Y2K. Y2K is shorthand for something known in the computer and information technology industries as the Year 2000 problem. This problem concerns the automatic dating or calendar system by which most computer systems run. To save programming space, computer designers allowed just two digits for each day, month and year of the date. What no one really knows is what this will mean.
Speculations range from slight disruptions of ongoing functions to tremendous disasters.
Many people are concerned that financial records will be lost, while others fearing severe shortages are stockpiling necessities like food, water and other items necessary to survive natural disasters like earthquakes. Though we cannot predict the effects of Y2K, it probably is not a bad idea to prepare for Y2K as you would for any other potential emergency. While the worst will likely not happen, being prepared will give you the comfort of knowing that you have taken every practical step to protect you and your family from the worst effect of the Y2K problem, if they should occur. This conference is intended to provide a realistic assessment of the Y2K problem as well as practical information on how to prepare. While all of us hope that the Y2K crisis is nothing more than a momentary event, most, if not all, of our nation s most extensive computer users are making every effort to minimize the Y2K problem.