What is Y2K and what can I do about it?

Until recently computer software and hardware manufacturers built computers to store only the last two digits of a year.  They automatically supplied "19" as the first two digits.  Newer computers and programs have been created with the year 2000 in mind and take all four digits into account, but many older versions need to be upgraded or replaced to function properly next year.

You can see if programs are compliant by checking with the company that made them.  Many common programs are listed at  DoIT's Y2K compliance page. To make things a little easier, SSCC has listed programs and operating systems below to help you check your computer.

PROGRAMS
NOT COMPLIANT
  • StatTransfer versions below 4.X
  • SPSS version 7.X
  • Stata versions below 4
  • Gauss for Windows versions below 3.2.32
  • Gauss for DOS versions below 3.2.18
  • Netscape versions below 2.02
  • Internet Explorer versions below 5
  • Citation 7 versions below 7.0
    		•  COMPLIANT WITH ISSUES
  • Microsoft Office 97
  • Microsoft Office 95
  • Corel 7
  • SPSS 8
    		•  FULLY COMPLIANT
  • Microsoft IE versions 5 or higher
  • Corel 8
  • Eudora
  • Netscape versions 2.02 or higher
  • Citation 7.0 or higher
  • X-win32
  • Stat Transfer versions 4.X or higher
  • SPSS 9 version 9.0 or higher
  • STATA version 4.0 or higher
  • Lisrel
  • HLM
  • Gauss for Windows version 3.2.32 or higher
  • Gauss for DOS version 3.2.18 or higher

    • OPERATING SYSTEMS
    NOT COMPLIANT
  • MS DOS versions below 5.0
    		•  COMPLIANT WITH ISSUES
  • Windows 3.1
  • Windows 3.11
  • Windows 95
  • Windows 98
  • Windows NT 4.0

    • Programs listed as COMPLIANT WITH ISSUES either will have very minor bugs after the new year or can be fixed using service packs. Other sources are provided at the bottom of this page. SSCC will be automatically updating Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0, Microsoft Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office.

    Other Links
    The University of Wisconsin system Y2K pages
    State of Wisconsin Y2K page(Adobe Acrobat document)
    Microsoft's Y2K page
    Corel's Y2K page
    Vendor Y2K compliance pages