Checking out your desktop computer

Hardware

Apple reports that Macs (hardware) have been ready for the Year 2000 since their inception in 1984.

PCs may (or may not) be Year 2000 ready, especially if they are older than a 486 processor. You can either check with your PC vendor or a utility to check the status of your PC. There are a number of utilities available for testing your desktop PC for Year 2000 readiness and, in some cases, making them ready for the coming year. You will find these for download at PC Magazine Online. Notice that some are free and others are for sale.

Or, you can check with your vendor. Most vendors have a statement of their Y2K preparedness on their web site, or you can call them. We have included links to some of the more common hardware at Year 2000 Internet Links.

Software

Hardware is just one piece of the picture.

PC and Mac users both should verify that the software they are running on their desktop computers is also Year 2000 ready. Most vendors have a statement of their Y2K preparedness on their web site, or you can call them. We have included links to some of the most common software vendors at Year 2000 Internet Links.