The Y2k Problem

The Y2k Problem

The Truth behind the Y2K Problem

The Y2K problem exists because of a two digit convention programmers adopted to represent the year for the date on the computer. In addition, incorrect leap year calculations assume that the year 2000 had 365 days instead of 366, and there are also issues regarding a 6 digit date representation. These errors could have caused failures in arithmetic calculations, comparisons, sorting, hardware registers, software involving limited data ranges, hardcoded numbers, date dependent algorithm programs, and input/output to databases or files when manipulating the date. As a result, almost all computer-based systems were to be adversely affected by the arrival of the Year 2000 (01/01/2000), unless action was taken to replace, update, or change components of these systems to eliminate the problem.

There were few errors reported as a result of the Y2K problem. Due to the contingency planning and efforts of many people, the

y2k, problem, year, 2000, date, systems, result, planning, failures, errors, contingency, computer, reported, programmers, january, due, digit, defense, calculations, affected, addition, 1st, year?s, work, without, update, unless, two, truth, transition, testing, technology, taken, source, sorting