So the idea was to try to keep the amount of storage for data at a minimum because of the high cost. The problem is computers cannot distinguish between 1900 and 2000, both of which would be 00 to the computer. If you are comparing 88 to 00, you are going to get some funny results. The problem may not appear to be large, but it can be potentially affect every computer in the world. Horner said there is an even larger issue involved.
Chips are essentially computers with firmware or software that is on the chip.
Since OSU students and faculty use computers in their everyday activities, the university might be greatly affected Jan. 1, 2000. Horner said that is probably not the case in the institutional systems, such as financial accounting, the student database or the computer labs. At the present time, we are probably about 80 percent ready, and we're working on the remaining 20 percent. Horner said public awareness of the problem ought to increase. That is what everybody is doing out there on their PCs.