Microsoft Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure & Resource Center

Glossary of Compliance Document Terms

The product should be listed as one of the following:

• Compliant
  The product meets Microsoft's standard of compliance as indicated with the following symbols applied, as appropriate:
• *
  The product is compliant with recommended customer action. This indicates a prerequisite action is recommended which may include loading a software update or reading a document.
• #
  The product is compliant with an acceptable deviations from Microsoft's standard of compliance. An acceptable deviation does not affect the core functionality, data integrity, stability, or reliability of the product.
• +
  The product is compliant with pending Year 2000 software updates. Future maintenance actions will be recommended shortly. See Product Guide for further details.
• Not Compliant
  The product does not meet Microsoft's standard of compliance.

Testing yet to be completed: The product is still in test. Normally, the expected completion is indicated on the Testing yet to be completed list.

Will not be tested: The product is not planned for year 2000 testing.

Operating System:

• Win = runs on a Windows 16-bit platform (MS-DOS, Windows 3.1, 3.11. Windows for Workgroups 3.1, 3.11)
• Win32 = runs on Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000 and Windows NT
• WinNT = runs on Windows NT only
• Mac = MacintoshÖ
• HP-UNIX = Hewlett-Packard UNIXÖ
• Sun Solaris UNIXÖ

Language: This reflects the localized version (language) the compliance information is applicable to. Microsoft does not extrapolate compliance information from one product to another unless the code in known to be identical. Typically, European versions have 95% common code with English. Far East and Middle East versions perhaps 80%. So, while much can be learned from the English product test results, the compliance posting is not complete until each product with unique code is tested individually.

Release Date: Typically this is the date the product released into manufacturing and subsequent general availability.

Operational Range for a Product: The date handling methods within a software product are tailored to the needed functionality. Various methods (algorithms) can be used depending on the functions required, so each method may extend normal functionality to a different date limit. Examples of various date functionality include valid data ranges the product will accept, valid dates for the file itself, and the date ranges within which the product will initialize.

The operational range of a product indicates the limits within which the product behaves as functionally intended. Outside these limits the product may or may not continue to function normally, depending of the specific functions being used.

Operational Range for Data: These dates reflect the valid range for date data in which the product accepts. This is not to be confused with the 100-year window, which reflects the transition dates used in the interpretation of shortcut (2-digit year) dates. That information is identified in the compliance document itself, in a section titled How the product handles dates.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites examine what is needed within a given product to reach the compliance classification indicated. This field could contain software updates that are indicated, or references to shared technology which is included in the product.

Product Dependencies: Dependencies examine things outside a given product that should also be examined to achieve readiness of the computing environment. This field can contain references to what other products the testing was done with, what products are listed on the purchase box as system requirements, or simply other related products which should be considered in your year 2000 efforts.

Clock Dependencies: This field indicates dependencies on the Real Time Clock and BIOS.

Product Details

How the product handles dates: Descriptions of date handling capabilities

Two-digit shortcut handling: If the product uses 2-digit shortcuts this describes the window being used and methodology for conversion to 4 digits.

What are the issues?: Provides a detailed description of the known year 2000 issues.

Recommendations to meet compliance: Provides recommendations to resolve identified issues via software updates or upgrades.

Common date usage errors: Details how the user may have used the product in a non-compliant way. This section provides value add to assist customers in figuring out the overall health of their environment.

Testing guidelines and recommendations: Recommends tests a customer may chose to employ to verify the readiness of their computing environment.

Glossary of General Terms and Abbreviations

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

2-digit-year format.

A date format that uses only the last two digits of the year, and therefore assumes a year within a specific century. Example: "98" is often used to represent the year 1998, although the initial digits of the year are really assumed to be "19" and are not specified.

4-digit-year format.

A date format that uses all four digits and specifies the century. For example, "1998" is used instead of "98."

19xx

A year in the 1900s, so between 1900 and 1999.

1999 problem

1. A variation on the Year 2000 problem in computer systems that have two-digit years in date fields and are used by companies and organizations in which the fiscal year 2000 begins before the end of calendar year 1999. These computer systems may interpret the fiscal year as the year 1900. 2. A potential problem, if not corrected, with date fields in older code that were (sometimes) used to hold values with special meaning. For example, the date 9/9/99 was often used as an expiration date meaning, "keep this information forever." or worse "destroy this document immediately". Because 9/9/99 becomes a real date on September 9, 1999, however, use of this date could make some data susceptible to mishandling.

20xx

A year in the 2000s, so between 2000 and 2099.

2038 limit

A consideration in some PCs that use a signed 32-bit integer to represent date and time. Because such systems determine date and time as the number of seconds elapsed since midnight, January 1, 1970, they can handle a maximum of 2³¹ seconds, a number that will be reached at 3:14:07 a.m. on January 19, 2038. When the elapsed seconds exceed that maximum value, the clock will overflow, resulting in an incorrect date and time and, potentially, causing disruptions. Some organizations have defined Year 2000 compliant to mean a system that will have the correct date/time and do proper date handling up through the year 2038, although this is not universal. The extent of the potential problem, of course, is directly related to the number of such system solutions still in operation at the time. See also Year 2000 compliant.

9/9/99

See 99 or 9999.

99 or 9999

A number sometimes given special meaning in older programsùfor example, as an end of file indicator or as an expiration date that actually meant "do not allow to expire." This usage may prove problematic when the date September 9, 1999 (9999) is reached. Uncorrected programs may interpret that date as an end-of-file indicator or expiration date and cause problems. See also 1999 problem.

A

ANSI X3.30-1997

A standard entitled "Representation of for Calendar Date and Ordinal Date for Information Interchange" from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) that covers date formats. Many organizations, including the U.S. federal government, have standardized date formats using this standard to facilitate work on the Year 2000 problem.

API

Application programming interface

application

A software program designed to assist in the performance of a specific task, such as word processing, accounting, or inventory management.

ASCII

ASCII was developed in 1968 to standardize data transmission among disparate hardware and software systems and is built into most minicomputers and all personal computers. ASCII is an acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. It is a coding scheme using 7 or 8 bits that assigns numeric values to up to 256 characters, including letters, numerals, punctuation marks, control characters, and other symbols.

ASCII file

A document file in ASCII format, containing characters, spaces, punctuation, carriage returns, and sometimes tabs and an end-of-file marker, but no formatting information. Can also be called a text file or text-only file.

B

binary format

Any format that structures data in 8-bit form. Binary format is generally used to represent program instructions translated into a machine-readable form or data in a transmission stream.

BIOS

The set of essential software routines that test hardware at startup, start the operating system, and support the transfer of data among hardware devices. BIOS is an acronym for Basic Input/Output System. On PC-compatible computers, the BIOS is stored in read-only memory (ROM) so that it can be executed when the computer is turned on. Although critical to performance, the BIOS is usually invisible to computer users. For more detailed information see the white paper Windows Operating System Interactions with BIOS and Real Time Clock.

BIOS test

A test to see if a PC will make the transition to the year 2000 and keep the correct date. The test can range from resetting the system time in the BIOS and rebooting to running a program or software routine specially designed to uncover Year 2000 problems. For more detailed information see the white paper Windows Operating System Interactions with BIOS and Real Time Clock.

bridge

In terms of the Year 2000 problem, a program, routine, or other conversion mechanism that converts date formats from 2-digit years to 4-digit years and vice versa. A bridge is used as a remedy for literally bridging the 2-digit/4-digit format gap between programs or systems.

bundled software

1. Software programs that are sold with a computer as part of a combined hardware/software package. 2. Smaller programs that are sold with larger programs to increase functionality or attractiveness.

C

clock

As related to the year 2000 issue, an independent timekeeping circuit (called the Real Time Clock or RTC) used within a microcomputer to keep track of the time and calendar date. A clock/calendar circuit is battery powered, so it continues running even when the computer is turned off. The time and date kept by the clock/calendar can be used by the operating system (for example, to "stamp" files with the date and time of creation or revision) and by application programs via calls to the BIOS (for example, to insert the date or time in a document). Not to be confused with the computer's system clock, one of the prime determinants of the overall processing speed.

COBOL

A verbose, English-like programming language developed between 1959 and 1961. Older versions of COBOL, such as COBOL/VS and COBOL II, have a two-digit field for the year. Although many programming languages have Year 2000 problems, COBOL has received much attention because many businesses and organizations depend on older programs written in COBOL for mainframe systems. More recent versions of COBOL, such as COBOL for MVS and VM, have four-digit support for dates.

control panel

In Windows and Macintosh systems, a utility that allows the user to control aspects of the operating system or hardware, such as time and date, keyboard characteristics, and networking parameters.

cosmetic dates

Refers to 2-digit-year dates that are seen only by human eyes, and are neither read nor further processed by the computer in subsequent calculations.

custom software

Any program developed for a particular client or to address a special need. Certain products, such as Access and Excel, are designed to provide the flexibility and tools for producing tailor-made, or custom, applications.

D

data encapsulation

A method of dealing with computers with Year 2000 problems that entails modifying the input and output logic of a program, leaving the actual data unchanged as it is processed. The input logic is modified to reflect a date in the past that the computer can handle which parallels the current calendar. When output is generated, the output logic changes the data to reflect the correct date.

data file

A file consisting of data in the form of text, numbers, or graphics, as distinct from a program file containing commands and instructions.

date counter overflow

A potential Year 2000 problem that may occur in systems or programs when the value in a date variable exceeds allowable values. A date counter overflow can occur when an incremental date produces a number that the system interprets as zero or a negative number, or causes underflow or overflow in the processor. This is likely to cause the system or program to post error messages in turn or to revert to the original starting point. Such an error is not necessarily confined to the year 2000.

date dependency

In terms of the Year 2000 problem, the need many programs have for date-related input or output data and upon the way dates are represented in that data. This dependency affects whether the program can run correctly when the turn of the century is reached.

date expansion

A method of dealing with programs with Year 2000 problems that entails changing data, data descriptions, and (if necessary) program logic that pertains to dates by expanding date fields from two digits to four digitsùfor example, from MMDDYY to MMDDYYYY.

date format

The manner in which dates are formatted in a computer system or program. While some organizations require that the same format be used throughout their systems and programs, many organizations have not, which can make tracking down potential Year 2000 problems difficult. In addition, date formats can vary widely from organization to organization, although many have opted to standardize on formats specified in ANSI X3.30-1997 or ISO8601:1988.

date horizon

A period of time that a program uses to determine the beginning or ending point in performing its functions. A program that tracks inventory may have one date horizon that trails the current date by two months (a trailing date horizon) to process returned merchandise and another that precedes it by another two months (a leading date horizon) for planning purposes. If the program logic doesn't account for any date horizons it may have, the program could experience Year 2000 problems when the leading date horizon enters January 1, 2000. See also event horizon.

date-in-key problem

A potential problem in computer systems that depend on indexed files using a two-digit date as part of the key, such as certain databases. If the files need to be in chronological order, the files beginning with the Year 2000 will be out of sequenceùfor example, (19)99 would be interpreted as more recent than (20)00.

day-of-the-week problem

A reference to an inaccuracy that may occur after the Year 2000 in computers that calculate the day of the week based on the last two digits of the year, assuming that the dates they calculate fall in the 1900s. Because January 1, 1900 was a Monday, but January 1, 2000 will be a Saturday, those computers may not be able to correctly determine the day of the week. This is particularly problematic in computers that regulate timed systems based on the business week, such as a door or vault that unlocks during business hours.

date rollover

See Year 2000 rollover

date window

A 100-year range that generally spans two centuries, specified with a beginning and ending date (for example, 1928-2027). The beginning date of the window becomes a threshold by which a two-digit date shortcut is compared in order to interpret the century for the date.

For example, if the date window is set to be 1928-2027, the threshold is then "28". A two-digit shortcut that is less than 28 will interpreted as 20xx (the later century). A two-digit shortcut that is at or above 28 will be interpreted as 19xx (the earlier century).

device

A generic term for printers, scanners, mice, keyboards, serial ports, video adapters, disk drives and other computer subsystems. Such devices frequently require their own controlling software, called device drivers.

device driver

A software component that permits the computer system to communicate with a device. Many devices, especially video adapters on microcomputers, will not work properly--if at all--without the correct device drivers installed in the system.

distributed system

A noncentralized network consisting of numerous computers that can communicate with one another and that appear to users as parts of a single, large, accessible "storehouse" of shared hardware, software, and data. These systems have an additional Year 2000 challenge because of the diversified nature of the computers on a typical distributed network and the difficulty in tracking problems down.

double leap year

The mistaken idea that the Year 2000 will have two leap daysùFebruary 29 and February 30ùinstead of one. In actuality, there is a potential leap year problem in 2000, but it is based on three rules for calculating leap years: (1) A year is a leap year if it is divisible by 4, but (2) not if it is divisible by 100, unless (3) it is also divisible by 400. Thus, 1900 was not a leap year, but 2000 is, although systems based on incorrect algorithms may not recognize it as a leap year and so may have difficulties functioning correctly after February 28, 2000.

download

To transfer a copy of a file from a remote computer to the requesting computer by means of a modem or network.

E

embedded

In software, pertaining to programming code or a command that is built into its carrier. For example, an application program may insert embedded printing commands into a document to control printing and formatting.

embedded chip

See embedded system

embedded system

A special-purpose computer system that is built into machinery, such as elevators, microwaves, and traffic lights, generally in order to regulate the machine's behavior, or in other systems, such as an air-traffic control system. Embedded systems do not have the full functionality of other computers, such as a PC, and often are contained on a single chip. While most embedded systems are not thought to be date-sensitive, use of embedded systems is widespread, and accessing and understanding the internal programming of such a system to determine if it could be subject to Year 2000 problems is not necessarily easy. Compounding the situation are these factors: the presence of embedded systems in a particular machine or device is not always evident to the owner; some embedded systems have settings that can be changed by the user; and other devices or systems may control or interface with an embedded system.

encapsulation

In terms of the Year 2000 problem, a method of dealing with dates that entails shifting either program logic (data encapsulation) or input (program encapsulation) backward into the past, to a parallel year that allows the system to avoid Year 2000 complications. Encapsulation thus allows processing to take place in a "time warp" created by shifting to an earlier time before processing andùfor accuracyùshifting output forward by the same number of years to reflect the actual date. See data encapsulation, program encapsulation.

encoding

A method of dealing with computers with Year 2000 problems that entails storing a four-digit year in date fields designed to hold only two-digits in a program or system. This can be accomplished by using the bits associated with the date field more efficientlyùfor example, by converting the date field from ASCII to binary or from decimal to hexadecimal, both of which allow storage of larger values.

end of file

An indicator of some sort in a computer program or database that indicates that the end of a file has been reached. If older systems that have the capacity to store only two-digits-years in the date field also use end-of-file markers such as 99, they can be susceptible to date-related problems. See also 99 or 9999.

end-to-end examination

An inspection of all of the processes and systems in place at an organization that affect the computer systems. The examination begins with the data or information that flows into the system, continues with how the data is manipulated and stored, and ends with how the data is outputted. End-to-end examination is one technique that can be employed to ferret out Year 2000 problems in computer systems of an organization.

event horizon

The time at which hardware or software begins to have the potential to encounter a Year 2000 problem. For instance, the event horizon in an accounting system in a company whose fiscal year ends on June 30, 1999 would be six months dating from January 1, 1999. Also called time horizon to failure.

F

February 30

See double leap year.

field expansion

See date expansion

fixed windowing

See windowing

Four-digit year

See 4-digit year

FTP

Acronym for File Transfer Protocol, the protocol used for copying files to and from remote computer systems on a network using TCP/IP, such as the Internet.

FTP client

A software program that enables the user to upload and download files to and from an FTP site on the Internet using the File Transfer Protocol. Most current browsers have FTP client capabilities built into them.

G

Gregorian calendar

The calendar introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 to replace the Julian calendar and used by the majority of computer systems today. Because the Gregorian calendar uses several rules for calculating leap years, systems based on algorithms that do not correctly determine that the year 2000 is a leap year may encounter difficulties after February 28, 2000. Of interest is that year 1600 was the first "400" year leap year, while the year 2000 is only the second. For more detail, see leap year.

H

host replacement

See rehosting.

HTTP

Acronym for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. The client/server protocol used to access information on the World Wide Web using a web browser, such as Internet Explorer.

I

IE

Internet Explorer

install

To put a software program or update in place and prepare it for operation. Operating systems and application programs commonly include a special installation program that does most of the work of setting up the program to work with the computer, printer, and other devices. The installation program can check for devices attached to the system, request the user to choose from sets of options, create a place for the program on the hard disk, and modify system startup files as necessary.

ISO8601:1988

A standard entitled "Data elements and interchange formats" from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that covers a number of date formats.

J

Julian calendar

The calendar introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 B.C. to replace the lunar calendar. The Julian calendar provided for a year of 365 days with a leap year every 4 years, or an average year length of 365.25 days. Because the solar year is slightly shorter, the Julian calendar gradually moved out of phase with the seasons and was superseded by the Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII.

K

KB article

Knowledge-Base article û An article on a technical issue written by Microsoft Product Support Services to explain product issues in detail. KB Articles are located at the Microsoft Personal Support Center.

L

leap year.

A year that has 366 days instead of the standard 365. The extra day occurs on February 29^th. A leap year occurs whenever the year is:

• Evenly divisible by 400.

  Or

• Evenly divisible by 4 and not evenly divisible by 100.

For example, the years 1800, 1900, and 1998 are not leap years, but the years 1600, 1996, and 2000 are leap years.

legacy

Of or pertaining to documents or data that existed prior to a certain time. The designation refers particularly to a change in process or technique that requires translating old data files to a new system.

Localized

Adapted for a specific location. Often this means translated to that region's language. For example, Exchange Server has been localized to English, French, German, and Japanese. This may include other additions, such the calendar system used only with that language.

Localizations

Usually means the languages a product has been translated to

Long date and short date

see short date and long date

M

macro

In applications, a set of keystrokes and instructions recorded and saved under a short key code or macro name. When the key code is typed or the macro name is used, the program carries out the instructions of the macro. Users can create a macro to save time by replacing an often-used, sometimes lengthy, series of strokes with a shorter keystroke sequence.

In Access, a macro is an easier way to write code without creating modules. Users create a macro that contains a list of actions to be performed. It is substantially different than the Record Macro feature of Word or Excel.

magic date

A date(s) that in some computer systems resemble a reserved number or flag with a special significance. Examples are the numbers 00 and 99, which have been used in some systems or programs based on two-digit years. Magic dates indicate that some special statusùfor example, that a system component or resource should never expire or should never be purged. Because 99 in particular has been used in this way in many systems, dates in the year 1999 have the potential to cause problem in those systems.

mainframe

A type of large computer system (in the past often water-cooled), the primary data processing resource for many large businesses and organizations. Some mainframe operating systems and solutions are over 40 years old and have the capacity to store year values only as two digits. Such systems, unless corrected, are susceptible to Year 2000 problems.

millennium bug

See Year 2000 problem.

millennium computer bug

See Year 2000 problem.

millennium-compliant

See Year 2000 compliant.

millennium transition

See Year 2000 rollover.

mirror site

A file server that contains a duplicate set of files to the set on a popular server. Mirror sites exist to spread the distribution burden over more than one server.

mission critical

Pertaining to information, equipment, or other assets of a business or project that are essential to the successful operation of the organization. For example, accounting data and customer records are often considered mission-critical information. Many organizations are focusing their Year 2000 efforts on mission-critical systems and data.

moving windowing

See windowing

N

network

A group of computers and associated devices that are connected. A network can involve permanent connections (with cables), or temporary connections made through telephone or other communication links. A network can consist of just a few computers, printers, and other devices (often called a Local Area Network or LAN), or it can consist of many small and large computers distributed over a vast geographic area (such as the Internet).

O

OEM û Original Equipment Manufacturer - Computer makers that ship computers with pre-installed software. (Compaq, Dell, HP, IBM, etc.) A new computer with Windows 98 pre-installed on it is from an OEM.

off-the-shelf

Ready-to-use; packaged. The term can refer to hardware or software.

operating system (OS)

The software that controls the allocation and usage of hardware resources such as memory, central processing unit (CPU) time, disk space, and peripheral devices. The operating system is the foundation on which applications are built. Popular operating systems include Windows 95, Windows NT, Mac OS, and UNIX.

OSR

OEM Service Release. As later versions of software are available to OEMs, the OSR number will change. Windows 95, for example, has a retail version which is called just Windows 95 or Windows 95 gold, then the OSRs: Windows 95 OSR1, Windows 95 OSR2.0, Windows 95 OSR2.1, and Windows 95 OSR2.5 which are installed by the OEMs.

P

patch

A piece of programming code that is added to an existing program as a temporary fix of a bug or program. It is generally provided in response to an unforeseen need or set of circumstances. Patching is also a common means of adding a new feature or a function to a program until the next version of the software is released.

pivot year

In Year 2000 windowing, a date in a 100-year period that serves as the point from which correct dates can be calculated in systems or software that can store only 2-digit years. For example, a pivot year of 1970 means that the numbers 70 through 99 are interpreted as the years 1970 to 1999, and the numbers 00 through 69 as the years 2000 through 2069. See also windowing.

program encapsulation

A method of dealing with programs with Year 2000 problems that entails modifying the data with which a program works. The input data is modified to reflect a parallel date in the past that the program can handle. When output is generated, that data is changed again, to reflect the correct date. The program itself remains unchanged.

Q

query

A specific set of instructions for extracting particular data from a database.

R

README

A file containing information that a user will either need or find informative when using or installing a particular program. README files are generally formatted as plain text (without extraneous or program-specific characters) so that they can be read easily by a variety of word processing programs.

real-time clock

In PCs, a circuit or other hardware element that provides the system with real-world time. Upon start-up of the system, the real-time clock puts the date and time in memory, where it can then be systematically incremented by the BIOS. A real-time clock generally has a battery that is separate from the rest of the system, so it's not dependent upon system's power source. This is not the same thing as a system clock, which synchronizes the processor. Some real-time clocks will experience Year 2000 problems, due to how the date is calculated by the real-time clock. In some cases, this can be handled by the BIOS or operating system. As a result, the BIOS and Real Time Clock are often viewed together in light of their compliance. Acronym: RTC.

reboot

To restart a computer by reloading the operating system. This can be done by performing either a cold boot (turning the computer system off and then back on) or a warm boot (without turning the computer off).

remediation

The correction of problems related to Year 2000 date handling. Remediation is based on predetermined criteria and can involve any of a number of approaches to solving problems, including fixing the source code, bridging, date field expansion, windowing, and system replacement.

remote system

The computer or network that a user accesses via a modem.

replacement strategy

An approach to dealing with the Year 2000 problem that entails replacing one or more computers in a network that are known or are suspected to have Year 2000 problems with newer computers.

reserved date

A date with a special meaning, rather than the date on the calendar. For example, some programs use 9999 to indicate an account or database listing that does not expire. See also magic dates.

retirement

A strategy for dealing with computers suspected of having Year 2000 problems that entails removing the computers from operation without replacing them. This approach is typically applicable to older convenience systems.

Rich Text Format (RTF)

An adaptation of DCA (Document Content Architecture) that is used for transferring formatted text documents between applications, even those applications running on different platforms, such as between IBM and compatibles and Apple Macintoshes.

rollover

See Year 2000 rollover.

ROM BIOS

Acronym for Read-Only Memory Basic Input/Output System. See BIOS.

RTC

See real-time clock.

run-time library

A file containing one or more prewritten routines to perform specific, commonly used functions. A run-time library, used primarily in high-level languages such as C, saves the programmer from having to repetitively rewrite those routines.

S

script

A simple program consisting of a set of instructions to perform or automate specific tasks or functions.

scripting language

A simple programming language designed to perform special or limited tasks, sometimes associated with a particular application or function. Examples of scripting languages include AppleScript and Perl.

self-extracting file

An executable program file that contains one or more compressed text or data files. When a user runs the program, it automatically uncompresses the compressed files and stores them on the user's hard drive.

Service Pack (SP)

A service pack is a means by which Microsoft product updates are distributed. A service pack includes updates, system administration tools, drivers, and additional components. All are conveniently bundled for easy downloading.

Service Release (SR)

A service release is a collection of bug fixes that have been introduced since a product's release. New feature updates are not included in a service release. A service release may not be cumulative. In other words, you may need to apply an earlier service release before you apply the most current one.

Setup

A computer along with all its devices.

Or

The procedures involved in preparing a software program or application to operate within a computer.

setup program

A built-in BIOS program for reconfiguring system parameters.

setup wizard

In Microsoft Windows, a structured series of questions and options that leads a user through the process of installing a new program.

Short date and long date

For operating systems, the date formats are controlled in two settings in the Control Panel/Regional settings: the short date format and the long date format. The short date format is two digits by default, but may be set to a 4-digit year format. The long date format is a more fully descriptive. In its default format it includes the day of the week, the spelled out month name and a 4-digit year.

sliding windowing

See windowing

system

Any collection of component elements that work together to perform a task. Examples are a hardware system consisting of a microprocessor, its allied chips and circuitry, input and output devices, and peripheral devices; an operating system consisting of a set of programs and data files; or a database management system used to process specific kinds of information.

system replacement

See replacement strategy.

T

TCP/IP

An acronym for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, a protocol developed by the Department of Defense for communications between computers. It is built into the UNIX system and has become the de facto standard for data transmission over networks, including the Internet.

text file

A file composed of text characters. A text file can be a word-processing file, but generally refers to a "plain" ASCII file encoded in a format practically all computers can use.

text-only file

Identical to an ASCII text file.

time and date

The timekeeping and datekeeping functions maintained by the computer's operating system, and used most visibly as a means of "stamping" files with the date and time of creation or last revision.

time horizon to failure

See event horizon.

time shifting

A method of dealing with programs with Year 2000 problems that entails modifying the date either in data with which a program works (program encapsulation) or in the input/output logic of the program (data encapsulation). In both cases, the date is moved back in time to process the input, and forward in time to the correct date to produce output. See also encapsulation.

two-digit shortcut

The practice of using two digits to indicate the year in a program, particularly those written in programming languages or running on systems that have the capability to work with a four-digit year (hence the term shortcut).

two-digit date storage

A limitation in many computer systems and programs that store the year portion of a date as two digits instead of four. This practice in programming dates from the earliest days of computers when space on punch cards and memory in the computer were very limited, and many programmers used a two-digit year in date fields to economize on space or memory requirements.

two-digit year

See 2-digit year

U

UI

User Interface

uninstall

To remove software completely from a system, including the elimination of files and components residing in system locations such as the Registry in Windows 95/98 or Windows NT. Some applications have built-in uninstall utilities, and in other cases a separate uninstall program can be used.

update

A new release of an existing software product that is generally free. A software update usually adds relatively minor new features to a product or corrects errors (bugs) found after the program was released. Updates can be indicated by small changes in the software version numbers, such as the change from version 4.0 to version 4.0b.

upgrade

The new or enhanced version of a software product that is considered to have major enhancements or improvement to its features or functionality. Software upgrades are generally indicated by a change in the version number, such as 5.0 from 4.0.

V

Visual Basic

A high-level, visual-programming version of Basic. Visual Basic was developed by Microsoft for building Windows-based applications.

Visual Basic for Applications

A macro-language version of Visual Basic that is used to program many Windows 95 applications and is included with several Microsoft applications.

W

warm boot

The restarting of a running computer without first turning off the power. Also called a soft boot or warm start.

web browser

A client application that enables a user to view HTML documents on the World Wide Web, follow the hyperlinks among them, and transfer files. Text-based web browsers, such as Lynx, use shell accounts and show only the text elements of an HTML document. Most web browsers, however, require a connection that can handle IP packets and can also display graphics, play audio and video, and execute small programs (such as Java applets or ActiveX controls) that are embedded in the HTML pages. Some Web browsers require helper applications or plug-ins to accomplish one or more of these tasks. In addition, most current Web browsers permit users to send and receive e-mail and to read and respond to newsgroups.

Win32

The application programming interface in Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows NT that enables applications to use the 32-bit instructions available on 80386 and higher processors. Although Windows 95 and Windows NT support 16-bit 80x86 instructions as well, Win32 offers greatly improved performance.

Windows application

A software application (or program) designed for use with the Microsoft Windows environment.

windowing

A technique to determine the century of the year when it is represented by two digits. The 2-digit year is compared against a specific threshold set within a 100-year range ("window") that generally spans two centuries. If the 2-digit year is at or above the threshold, the year is in the earlier century of the window. If the 2-digit year is below the threshold, the year is in the future century of the window.

For example, if the threshold is set to 28 (and the "window" is actually 1928-2027), 2-digit dates that are less than 28 will be translated as 20xx (2000-2027). And 2-digit dates that are above 28 will be translated as 19xx (1928-1999).

Fixed windowing presupposes that a window always starts with the same date, or pivot year. Moving windowing permits a user or another system to specify the pivot year when the program is installed or started. Sliding windowing is calculated every time a program runs and can be based on a predetermined span of time, called a slider, that can be added to the current date to produce the pivot year for the window. Potential differences in windows require analysis whenever importing or exporting data between systems. Also called logic fix. See also pivot year.

Windows

An operating system introduced by Microsoft Corporation in 1983. Windows is a multitasking graphical user interface environment that runs on both MS-DOS-based computers (Windows and Windows for Workgroups) and as a self-contained operating system (Windows 95, Windows NT). Windows provides a standard interface based on drop-down menus, windowed regions on the screen, and a pointing device such as a mouse.

Windows 95

An operating system with a graphical user interface for 80386 and higher processors, released by Microsoft Corporation in August 1995. Intended to replace Windows 3.11, Windows for Workgroups 3.11, and MS-DOS, Windows 95 is a complete operating system, rather than a shell that requires MS-DOS, as does Windows 3.x. For backwards compatibility, Windows 95 can run MS-DOS software. The My Computer icon on the Windows 95 desktop provides access to the system files and resources, and the Network Neighborhood icon provides access to any network (if the computer is attached to one). Windows 95 supports the Plug and Play method for installing and configuring hardware and can access Windows, NetWare, and UNIX networks. The minimum configuration for Windows 95 is an 80386 processor with 4 MB of RAM, but an i486 or higher processor with at least 8 MB of RAM is recommended.

Windows CE

A scaled-down version of the Microsoft Windows platform designed for use with handheld PCs. Windows CE includes scaled-down versions of several Microsoft application programs, including Excel, Word, Internet Explorer, Schedule+, and an e-mail client.

Windows Driver Library

A collection of hardware device drivers for Microsoft Windows operating system that were not included in the original Windows package.

Windows for Workgroups

A version of Windows released in 1992 and designed to run on an Ethernet-based LAN (local area network) without the need for separate LAN software.

Windows NT

An operating system released by Microsoft Corporation in 1993. The Windows NT operating system, sometimes referred to as simply NT, is the high-end member of a family of operating systems from Microsoft. It is a completely self-contained operating system with a built-in graphical user interface. Windows NT is a 32-bit, preemptive multitasking operating system that features networking, symmetric multiprocessing, multithreading, and security. It is a portable operating system that can run on a variety of hardware platforms including those based on the Intel 80386, i486, and Pentium microprocessors and MIPS microprocessors; it can also run on multiprocessor computers. Windows NT supports up to 4 gigabytes of virtual memory and can run MS-DOS, POSIX, and OS/2 (character-mode) applications.

Wintel

Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a computer that uses the Microsoft Windows operating system and an Intel central processing unit (CPU).

wizard

An interactive help utility within a Microsoft application that guides the user through each step of a particular task, such as starting up a word processing document in the correct format for a business letter.

workaround

A tactic for accomplishing a task, despite a bug or other inadequacy in software or hardware, without actually fixing the underlying problem.

X

Y

Y2K

Abbreviation for year 2000. See Year 2000 problem.

Y2K BIOS patch card

An ISA board that ensures that system calls to the BIOS return the correct year. The BIOS patch card checks the date the BIOS gets from the real-time clock and sends the correct date is to whichever application or process requested it. While a BIOS patch card will prove effective for most situations once the year 2000 is reached, some applications and processes that work directly with the real-time clock (not advisable practice) will receive the wrong date on non-Year 2000-compliant PCs.

Y2K BIOS test

See BIOS test

Y2K bug or computer bug

See Year 2000 problem

Y2K ready

See Year 2000 compliant

Y2K-compliant

See Year 2000 compliant

Year 2000 challenge

Potential issues that might be encountered in computer hardware or softwareûincluding computer chips, software, or personal data files--that interpret date data described in 2-digit format. Specifically, these issues are the result of the transition to the year 2000.

Year 2000 compliant

The criteria for this varies among companies and organizations however a general theme is that software or hardware is compliant which will make the transition from 1999 to 2000 without producing errors.. In a PC, it's generally thought that if the real-time clock passes a Year 2000 BIOS test, it's Year 2000 compliant. However it is imperative users test their computing environment from end-to-end, considering the readiness of their operating system, applications, custom code, data, and system interfaces. Also called Y2K-compliant, Year 2000 ready. See also BIOS test.

Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act

A U.S. statute enacted in October 1998 that requires U.S. companies to publicly disclose how they are attempting to make their systems or products ready for the Year 2000. Many companies are choosing to make this information available on the World Wide Web.

Year 2000 problem

A potential problem for computer programs when the year 2000 is reached, in that a variety of logic within programs may suddenly fail if they rely on two-digit year indicators. Those computer systems will see "00" as the year "1900." In the past, before RAM became much cheaper, one way to conserve space on punch cards and system memory was to indicate years with only two digits, and this method of handling dates has remained at the core of much software still in use.

The Year 2000 term has enveloped other issues beyond simply the correct transition from 1999 to 2000. Other issues often associated with the Year 2000 term include 2-digit year shortcut issues, leap-year issues, special dates within the operational range, and others.

Year 2000 ready

See Year 2000 compliant

Year 2000 rollover

The moment when the year in a computer system changes from 1999 to 2000. Also called date rollover, millennium transition, rollover, Year 2000 transition.

Year 2000 time problem

See Year 2000 problem.

Year 2000 transition

See Year 2000 rollover.

YY format

2-digit-year format. This format uses only 2 digits to describe the calendar year. For example, 98, 9/98 and 4/4/98 are all 2-digit-year dates. (1999 is not a 2-digit-year date because it describes the specific century in the calendar year; 1999 is an example of a 4-digit-year date.)

YYYY format

4-digit-year format. This format uses 4 digits to describe the calendar year; the century is not assumed but specified. For example, 1952, 2001 and 1837 are all 4-digit dates. (1/1/99 is not a 4-digit date because it does not describe the specific century of the calendar year.)

Z

Zulu time

Slang for Greenwich Mean Time.

See the glossary on the Microsoft Personal Support Center site for additional basic computing terminology at http://support.microsoft.com/support/glossary/

Other good sources of explanations and definitions for computer technology terminology are:

http://www.techweb.com/encyclopedia/

http://www.pcwebopaedia.com/

Additional sources for Internet terminology:

http://www.netlingo.com/

http://www.whatis.com/

Year 2000 Information

Product Guide

Test Criteria

Compliance Statement

Prepare for Year 2000

Y2K Readiness

Hardware

Software

Data

Tools

More Y2K Resources

Services

Glossary

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White Papers

Y2K-Related Web Sites

This site is being designated as a Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure and the information contained herein is provided pursuant to the terms hereof and the Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act.