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Before reading this book, like most semi-computer-literate college-education Americans, I thought I had a good understanding of what the "Y2K Crisis" entailed. I understood that past computer programmers, in attempts to save valuable computer memory, had to code a four-digit year as a two-digit year (for example, "1999" as "99"). I also understood that as soon as we reach January 1, 2000, that some software would interpret the "00" in "2000" as instead meaning "1900" - thus providing a 100-year gap in some time-critical calculations.

What I didn't understand is how this could affect us. I mean, I don't really mind getting a few weird bills - or library books overdue for 100 years and 2 days or something strange like that. It would be an anomaly that most people would live with and understand. It's the doom-sayers that said that the power grid would be disrupted. I mean, how could those mere two digits affect our source of electricity.

Well, Michael Hyatt, in this book, goes about to explain exactly why this may become a problem. He goes about doing so in three clear, easy-to-understand parts.

1. Technology Overview of the Y2K Problem
   
   In the first section of this book, Hyatt explains the basics of computer misinterpreted year-figures - but he provides us much more. Hyatt explains to us the breadth of the problem - for instance, that many of the incorrect code resides in hard-to-reach places, such as microcircutry at the bottom of the ocean or in satellite technology. Additionally, he explains the problem with fixing code in embedded processors to begin with - that the computer language is outdated and that there are very few people left who can fix the code. In many cases, the source code for certain software modules/packages is lost - and fixing such code is requires extensive code disassembly and analysis, if it is even possible at all.
   
   The end of this section basically informs us that there is simply not enough time left to fully fix the problem. Unlike many other deadlines that are set by mankind, Y2K is going to reach us as we count-down toward that date. We cannot just decide to extend the January 1, 2000 date. It is going to reach us soon - whether we like it or not.
   
   
2. Implications of the Y2K Problem
   
   Armed with an understand of the technological subtleties of the Y2K problem, readers are now given an explanation of how this problem will affect various societal institutions - from banking and phone systems, to the power grid and our military.
   
   A particularly interesting chapter of this part of the book analyzes our government's Y2K preparedness - and shows why so many of our national public institutions have received failing grades when it comes to being prepared for the new millenium.
   
   
3. Preparation for the Y2K Problem
   
   For me this was the most useful part of the book. I wanted to know specifics of what I can do to prepare for the upcoming problems.
   
   Most of the information in this part of the book seems invaluable advice for such preparation, although admittedly some of the advice seems a bit overwhelming and fanatical. So, based on information included in this section, I have compiled a short list of items that I feel are most like good suggestions about preparing for Y2K. They are as follows:
   
   
   • Secure hardcopies of important documents (birth certificates, titles, deeds, etc.)
   • Build an emergency preparedness library (first aid books, etc.)
   • Evaluate your current location (i.e., are you living too close to a city's "danger zone", where there may be riots and looting?)
   • Stockpile water and/or find an alternative source of water
   • Stockpile food and common household goods, including:
   • Heating stove (and related fuels)
   • Cooking stove (and related fuels)
   • Emergency candles / oil lamps and fuel
   • Gasoline reserves
   • Flashlights and batteries
   • Purchase adequate clothing
   • Prepare an emergency medical kit
   • Determine waste-disposal methodology (eg., chemical toilet, etc.)
   • Obtain cash reserves / special coinage
   • Other necessary items (a second pair of glasses, etc.)

Some of the information included in this section seem a bit extreme, for instance, arming oneself as a means of self-defense, stockpiling bullets and/or precious metals for use in barter trade, etc.).

All in all, this book was a great read. The book was excellently organized -- and contained valid, well-researched information. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in ensuring that they prepare adequately for what may be a very widespread and trying problem.

For more information about this book, check the following links:

• Reviews (Amazon.com)
  
  
• Customer Reviews (Amazon.com) — Average Rating: 4 Stars

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