Step-By-Step: Preparing your home computer for Y2K

f you have a home computer, you will want to make sure that it and your frequently used software are Y2K compliant. Anything purchased in the last year should be fine, though it never hurts to check.

Testing your computer

To test your computer, you can purchase a testing program at a computer store or download free ones off of the Web.

Symantec, maker of the popular Norton Utilities, recently released Norton 2000; other manufacturers will follow suit.

Free, downloadable diagnostic programs can be found at:

• The Federal Reserve Board: www.bog.frb.fed.us/y2k/pctesting.htm
• National Software Testing Lab: www.nstl.com/html/nstl_y2k.html
• Viasoft: www.onmark.viasoft.com

These programs are safer than forwarding your computer's internal clock to Dec. 31, because if your computer isn't Y2K compliant, it might be difficult to reset it to the correct date. Also, some software programs might interpret the Dec. 31 leap as evidence that your warranty has expired.

If you are an Apple Macintosh user, you have nothing to fear. Apple computers have been Y2K compliant since their introduction in 1984. If you have questions or still want to check your equipment, there is a Y2K section on the Apple Web site.

Information gathered from USA Today.