Test your OS first then worry about applications, drivers
In the last issue, I discussed updating PC BIOSes. This time, let's talk about operating systems—a necessary first step before you start worrying about database and spreadsheet applications. The best place to find information about Microsoft Windows, Windows NT and MS-DOS OSes is on Microsoft Corp.'s TechNet site at www.microsoft.com/technet/default.htm. It has five categories: compliant, compliant with minor issues, not compliant, not yet tested or not to be tested.
In the last issue, I discussed updating PC BIOSes. This time, lets talk The best place to find information about Microsoft Windows, Windows NT and MS-DOS OSes Only the compliant and noncompliant classifications really ease your worries. Ignore First, search the database at www.microsoft.com/technet/year2k/product/product.htm Only MS-DOS OSes later than Version 5.0A have been tested, but at least all are Click on a particular version to link to an extensive description of just what is Most of Windows 3.xs problems relate to its underlying MS-DOS operating system, This is minor but might cause unnecessary OS upgrades if you didnt know you could For IBM PC DOS and OS/2, check out www.software.ibm.com/os/warp/solutions/and/y2000/year2000.html. If youre running LAN Server 3 or other unready products, the site tells you how Despite Microsofts assurance that Excel is OK, you might want to visit I havent tested this myself, but its important to consider the implications Although 1900 wasnt a leap year, 2000 is. Older versions of Lotus 1-2-3 thought The Microsoft iol.ie site reports that even supposedly ready versions of Excel and Such exchanges between spreadsheets and databases, particularly ones that have been I dont see how agencies can guarantee they have achieved complete readiness I do believe a multitude of PCs and their applications will work just fine next year. Without extensive testing, you simply cannot have full confidence that systems will See IBMs site at www.pc.ibm.com/year2000/driver.html John McCormick, a free-lance writer and computer consultant, has been working with
about operating systemsa necessary first step before you start worrying about
database and spreadsheet applications.
is on Microsoft Corp.s TechNet site at www.microsoft.com/technet/default.htm. It has
five categories: compliant, compliant with minor issues, not compliant, not yet tested or
not to be tested.
the compliant applications and replace the noncompliant ones. For any of the other
categories, you must do some testing on your own.
for further information. You will learn, for example, that the 32-bit English-language
Windows version of Excel 97 is ready, but the Arabic-language version has minor errors.
certified as OK except for some minor problemsas is Windows CE 2.1 for handheld
computers.
wrong. For example, among Windows 3.1s minor issues is failure to set the date for
leap year, Feb. 29, 2000, which must be done in the Control Panels Date/Time area.
You can work around this from the keyboard, and the software does roll over properly.
which cannot accept two-digit years after 00 but will accept 2000 at the command.com date
function prompt.
reset the system date.
IBMs online database has only two classifications, ready and not ready.
to upgrade. Most of the software fixes are free through early 2001.
www.iol.ie/sysmod/y2ksprds.htm for tips about spreadsheet problems. Youll learn, for
example, about possibly not being able to open existing Excel files after a change to a
four-digit-year default.
if you have old Excel worksheets that will be in use next year.
1900 had 366 days, not the correct 365, and Excel followed right along.
Informix Software Inc. databases can get into trouble when they exchange Structured Query
Language data via an Open Database Connectivity layer that recognizes only two-digit-year
dates.
upgraded for readiness, are a major year 2000 concern. Most federal offices wont
start developing new worksheets and databases from scratch with the patched programs; they
will continue to import data and programming code such as report generators from the older
versions.
unless they buy all new hardware and software and dont migrate any legacy data or
existing code.
The downside is that we depend on our PCs to an incredible extent, and it takes a lot of
work to determine whether they will be OK.
operate properly on Monday morning, Jan. 3. Even if your hardware, OSes and applications
are ready, some of their device drivers might not be.
for helpful driver information for IBM users.
computers since the early 1960s. E-mail him at powerusr@penn.com.