Volume 1 (1999/2000)
Issue 1 (March 1999)
Issue 2 (Nov. 1999)
Issue 3 (Dec. 1999)
Issue 4 (Feb. 2000)
Issue 5 (March 2000)
Issue 6 (April 2000)
Issue 7 (May 2000)

Volume 2 (2000/2001)
Issue 1 (Sept. 2000)
Issue 2 (Oct. 2000)
Issue 3 (Jan. 2001)
Issue 4 (March 2001)
Issue 5 (April 2001)
Issue 6 (May 2001)

Volume 3 (2001)
Issue 1 (Sept. 2001)
Issue 2 (Nov. 2001)

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Event: 1 2 3

Beware the Millenium Bug!

Clare Egan
Mercy Convent, Beaumont

Well here we are, approaching the Millennium. I have no doubt in my mind that you are all planning some huge bash to see in the New Year. But there is also lots of hype going on about this thing called the Millennium Bug that will hit us on the 1st of January 2000 and according to the papers, our computers will crash, planes won't be able to fly, bank machines won't be able to give out money and, in a nutshell, it will be chaotic. So I've decided to get a few things straight about this so called Millennium Bug.
What is the Millennium Bug?

The Millennium Bug is the name given to what happens when computers and electronic systems can't recognize the year 2000. When the first second of the 1st of January 2000 happens, computers will think it is 1900. I was confused when I first heard of it. Unlike what you may or may not have heard, the bug doesn't really effect the home but it can do major damage in the workplace. There have been many stories about what could happen in the year 2000. Some are true, some are not. Read on and discover the truth about the Millennium Bug.

HOME PERSONAL COMPUTERS
Lets face it, PCs are complicated devices. Firstly, you'll have to make sure that all your software and programs are year 2000 ready. Users should simply make sure that the date is correct after 1st of January 2000. If not, simply type the correct date in the Time/Date setting in the control panel. For DOS, type in the new date 01/01/2000 at the C:/prompt. Easy when you know how isn't it?
THE FICTION: Every computer will not need to be replaced or upgraded before the Millennium. You'll just need to make sure the date rolls forward.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES
Don't worry so much about this one. Your T.V. and most other appliances will carry on working normally. Only a small number of domestic appliances have year date functions i.e. your video recorder. Even though the bug is unlikely to stop these working completely, it may confuse the timing devices. Just in case the worst happens and you can no longer record 'Buffy', this is how to time your recorder. Set date and time to 31/12/1999 at 23.58 on New Years Eve. After 2 minutes the date should change to 01/01/2000.If this fails, contact your manufacturer or the retailer you bought it from.
THE FICTION: You can probably program your microwave to cook tomorrow's dinner. If all else fails, there is always fast-food!

MONEY
Basically, your money is safe. Banks have been working for years on ways to beat the bug. There is plenty of cash at the ready.
THE FICTION: You do not need to withdraw loads of cash before the Millennium as cash machines won't stop working. All cash machines will work normally. I wouldn't carry large sums of money around with me.

SHOPS AND SERVICE STATIONS
These have also been working hard to beat the Millennium Bug. So its shopping as normal. And no, there will not be a lack of food. Most supermarkets will close on New Years Eve and reopen on 3rd of January 2000.

TRAVEL
Remember, the Millennium Bug doesn't just affect Ireland, but also the rest of the world. Travel agents are working with each other to make sure that their systems are ready for the Millennium Bug. There shouldn't be any disruption to your holiday but expect some set-backs.
THE FICTION: Your plane will not fall out of the air if you are flying over the Millennium. You'd be surprised if you knew how many people believe this. Safety is a top concern so airlines are carefully checking their systems.
If you want to know any more on the Millennium Bug contact Action 2000. They provide a free information pack on the Millennium Bug. The contact phone number is 0845 601 2000. Their website is on www.bug2000.co.uk.

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