Sir, - The Family Money column (April 24th) referred to the Year 2000 problem in the context of Insurance. It said that computers built prior to 1995 were subject to failure. This statement perpetuates a dangerous misconception. Virtually all personal computers manufactured before 1997 are subject to this problem and PCs manufactured through 1997 and some as late as this year could also be subject to it. At a recent conference in London, a member of the UK Year 2000 committee said that his company had tested 40 PCs delivered in February of this year and had found three to be liable to failure through the millennium. These PCs came from a reputable manufacturer.
There are many reasons for this happening, mostly financial. PC parts suppliers have invested in stock and they will avoid throwing it away, if possible. PCs are like motor cars. They are assembled from parts sourced throughout the world and no one can be absolutely certain that all the parts are fully compliant unless the finished product is tested appropriately. This does not appear to be happening in all cases and consequently some non-compliant PCs are still being distributed. I am secretary of the Irish Computer Society's special interest group on this problem. We have prepared a presentation which so far we have given to over 15 chambers of commerce, county enterprise boards and Plato gatherings throughout the country, on a voluntary basis. There is growing schedule of further presentations. It is our opinion that small and medium enterprises are most at risk from this problem. They have also the lowest awareness level. Please ensure that you give the correct information in your coverage of the problem. - Yours, etc., Dermot Treacy,
Templeogue, Dublin 6W.