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To: Ron Everest who wrote (36069)	6/28/1999 4:47:00 PM
From: long-gone	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 116753

If the Fed is concerned about current spending, what if many of these things fail: Bringing home Y2K preparations By Erich Luening Staff Writer, CNET News.com June 28, 1999, 4:00 a.m. PT Although most experts expect the Year 2000 technology problem to have a small impact on the home, the federal government and consumer groups want people to prepare for some home-based fallout. According to information the Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association has received from its members, most consumer electronics products will not encounter problems with the Year 2000 date change. However, those products using calendar year data may be affected, resulting in anything from failed security systems to inaccurate wrist watches. Products using calendar year data such as VCRs, TV-VCR combinations, camcorders, fax machines, personal computers, and home automation and security products are the most likely to encounter failures related to Y2K. Failures occurring in "consumer electronics will be an inconvenience," said Larry Shafer, founder of Y2K Base, a company offering a Y2K compliance database, news, online resources, and a newsletter on consumer issues surrounding Y2K. Although Y2K failures in consumer electronics may cause headaches for consumers, the greatest cause for concern on the home front is the compliance of local utility companies, Shafer said. "It doesn't matter if your home computer or VCR works or doesn't work if you don't have any power," Shafer added. That said, the Federal Trade Commission recommends that owners of personal computers, PC software, fax machines, camcorders, cameras, digital, wristwatches, monitored security systems or Global Positioning System unit, check the manufacturer's Web site or contact the manufacturer to see whether their products have the potential for a Y2K problem. But even FTC officials think Y2K will cause minimal problems for the home consumer. "We think with consumers within the home it's good news," said Elaine Kolish, assistant director of enforcement at the FTC. "Let's face it. If a coffee machine doesn't work January 1, it's not the end of the world." Kolish said her biggest concern are those who work at home. "People with home offices who work with computers and software are a concern," she said. She recommends home office workers contact their PC and software makers to find out the compliance status of their computer equipment. "This isn't a major concern, because many PC makers are providing patches for any Y2K problems." (cont) news.com