Help! --The Year 2000 is Coming !

[Joyce Davis <JOYCED@DNFSB.GOV>]

Radsafers,
   I am putting together an article for the HPS Newsletter on
how the Millennium Bug may affect HP (and allied arts and
sciences). For those who aren't yet "Year 2000"  (Y2k)
savvy:  there is a generic problem with older computer
programs, including microprocessors, that used only two
digits to represent years instead of four, resulting in the year
2000 being perceived as 1900 by the program and possible
shutdown or malfunction of the associated equipment. 
Governments and industries worldwide are recognizing this
as a problem and starting to address it.  (There are several
good web sites on the subject)  There's a deadline here that
can't be slipped.  
I would appreciate input from folks in all areas of the
profession on the results of Y2K hazards assessments, how
you are preparing for the Year 2000, and what problems have
arisen.  ALso, what sort of contingency planning is being
done? (Some are predicting major problems in the electricity
grid and the phone system).  Thanks for your help.

Joyce Davis
joyced@dnfsb.gov