
SECTOR AND OFFICIAL SOURCES INCLUDING NEWS MEDIA PRODUCTS AND
TRADE ASSOCIATION SURVEYS. IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TO BE
RELIABLE, BUT NOT NECESSARILY AUTHORITATIVE, AS NO ONE CAN
PREDICT FUTURE EVENTS WITH COMPLETE CERTAINTY.
4. RESPONSES 1 THROUGH 5 BELOW ARE DRAWN FROM AN 11 JAN 1999
STATUS REPORT AND WORK PLAN PREPARED BY THE NORTH AMERICAN
ELECTRIC RELIABILITY COUNCIL FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY.
Q1. WHAT IS THE ELECTRIC UTILITIES INDUSTRY GOAL FOR Y2K?
A1. THE GOALS OF THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY'S Y2K PROGRAM ARE
TWOFOLD:
TO PROVIDE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AND DELIVERY TO CUSTOMERS THAT ARE
UNINTERRUPTED BY A Y2K CONDITION OR FAILURE, AND TO PROVIDE
CONTINUOUS OPERATION OF ALL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND SERVICES
SUCH AS CUSTOMER RESPONSE, BUSINESS OPERATIONS, SUPPLIES, AND
EMERGENCY REPAIR CAPABILITY.
Q2. HOW WILL Y2K IMPACT THE ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION
SYSTEM?
A2. NO ONE IS COMPLETELY CERTAIN WHAT THE EFFECT OF Y2K WILL BE.
THE RISK THAT Y2K COULD POSE TO ELECTRIC SYSTEMS OPERATIONS IS
REAL. HOWEVER, MOST EXPERTS DO NOT PREDICT WIDESPREAD OUTAGES
BUT AGREE THAT SOME SPORADIC SHORT-TERM OUTAGES ARE POSSIBLE,
JUST LIKE THE POSSIBILITY THAT EARTHQUAKES OR SEVERE WEATHER
COULD CAUSE ELECTRICAL OUTAGES EVEN BEFORE THE MILLENNIUM
ARRIVES. IN THE CASE OF Y2K, WE HAVE TIME TO PREPARE. A
WORKFORCE OF COMPETENT PEOPLE UNDERSTAND AND ARE WORKING HARD TO
SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
Q3. ARE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS Y2K COMPLIANT?
A3. BASED ON NERC (NORTH AMERICAN ELECTRICAL RELIABILITY
COUNCIL) 4TH QUARTER 1998 STATISTICS, 82 PERCENT OF ALL DOMESTIC
UTILITY COMPANIES HAVE COMPLETED THE Y2K ASSESSMENT PHASE AND 44
PERCENT HAVE COMPLETED REMEDIATION. A GENERAL CONSENSUS IS THAT
NEARLY ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS NECESSARY TO OPERATE THE ELECTRICAL
POWER GRID INTO THE YEAR 2000 WILL HAVE BEEN TESTED, REMEDIATED, AND
DECLARED Y2K READY BY 30 JUN 1999. NUCLEAR GENERATING FACILITIES
ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE AND ALL SAFETY SYSTEMS ARE EXPECTED TO
BE Y2K READY. NERC ANTICIPATES THE COUNTRY WILL HAVE SUFFICIENT
ELECTRICAL GENERATING CAPACITY ON 1 JAN 2000 AND BEYOND.
TRANSMISSION OUTAGES SHOULD BE MINIMAL.
Q4. SOME REPORTS PREDICT WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES AT THE
BEGINNING OF THE YEAR 2000. IS THIS TRUE?
A4. THESE PREDICTIONS ARE NOT BASED ON FACTS OR RATIONAL ANALYSIS
OF INFORMATION FROM THE INDUSTRY. SPORADIC SPOT OUTAGES IN SOME
AREAS IS A FAR MORE LIKELY SCENARIO. PREPARE FOR THIS POSSIBILITY
AS YOU WOULD FOR AN OUTAGE CAUSED BY A WINTER STORM. HAVE A
FLASHLIGHT WITH FRESH BATTERIES AVAILABLE AND PLENTY OF WARM CLOTHING
IF YOU LIVE IN A COLD AREA. MOST EXPERTS PREDICT ONLY SHORT-TERM
POWER OUTAGES.
Q5. WHAT CAN WE, THE CUSTOMER, DO TO PREPARE FOR THE IMPACT OF
Y2K ON ELECTRIC POWER?
A5. CHECK THE Y2K INFORMATION PROVIDED BY YOUR LOCAL ELECTRICITY
PROVIDER ON THE INTERNET OR THROUGH LITERATURE INCLUDED WITH BILLING
STATEMENTS. IF YOU ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE Y2K PROGRAM OF YOUR
ELECTRICITY PROVIDER, LET THEM KNOW. THE WEB SITE
<WWW.NERC.COM/Y2K/INDEX.HTML> CONTAINS Y2K COMPLIANCE STATUS ON
ELECTRIC UTILITIES IN MANY AREAS OF THE U.S.
5. WATER UTILITIES. RESPONSES 6 THROUGH 10 ARE TAKEN FROM SURVEY
DATA. MORE INFORMATION, INCLUDING A SURVEY OF WATER UTILITY
PROVIDERS, IS AVAILABLE ON THE AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION
WEB PAGE LINK AT <WWW.AWWA.ORG/Y2K.HTM>.
Q6. HOW COULD Y2K AFFECT THE WATER UTILITY?
A6. A TYPICAL WATER PROCESSING PLANT HAS FLOW CONTROLLERS,
CHEMICAL PACING CONTROLLERS, LEVEL SENSORS, CHEMICAL MONITORS
WITH FEEDBACK LOOPS, ETC. EACH OF THESE MAY BE OPERATED BY AN
EMBEDDED COMPUTER CHIP THAT MAY HAVE A REAL TIME PROCESSOR OR CLOCK
INCLUDED. IF THESE SYSTEMS ARE NOT CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE
DATE 1 JAN 2000, THEY COULD FAIL - AND THE FAILURE MODE MAY
SHUT THE PLANT DOWN OR REQUIRE MANUAL INTERVENTION TO CORRECT.
LIKEWISE, THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM MAY BE CONTROLLED BY AUTOMATIC
VALVES, LEVEL OR PRESSURE SENSORS, ETC. ALL OF THESE SYSTEMS ARE
POTENTIAL SOURCES OF FAILURE. PRIOR TESTING AND REMEDIATION ARE
NECESSARY TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY REMAINS SAFE AND
DEPENDABLE. FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE WORKING
WITH TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND UTILITY PROVIDERS TO ENSURE Y2K
DEADLINES FOR CRITICAL SYSTEMS ARE MET.
Q7. WHAT COULD THE Y2K PROBLEM DO TO THE WATER SUPPLY?
A7. MOST U.S. WATER UTILITY PROVIDERS USE COMPUTERS AS PART OF
THEIR SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION OPERATIONS. THAT'S WHY MOST
UTILITIES ARE ALREADY EXECUTING Y2K COMPLIANCE PLANS. OVER HALF
EXPECT TO BE COMPLETELY Y2K COMPLIANT AND MOST EXPECT TO HAVE
THEIR MISSION CRITICAL SYSTEMS Y2K READY.
Q8. HOW ARE WATER UTILITY PROVIDERS PREPARING FOR Y2K?
A8. MOST PROVIDERS ARE USING A STEP BY STEP PROCESS. THIS
INVOLVES AN ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENT TO IDENTIFY CRITICAL AND
NON-CRITICAL SYSTEMS. THE NEXT STEP IS TO DETERMINE REQUIRED
MATERIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES, PRIORITIZE SYSTEMS FOR
REMEDIATION AND TAKE ACTION AS REQUIRED. MANY UTILITY PROVIDERS
ARE ALSO PLANNING FOR CONTINGENCIES BY DOING THINGS LIKE HAVING
BACKUP POWER GENERATION AND EXTRA PURIFICATION CHEMICALS
AVAILABLE.
Q9. WILL WATER UTILITY COMPANIES BE Y2K COMPLIANT BY 2000?
A9. MOST WATER UTILITIES HAVE COMPREHENSIVE Y2K-COMPLIANCE
PROGRAMS UNDERWAY AND ARE WORKING AGGRESSIVELY TO PREPARE THEIR
COMPUTER SYSTEMS TO BECOME Y2K-COMPLIANT OR Y2K-READY. VIRTUALLY
ALL WATER SUPPLIERS WILL AT LEAST HAVE ALL OF THEIR MISSION
CRITICAL SYSTEMS (THE ONES THAT KEEP THE WATER FLOWING) Y2K
COMPLIANT BY DEC 1999 SO THAT CONTINUOUS OPERATIONS ARE POSSIBLE.
AN INDUSTRY SURVEY BY THE AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION INDICATES
OVER HALF OF THE UTILITIES SURVEYED EXPECT TO BE 100 PERCENT Y2K
COMPLIANT BY THE END OF 1999, MEANING EVERY SYSTEM, BOTH CRITICAL AND
NON-CRITICAL, WILL BE REMEDIATED.
Q10. WILL THERE BE SAFE DRINKING WATER AT THE TAP ON 1 JAN 2000,
AND EACH DAY THEREAFTER?
A10. THE ANSWER IS YES, IN THE UNITED STATES. WATER PURIFICATION
SYSTEMS RECEIVE HIGH PRIORITY AS UTILITIES WORK TOWARD COMPLIANCE.
A WATER UTILITY'S Y2K-COMPLIANCE PROGRAM MUST BE DESIGNED TO ENSURE
SAFE DRINKING WATER IS PROVIDED TO CUSTOMERS. THIS IMPORTANT
CONSIDERATION PLAYS HEAVILY INTO THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS AS
UTILITIES PRIORITIZE SYSTEMS FOR Y2K REMEDIATION.
6. OIL AND GAS. RESPONSES 11 THROUGH 13 ARE TAKEN FROM
INFORMATION PROVIDED ON GOVERNMENT AND COMMERCIAL WEB SITES AND
FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S TOLL-FREE Y2K HOTLINE NUMBER
(888)872-4925. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT THE
AMERICAN GAS ASSOCIATION WEB SITE <WWW.AGA.ORG>.
Q11. HOW COULD THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY BE AFFECTED BY Y2K?
A11. ELECTRIC UTILITIES AND THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY DEPEND ON
EACH OTHER. THE ELECTRIC SECTOR DEPENDS ON OIL AND NATURAL GAS
TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY. THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR DEPENDS ON
ELECTRICITY TO POWER ITS CONTROL CENTERS, BUSINESS FUNCTIONS,
AND MARKETING AND SALES. BOTH SECTORS ALSO HEAVILY DEPEND ON THE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR AND THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR TO MOVE
OIL AND GAS FROM PRODUCTION AREAS TO END USERS NATIONWIDE.
BECAUSE OF THIS INTERDEPENDENCY, THE PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL ON YEAR
2000 CONVERSION ESTABLISHED AN ENERGY WORKING GROUP TO TRACK
PROGRESS OF THE ENERGY SECTOR IN ACHIEVING Y2K READINESS.
Q12. WILL THERE BE GASOLINE SHORTAGES BECAUSE OF Y2K?
A12. AN INDUSTRY SURVEY BY THE AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE
INDICATES THAT OIL COMPANIES SHOULD BE WELL PREPARED TO CONTINUE
REFINERY OPERATIONS AFTER 1 JAN 2000. 76 PERCENT OF COMPANIES
SURVEYED REPORTED THEY WILL HAVE THEIR EMBEDDED SYSTEMS Y2K
READY BY JUN 1999. 73 PERCENT REPORTED THEY WILL HAVE
CONTINGENCY PLANS IN PLACE BY JUN 1999. CONTINGENCY PLANS
ADDRESS THINGS LIKE IDENTIFYING ALTERNATE ELECTRICAL POWER
SOURCES AND TRANSPORTATION VENDORS AHEAD OF TIME. YEAR-END
GASOLINE LINES AND SHORTAGES AT THE PUMP COULD RESULT FROM LARGE
NUMBERS OF PEOPLE ALL ATTEMPTING TO FILL UP THEIR VEHICLES JUST
BEFORE THE NEW MILLENNIUM ARRIVES. MANY OIL COMPANIES INTEND TO
INCREASE RESERVES TO ADDRESS THIS POSSIBILITY. MOST MAJOR OIL
COMPANIES HAVE POSTED YEAR 2000 READINESS DISCLOSURES TO THEIR
WEB SITES.
Q13. WILL THERE BE Y2K RELATED PROBLEMS WITH NATURAL GAS SUPPLY?
A13. AN INDUSTRY SURVEY OF MUNICIPAL NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTORS
SHOWS 55 PERCENT OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORT THEY HAVE NO ELECTRONIC
SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE WOULD AFFECT THEIR DISTRIBUTION OPERATIONS.
OF THE 45 PERCENT WHO REPORT POTENTIAL Y2K IMPACTS, ALL BUT 6 PERCENT
EXPECT TO BE Y2K COMPLIANT BY JUN 1999.
Q14. IS 1 JAN 2000 THE ONLY DAY THAT UTILITIES COULD BE
AFFECTED?
A14. NO. THE DATE 1 JAN 2000 IS NOT THE ONLY DATE OF CONCERN.
ESPECIALLY FOR EMBEDDED SYSTEMS, OTHER DATES CAN IMPACT WHEN A
UNIT MIGHT FAIL. SOME COMPUTER PROGRAMS HAVE USED SPECIAL CODES
TO COMMUNICATE WITH HOST COMPUTERS. CODES SUCH AS 9999 OFTEN
MEAN "THE END OF A FILE OR DATA TRANSFER." 9 SEP 1999
COULD SHOW UP AS 9/9/99, AND BE READ AS 9999 BY SOME OLDER
SYSTEMS. ALSO, 9 APR 1999 IS THE 99TH DAY OF 1999, AND COULD ALSO
BE CODED AS 9999. THE FOLLOWING DATES ARE SIGNIFICANT TO ALL
SYSTEMS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED BY Y2K:
1999-04-09 99TH DAY OF 1999
1999-09-09 9TH DAY OF 9TH MONTH YEAR 99
1999-10-01 GOVERNMENT'S FY2000 BEGINS
2000-01-01 OVERFLOWS 2-DIGIT YEARS
2000-10-10 FIRST 10-CHARACTER DATE
2000-02-29 LEAP YEAR
2001-01-01 FIRST DAY OF 21ST CENTURY AND START OF A NEW MILLENNIUM
2019-12-31 YY-DATE LIMIT OF MICROSOFT EXCEL 95
2029-12-31 YY-DATE LIMIT OF MICROSOFT EXCEL (NEXT MAJOR VERSION)
2049-12-31 DATE LIMIT OF MICROSOFT PROJECT 95 AND PREVIOUS VERSIONS
7. THE PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL ON YEAR 2000 CONVERSION MAINTAINS A
HIGHLY INFORMATIVE Y2K WEB SITE AT <WWW.Y2K.GOV> ADDITIONALLY,
THE WHITE HOUSE HAS ESTABLISHED A FEDERAL YEAR 2000 INFORMATION
CENTER WHICH OPERATES A TOLL-FREE Y2K HOTLINE. THE HOTLINE
NUMBER IS 1-888-872-4925. THE HOTLINE IS MANNED BY INFORMATION
SPECIALISTS ON WEEKDAYS BETWEEN 0700 AND 2000 (EST) AND PROVIDES
RECORDED INFORMATION 24 HOURS A DAY. SAILORS AND FAMILY MEMBERS
ARE ENCOURAGED TO USE THESE EXCELLENT RESOURCES.
8. COMMANDING OFFICERS AND OFFICERS IN CHARGE SHOULD CONTINUE TO
REMIND THEIR PEOPLE TO BEWARE OF Y2K SCAMS. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
RECENTLY REPORTED ON CON ARTISTS WHO PERSUADE PEOPLE TO WITHDRAW
MONEY FROM THE BANK TO AVOID COMPUTER GLITCHES AND INVEST THE
MONEY WITH THEM. ANOTHER COMMON SCAM IS UNSOLICITED E-MAIL
ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO INVEST IN COMPANIES OR PRODUCTS BILLED AS
MIRACLE FIXES TO THE Y2K PROBLEM. A CREDIT CARD SCAM RECENTLY
SURFACED IN WHICH "CREDIT CARD INSURANCE" OR "Y2K-COMPLIANT
MAGNETIC STRIPS" FOR CREDIT CARDS ARE OFFERED TO VICTIMS VIA
TELEPHONE SOLICITATION. TYPICALLY, A VICTIM RECEIVES A CALL FROM
AN INDIVIDUAL CLAIMING TO BE WITH A BANK OR OTHER CREDIT CARD
ISSUER. THE CALLER OFFERS TO MAKE THE VICTIM'S CREDIT CARD "Y2K
COMPLIANT" AND IMMUNE TO POTENTIAL MILLENIUM-RELATED PROBLEMS BY
MAILING A NEW MAGNETIC STRIP THE VICTIM CAN AFFIX TO THE CARD.
THE VICTIM IS THEN REQUESTED TO GIVE THE CREDIT CARD NUMBER TO
THE CALLER. OTHER RELATED SCAMS INCLUDE OFFERING "CREDIT CARD
INSURANCE" TO PROTECT CARD HOLDERS FROM ANY Y2K-RELATED
PROBLEMS. TWO FRAUDULENT COMPANIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SCAM ARE
"CREDIT CARD SECURITIES" AND "NATIONAL CREDIT CARD PROTECTION."
THERE ARE ALSO SCAMS WHICH PURPORT TO PROTECT BANK ACCOUNTS,
INVESTMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS. CREDIT CARD, BANK ACCOUNT,
FINANCIAL OR PERSONAL INFORMATION SHOULD NEVER BE GIVEN OVER THE
TELEPHONE TO UNSOLICITED CALLERS. ANYONE RECEIVING SUCH SOLICITATIONS
SHOULD CONTACT NCIS, A LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, OR THE NATIONAL
FRAUD INFORMATION CENTER AT (800) 876-7060.
9. FOLLOWING ARE GENERAL INFORMATION POINTS CONCERNING Y2K:
THE YEAR 2000 COMPUTER PROBLEM WON'T AFFECT DOD'S ABILITY TO PAY
SERVICE MEMBERS, AND TROOPS DON'T NEED TO DO ANYTHING SPECIAL TO
PROTECT THEIR PERSONNEL OR MEDICAL RECORDS. - DEPUTY DEFENSE
SECRETARY JOHN J. HAMRE.
THE NATION'S BANKERS RECENTLY TOLD AMERICANS NOT TO PANIC OVER
THE YEAR 2000 DATE CHANGE, PROMISING THAT ATM MACHINES, CREDIT
CARDS, CHECKS AND BANKING SERVICES WILL BE FUNCTIONING NORMALLY.
- ASSOCIATED PRESS, TUESDAY 9 FEB 1999. (REMEMBER, IT IS ALWAYS
A GOOD IDEA TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
ACCOUNT RECORDS.)
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS EXPECTED TO REPORT TO CONGRESS (IN MAR
1999) THAT 75 PERCENT OF MISSION CRITICAL SYSTEMS ARE NOW Y2K
COMPLIANT. - MATT RYAN, SENIOR POLICY DIRECTOR, HOUSE GOVERNMENT
REFORM AND OVERSIGHT GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT INFORMATION AND
TECHNOLOGY SUBCOMMITTEE.
DOD'S Y2K PROBLEM WILL BE MORE A NUISANCE THAN A CRISIS. -
DEPUTY DEFENSE SECRETARY JOHN J. HAMRE.
PANIC, GREED AND IGNORANCE CAN ALL LEAD PEOPLE TO MAKE STUPID
MISTAKES - SOMETHING CON ARTISTS KNOW WELL.
10. THIS ALNAV IS CANCELED FOR RECORD PURPOSES ON 1 JAN 2000.
11. RELEASED BY THE HONORABLE RICHARD DANZIG, SECRETARY OF THE
NAVY.//
BT
NNNN