When it comes to computers, computer chips and the year 2000, the Boy Scout motto applies: Be prepared.
Beginning today, the Deseret News commences a seven-part series examining ways to do just that regarding the Y2K or "millennium bug" phenomenon.Disruptions ranging from minor to major -- depending on who's speculating -- may occur in the year 2000 as a result of aging computer programs and chips. Those particular programs and chips were designed to store only two digits of the four-digit year. So, when the year 2000 arrives, the "00" will be interpreted as 1900, not 2000.
What will the impact be on the so-called average individual?
That's a good question that is almost impossible to answer -- somewhat like trying to determine the impact of global warming. But people ought to know the risks, and they ought to know how to be prepared.
The series will offer insights and suggestions on how to cope with whatever crises the Y2K problem causes. Read them, and then save them for reference.
As today's first installment notes, come Jan. 1, 2000, Utahns ought to be ready for the kinds of disruptions -- in power, water, heat, telephone service -- that they might experience after a blizzard.
The Y2K scare gives people yet another reason to prepare for emergencies. A computer glitch is not the only thing that could seriously interrupt lifestyles. Don't forget El Nino, which has been throwing climatic curveballs across the United States off and on for decades. A number of Salt Lake Valley residents had too close of a relationship with Mother Nature when the floods hit in '83. Obviously, these could happen again.
The United States in general is much better prepared to deal with the Y2K woes than other countries, according to Sen. Bob Bennett of Utah. Europe is behind the United States in preparation; Asia is behind Europe; and South America is behind Asia. Overseas problems could impact the United States because of the proliferation of international trade.
And it may very well take a month or more after Jan. 1, 2000, to get a handle on just how serious the Y2K problem is.
In the meantime, the seven-part series that begins today will offer valuable insights and information. Don't panic, just be prepared.