Bengal Customer Support - Year 2000 FAQ's
- Is Bengal's Res-Q Automated Backup software Y2K compliant?
- Is Windows 95/98 Y2K compliant?
- How can I find out if our computers are Y2K compliant?
- How do I know if all the software in our office is Y2K compliant?
- Can I test our hardware myself?
- Where can I get additional information about the Y2K issue?
- Do we need to check hardware other than computers?
- Can't I just change the system date on January 1, 2000?
- Should I leave the computer turned on or off on the eve of January 1, 2000?
- When should we begin dealing with the Y2K issue?
- Is there any financial assistance available to deal with Y2K issues?
- Bengal's Res-Q Automated Backups software has been developed using only
four-digit date formats wherever applicable and has been tested in a simulated millenium
date-change environment to ensure compliance.
- Microsoft's Windows operating systems are NOT fully compliant as
shipped. Microsoft has made available some service releases that should be installed
to ensure compliance. Although it was originally thought that Windows 98 was
compliant, it was announced recently that there are some issues even with this latest
operating system release. Please contact Bengal support to request installation of
the applicable patches.
- Bengal Computer Solutions offers a Y2K Readiness Review, which provides
testing and documentation of computer hardware and software. Please contact Bengal
support to request this service.
- Bengal Computer Solutions offers a Y2K Readiness Review, which provides
testing and documentation of computer hardware and software. Please contact Bengal
support to request this service.
- Yes, it's possible to test your own hardware using any of the available
test programs. However, interpretation and setup of the testing environment is best
done by experienced professionals, just as in any other specialized field. BCS
suggests that you do not rely on amateur testing, as your business may depend on the
accuracy of the results.
- Additional Y2K information is available from hundreds of sources on the
Internet and through printed media. You will find links to several sites on our Y2K
links page, or you can do a web-based search for "Y2K" and find thousands of
resources. In addition, many financial institutions and government agencies offer
Y2K resource centres.
- Yes, you certainly must check all hardware, not only your computer's
BIOS. Although it's true the computer BIOS must be compliant, there are possible
implications elsewhere as well. For example, many printers have their own CPU and so
do devices like routers, etc. To be sure, contact the manufacturer of each device or
have BCS perform a comprehensive Y2K Readiness Review for you.
- No, changing the date is not good enough. By changing the date at
the system prompt or through the Windows control panel, you are not fixing the root of the
problem, which is the inability of programs to interpret two-digit date formats correctly
once the year 2000 arrives. While you may change the date to 2000, the program may
still see "00" as the year and be unable to interpret this correctly. No
one knows for sure what the impact of this error will be, so to be safe, make sure you
have corrected the error before the time arrives.
- To avoid any anomalies that may occur at the exact time of the century
rollover, it's best to power off your computer on the eve of January 1, 2000 if at all
possible, and restart it after the rollover occurs.
- You should have already dealt with the Y2K issue. If you haven't
yet, now is the time! Although there is still time left, many programs are already
calculating and projecting date information into the year 2000. The potential for
data corruption and other errors is here now. As well, there is a serious shortage
of skilled people to help you deal with the problem and you may find that by waiting too
long, you will be unable to get the help you need. Most small businesses have
underestimated the seriousness of the problem and just how much work will be required as a
result. Our best advice is - don't delay, start now!
- Yes, it's true! FREE MONEY!
Financial assistance is available to Canadian taxpayers in the form of an
accelerated CCA (Capital Cost Allowance) on products purchased as a necessity in preparing
for the Year 2000. Basically, you will be able to write off the cost of Y2K related
expenditures, up to $50,000 in the year the expenses
occurred. But don't delay! Eligibility has been
extended only until October 31, 1999. For more information, consult your
Accountant or refer to Revenue Canada's website by clicking here
Back to Top