Sites address Y2K concerns

Dec. 1, 1998

Well, here it is ... almost 1999! I am sure that all of you have read or heard about the Year 2000 (Y2K) problem. In the September issue of Dental Economics, Dr. John Vaselaney wrote an excellent article on this topic. By now, I hope that you are well on your way to making sure that your computers and software programs will not run into any catastrophic problems in around 365 days. If you have not begun to look into this potential problem, then you had better get started.

Jeffrey B. Dalin, DDS

Below, you will find some sites to visit that will allow you to learn more about this subject and anticipate what work is ahead for you in the upcoming new year.

- Yahoo Year 2000: This site contains a thorough collection of news articles gathered from around the Web. It is a good starting point for you to read about the Y2K problem.

- Mitre Search: This is another good, basic site. It discusses the problem, gives you steps to take now, has many articles to read on the subject, and has a links section to other sites.

- 8 Myths About the Millenium Bug: This article tries to play down the controversy. I think it is a good idea to read different views on controversial issues.

- Comlinks: This site has a very well written FAQ about Y2K, as well as a section on Y2K law.

- Survive 2000: This is a very thorough discussion of the Y2K problem. It also gives you some good links to other sites. This is a site that I recommend everyone to visit.

- Ziff-Davis Site: This is an accumulation of information from Ziff-Davis Computing Magazine Company. It has a lot of good, solid information. Ziff-Davis publishes some excellent computing magazines.

- Firmware: This site has a free Y2K Test Utility program that you can download and run. It will tell you if your real time clock and your Bios are compliant.

- Year 2000 Information: This site has an actual time countdown to Jan. 1, 2000, plus announcements, legal section, press clippings, a user group discussion area, and a links section.

- Y2K Links: If you have not found enough information on the sites above, then try this location. It consists of an extensive list of links to any and all sites on this subject. If you cannot find it here, you will not find it anywhere.

I hope that the above URL addresses will help you in your search for information regarding the Year 2000 problem. The more you learn and the more you prepare, the easier it will be for you on Jan. 1, 2000. Do not procrastinate! You have the entire upcoming 1999 to correct this problem.

Good luck to you, as well as to everyone else working on this issue.

Jeffrey B. Dalin, DDS, FACD, FAGD, practices general dentistry in St. Louis. He also is the editor of St. Louis Dentistry Magazine and spokesperson and critical-issue-response-team chairperson for the Greater St. Louis Dental Society. He can be reached at [email protected] or by phone, (314) 567-5612; or fax: (314) 567-9047.

Year 2000 Sites

Yahoo Year 2000

//headlines.yahoo.com/full_coverage /tech/year_2000_problem

Mitre Search

//www.mitre.org/research/y2k

8 Myths About the Millenium Bug

//www.cnet.com/content/features/dlife/millbug

Comlinks

//www.comlinks.com

Survive 2000

//www.survive-2000.com/faq.htm

Ziff-Davis Site