Message-ID: <A44AF97EF779D011BDD300A0C90F3307FF3DAD@cscnts14.rti.org> Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1998 17:14:41 -0500 From: "Cressman, Gordon M." <mailto:gmc@RTI.ORG> Subject: Re: Y2K & Computers To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
Brian,Intel 80386 and 80486 systems are almost certainly not Y2K compliant. Depending on the application, that may not be a problem. It's easy to test real time clock roll-over and BIOS interpretation:
1. set the system clock to 11:59:00 31 Dec 1999 2. turn the computer off 3. wait several minutes 4. boot the computer 5. check the date and time
For a more complete test, download YMARK2000 software from http://www.nstl.com/html/nstl_y2k.html
It is important to consider the application. In many cases, lack of compliance is not a serious issue. The system will continue to work just fine, it just won't have the correct date unless it is set manually.
Most networked PCs get time and date from a server. As long as this information is correct on the server, it will be correct on the networked PC. For stand-alone PCs, the date and time can be set manually. The most important consideration is whether the system is being used to control equipment or process data where correct date and time values are critical. If so, these values may need to be corrected manually each time the system is used, or the system may need to be replaced. I cannot recommend any of the RTC cards or BIOS upgrades being sold. It is better to replace the entire system.
-gmc
--------------------------------------- Gordon M. Cressman Research Triangle Institute 3040 Cornwallis Road RTP, NC 27709 USA Phone: 919-541-6363 Fax: 212- http://www.rti.org/cid/cid.html
-----Original Message----- From: Brian Rankin [mailto:mailto:brankin@WCO.COM] Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 1998 3:35 PM To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU Subject: Y2K & Computers
Hi,
We all know of schools/orgs/agencies in developing countries that use old 386/486/Mac units. I'm just curious: do the individuals who placed/support those units have plans in place to ensure Y2K compatibility? Seems to me that's an issue that can really be addressed.
Brian Rankin