There was an article in the Register on the Y2K problem, yet many at Iowa State seem unconcerned.

Even Microsoft has finally come clean, admitting Windows 95, Windows NT and Internet Explorer will have problems to some extent come the year 2000.

Are you concerned yet?

There are three significant factors to keep in mind. Computers and their applications, which the public relies on are defective.

The latest day they will work, Dec. 31, 1999, is coming no matter what we do and the computer industry has a horrible history with deadlines.

In 1997, an astonishing 35 percent of North American businesses had established any productive results on the Y2K.

This is bad, yet we must consider other countries even further behind according to the polls.

Europe in 1997 only had 10 percent of its organizations actively trying to solve the Y2K problems there.

The lack of effort in foreign countries will undoubtedly affect the United States.

What if you are lucky enough to have your system fixed or updated by the year 2000? You may still have problems.

If the Y2K is not a serious issue, then why did the U.N. call a special meeting about plans for Y2K?

The Iowa Guard is on stand-by alert for possible commotion that could come about.

I am not saying that Armageddon is coming, but a problem of some kind will occur.

Keith Allen

Freshman

Agricultural business