The Millenium Bug

The Y2K bug, or millenium bug, was a possible computer flaw that people feared would cause problems once the year hit 2000. Computer engineers thought that the date might turn to 1900 rather than 2000, destroying many systems they had in place. For example, banks and power plants depended on computers for interest rates and safety levels, respectively. Transportation, such as airlines and trains, required correct time. The problem became so widespread that countries like Australia invested millions of dollars in preparation for Y2K. Other countries like Russia barely invested any, so Australia recalled most of its embassy staff from Russia in fears that they might lose contact with them. The United States is another example of a country that spent millions of dollars to combat the Y2K bug. Eventually, when the year reached 2000, there were problems but very few. A nuclear energy facility in Japan had a fail in its radiation equipment.