IBM Year 2000

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The Year 2000 Challenge
You probably do it everyday... writing the year with two digits, rather than four. While you may understand that 01/01/00 is only a day after 31/12/99, a computer that isn't Year 2000 Ready may not. Using only the last two digits was common practice for computers and other products for many years.

Preparing for the Road Ahead
The Year 2000 challenge isn't limited to mainframes and PCs. It could possibly affect a variety of computer systems, from cars to elevators to VCRs-any system that depends on a real-time clock for accurate operation. In PCs, incorrect date interpretation could affect file creation dates, loan calculations and information in spreadsheets and much more. With the Year 2000 close on the horizon, taking steps today could you help smoothly transition your IBM Aptiva or PS/1 system down the road. For more information on other IBM products (including software and hardware offered by IBM) see the corporate wide Year 2000 Product Readiness Database.

How your Aptiva and PS/1 system keep time
The Aptiva and PS/1 PCs contain an internal clock and a battery that keep the date and time even when the machine is powered off. Some information and simple steps can help you prepare for the new century. The first step is to determine if your system is a Year 2000 Ready model.

How can you tell?
All new IBM Aptiva PC models currently marketed by IBM are Year 2000 Ready. If you own an earlier Aptiva PC, you can use our Year 2000 Readiness database to determine if it is Year 2000 Ready.

Once in the database, simply type your seven-digit model number in the space provided. Your model number starts with the numerals 21 and is located on the back of your tower or desktop system. Press enter, and then the database will generate a report indicating whether or not your system is Year 2000 Ready.

One easy indicator of readiness is the colour of your IBM Aptiva PC's case. If it is charcoal Gary, your IBM Aptiva PC is most likely a Year 2000 Ready model. Please use the IBM Year 2000 database to verify that your model is Year 2000 Ready.

Restarting your PC
If your system is a Year 2000 Ready model, simply turn your system off, then wait a few minutes and turn the system back on. Do this after the new century begins. The first two digits in the calendar year will be updated from "19" to "20" the first time the computer is powered on. This will help ensure that the internal clock is updated immediately.

Resetting your clock
If your system isn't a Year 2000 Ready model, resetting the hardware clock may be an easy way to meet your Year 2000 challenge. Instructions on resetting your system's clock are available at this site.

Keeping Time for non-IBM Software
Even though your IBM PC hardware may be Year 2000 ready, the software running on your system may not. The Windows operating system and many of the other software programs that came with your Aptiva PC, or software you have since installed, were not created by IBM. On IBM PSG's Year 2000 Web site, there is a list of many software makers for you to reference. We recommend you verify the readiness of these products or look for any recent software updates by contacting the company that created the software.

Preparing your own data
Any data copied onto your Aptiva PC can also be a source of errors. For example, spreadsheets and databases you have created may contain date information in two-digit format. It is important for you to check for errors that may exist in data entered into your system, as these errors may prevent your system from successfully transitioning into the next century.

Information Resources
Information about the Year 2000 challenge is changing rapidly. And we are continuously searching for the most effective and efficient ways to address this challenge. For that reason, we encourage you to seek the latest information, products and technology available to assist in the Year 2000 transition. Also, use IBM Update Connector periodically to obtain the latest software updates for your Aptiva PC.

To learn more about IBM PCs and the Year 2000 challenge, visit our PC Year 2000 home page. Legal and other important information are located at www.ibm.com/pc/europe/year2000/otheroptions.html