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Technology Stocks : Year 2000 (Y2K) Embedded Systems & Infrastructure Problem -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: John Mansfield who wrote (531)	7/22/1998 4:50:00 PM
From: John Mansfield	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 618

'Will your VCR explode when the year 2000 arrives? (ABCNEWS.com) By Chris Stamper ABCNEWS.com July 20 - If the world collapes because of the millennium bug, isn't it nice to know you'll still be able to get a cup of coffee? .... No Problems Y2K watchers see problems with home appliances as the least of the world's troubles. "Who cares if your coffeemaker has the right time or not?" says Stephanie Moore, senior analyst with the Giga Information Group. "It's not that critical." Moore says most local problem caused by the bug are out of the individual's control. Things like utilities, traffic lights, and climate control are bigger risks. Then there's the threat of infrastructural breakdowns. "Most people won't have trouble at home," says computer consultant Rich Burgeon. "They might be able to go to work, they might be laid off or not be able to find fresh food for a while." Real Problems Burgeon, who co-authored a business book on the bug, Managing '00, expects several weeks of discomfort because of the bug. He says he's concerned about making sure the elevators and security system work in the building where he lives. Other parts of his home are of less concern. "If my coffeemaker goes out, I can get a new one," he says. "If my TV breaks, I can fix it." Moore and Burgeon say the real risk is with industrial equipment that uses preprogrammed microchips. Even if someone's coffeemaker or microwave stopped working, the effect would be minimal. If traffic lights malfunction or equipment fails at local water works or power stations, the results could be more troublesome than unpopped popcorn or unbrewed French roast. "People may not have phone or electricity or the heat may shut off in the middle of December," Moore says ... abcnews.com