Thanks for the links.
Scott Lehrbaum (Ampro Computers, slehrbaum@ampro.com) authored an article in the January 1998 issue of the journal 'Circuit Cellar Ink, The computer applications journal' entitled 'Year 2000 and Embedded PCs'. This journal, published by Steve Ciarcia, a well respected and well published electrical engineer (I presume), is heavily geared to the hands-on EE and electronics enthusiast. I subscribe to it so I can remain abreast of what I wish I could do...
I'd don't want to run afoul of copyright law, so let me try to summarize and post a short quote or two.
The byline states 'The year-2000 phenomenon incites many hyped predictions of people trapped in elevators, loss of infrastructure, never mind millions of dollars. According to Scott, though, all embedded PCs need is a software patch. Read how it's done."
The four page article proceeds from a description of the millenium bug, and the problem as it manifests itself in a PC: The real-time clock, the BIOS, DOS/BIOS interactions, and Application software. He provides a software patch, and describes a strategy for "shore(ing) up the defenses of older embedded-PC compatibles" using a software upgrade. I don't claim to understand what he describes.
He then sensibly cautions users to contact vendors for support, and cautions that many situations may require case-by-case evaluation. The article appears targeted at vendors of electronics with embedded-PCs on them. Options include dispatching service personnel to the installation sites, and return of boards to the factory for updates.
He concludes: "The good news is that PCs in their many diverse form factors are much less likely to suffer from ill effects than mainframe computers and other predecessors..."
I get the impression that a savvy EE might not find the problem to be daunting. On the other hand, I would guess that there are far more embedded-PCs out there than there are person-hours to coddle them.
My point? I'm just providing an industry perspective that I encountered.
Mark Stutman (largely a lurker)
long on TPRO since 7/97. |
