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OVER the past few months those who depend on computers have been pondering
what will happen when the clock strikes midnight on 31 December 1999 and the
next millennium begins. Most computer systems recognise the year by the last two
digits. Many systems may therefore confuse the year 2000 with 1900. Standards
Australia has produced a handbook to explain what might be done about the
dilemma. The handbook offers two algorithms to address the mathematical
calculations behind the problem. Chiang Lim from Standards Australia claims
it will be possible to tackle the problem without replacing hardware. The
handbook, Addressing the comparison of dates for the year 2000 and
beyond, is available from Standards Australia, phone 02 9746 4600.