The problem stems from shortcuts taken by computer programmers in the 1970s and 1980s, who tried to save valuable computer memory by abbreviating dates to the last two digits. If the Y2K problem is not solved, the consequences could be disastrous. Experts say the bug could stop pension payments, shut down companies, halt air travel, cause medical emergencies, jam communications, freeze world trade and cause military crises. That's just the tip of this technology iceberg. The implications are huge for both domestic and international air travel.
Airlines are so concerned, they plan to take a holiday from flying.
The Y2K problem represents just one of a host of technology traps that are poised to raise hell with a technology dependent world. Pager industry analysts estimated that 80 to 90 percent of the 45 million technology crazy U.S. pager users rely on the Galaxy 4 and they had no service. But, Y2K doesn't begin one tick after midnight December 31, 1999. The satellite clocks measure time by seconds within weeks from 0 to 1023. GPS is in widespread use by military and commercial users, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts.