Computers have been programmed since before the onset of the information age to read two-digit dates. Computer operating systems and applications use a two-digit date field, MM/DD/YY.
Hence, the computer reads January 1,1999, as 01/01/99. When 1999 changes to 2000, computers will read the "00" as 1900.
According to information from Cal State Long Beach Information Management and Analysis, problems are already occurring, although none have hit the campus. Applications that deal with future dates such as invoices inventory systems, calculations, comparisons and data sorting have encountered problems.
A source in the Information Technology Services Department said the computer technology staff started making the necessary changes to campus computer systems nine months ago. He is confident there will not be any major catastrophes in the system here.
Physical Planning and Facilities Management, Student Health Services, University Library and several other departments operate separately and are responsible for making the changes to their own systems.
Software applications and operating systems using two-digit formats will cause difficulties, even if the hardware on which they are running has the four-year format.
Embedded codes, such as those in a VCR - will cause major problems. If
the systems are coded to a two-digit year, avid viewers can forget about
recording soaps, basketball games, or anything else.