It was reprinted here with permission of the USDA Farm Service Agency, January 1999. To reduce storage, and thereby cost, abbreviated data was used. That is why only 2 digits were stored to represent the 4-digit year. This problem could cause the computers to stop running or to generate false data. Electronic devices are not always visible and apparent to the human eye.
All chips have a timing device, usually a clock, which uses hours only or both date AND time .
If the timing device uses both date and time, then it must be able to handle the Year 2000 to function properly. There could be more in the list of possible computerized components. Year 2000 compliant means that the computer can successfully recognize and process a date after December 31, 1999. The computer or device should be able to handle the Year 2000 rollover and any associated problems with the Year 2000 bug. FSA is recognized as a major problem solver in the Year 2000 effort.