Experts offer some Y2K advice
Hype about the year 2000 has generated enough attention to causeexcitement and panic throughout the world. Anticipation about whatwill really happen at the stroke of midnight, Dec. 31 has peopleheading in every direction for the big event.
Some will be heading to city celebrations such as Dick Clark’s”New Year’s Eve Bash.” Doomsday theorists, on the other hand, willeither be heading to higher ground or as far away from civilizationas possible.
Others, still, are staying home with friends and family.
Before venturing off in any direction to await the turn of thecentury, experts on Y2K have offered some general advice for SanDiego State University faculty, staff and students.
Security should be a big concern for PC users, said Susan Marrow,information systems consultant for SDSU’s Student Affairs.
Experts warn that hackers may cause panic to PC users by sendingcomputer viruses over the Internet or sending false e-mail messagesannouncing world disaster.
Robert Newhouse, director of University Computer Operations, saidthe SDSU network is secure from online terrorists.
“The university network will have security regardless of Y2K,”Newhouse said.
California State University Northridge professor Allen Martin,director of the university’s Consumer Resource Center, has releasedsome tips on preparing for whatever may or may not happen on NewYear’s Eve.
Martin advises people to:
Take out an extra week’s worth of money before the end of the year. Prepare as if you are going on vacation or planning for a disaster Pay your bills in advance so they are “in the system” before anything happens. Fill up your car with gas before the end of the month. Stock up on water and non-perishable foods (about three days’ worth), batteries and candles. Have routine automobile service done before the year’s end and get a copy of your service record in case the computer crashes at the service center. Keep copies of all bank and credit transactions in December and January, including automatic payments and deposits. Get prescriptions filled in advance in case there is a disruption in the delivery system.
