Canadian businesses and governments rate themselves highly when it comes to preparedness for the Year 2000 Computer Problem, also known as the Y2K or Millennium Bug. Media from Vancouver to Halifax have centred most of their dire predictions of Y2K-related computer collapse outside Canada. Organizations may be ready for the future... are homeowners?

The immediate threat for Canadian homeowners lies on two fronts: computers and chip-embedded equipment in the home and a Y2K panic which may lead homeowners to over-react to the Y2K situation. Canadian Computer consultant Peter de Jager, one of the first to identify the problem, says, "Unless we publicize what has been done, there will be panic in the streets. The self-fulfilling prophecy. We'll be lost not because of a technical issue but because of the social dynamic."

The Y2K problem was created about 30 years ago when computer programmers, faced with expensive and scarce computer memory, started using only the last two digits of dates, so that 1999 become 99 and 2000 will be 00 – just like 1900. Computers that have not been reprogrammed or specially-built to handle the date change beginning January 1, 2000, may work erratically or stop altogether.

Even if you don't have a computer, you may have to battle the Bug. Some of the estimated 50 billion non-Y2K-compliant chips or microprocessors which are embedded in automated equipment and appliances may be in your home.

Y2K Lessons You Don't Want to Learn the Hard Way

Published: December 21, 1999

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Futurist and Strategist PJ Wade is "The Catalyst" - intent on "Challenging The Best to Become Even Better." PJ earned this title by translating the dynamic impact of Boomers and their multi-generation families into relevant insights that start people thinking and taking action—in business and in life. Author of 8 books and more than 1800 published articles, PJ encourages individuals to become their own futurist. PJ writes and speaks about the insight, knowledge and solid decision-making skills that professionals and their clients need to live and work in this vortex of change. For instance, since PJ knows that home is headquarters for the new decades-long "unretirement," she wrote the popular book "Reverse Mortgages: Best Friend, Worst Enemy...Your Choice!", which is filled with suggestions and cautions on protecting, building and managing home equity. Her new business book, "What's Your Point?: Cut The Crap, Hit The Mark & Stick!" will be published in 2012. As The Catalyst, PJ provides strategic communication, client appreciation and advanced education services to the financial, tourism, lifestyle and service sectors - and the clients they serve. A frequently-quoted financial and business commentator, PJ is a thought-provoking strategic speaker who offers practical, real-life suggestions on leaving "the box" behind and embracing Forward Thinking - a talent she regularly demonstrates in this column. For more on keynotes, blogs, books and information on a range of 21st-Century topics, visit TheCatalyst.com.