For this reason government agencies and private industry estimate that they will spend billions of dollars bringing computer systems into compliance before the beginning of the year 2000. Any electronics equipment that relies on embedded date-dependent computer chip technology has the potential to be affected. This includes some televisions, VCRs, answering machines, research and laboratory equipment, medical appliances, microwaves and refrigerators, office building security and climate systems, public transportation like air traffic control and train switches, automobiles and traffic signals, etc. Obviously, if your answering machine begins stamping the incorrect date or stops functioning, it is not critical. Suggestions vary from hiding out in the woods with stockpiles of meal rations and bottled water to doing absolutely nothing.
Education is absolutely crucial.
By reading as much as possible about the Year 2000 problem from many sources, you will have a better understanding of the situation and how it might affect you. Every article and Y2K web site is written from a different perspective and with different phrasing. Something unclear from one site may be better understood when worded differently elsewhere. The University of Denver's Year 2000 Project web site has made great efforts to clearly present as much information as possible, including links to many other Year 2000 web sites. Still, this site can never be all encompassing.