Demystifying Year 2000 Computer Glitch

The Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce will host a community discussion on the year 2000 computing problem at its monthly luncheon Thursday.

Computer consultant Vince Turner is expected to caution computer users about some potential problems, as well as dispel some myths about the predicted glitch.

“We know that a number of our members are really frightened . . . by the year 2000 computer problem,” said Sondra Frohlich, executive director of the chamber.

“A lot of people have told us they’ve heard that airplanes won’t fly on Jan. 1, 2000, and that they better take their money out of the bank because they won’t be able to get it out afterward,” Frohlich said. “We just wanted to get them some genuine information.”

The year 2000 problem--also known as the millennium bug or Y2K--is the inability of many computer systems to recognize dates beyond Dec. 31, 1999. Older systems commonly were programmed to use only the last two digits of a year. So when those digits turn to “00,” computers could read it as a leap backward instead of a move forward.

The luncheon is scheduled noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Signature Grill, 14755 Ventura Blvd. The cost is $20 per person.

Organizers request reservations be made by noon Wednesday. To do so, call (818) 906-1951.