CANADALAND Was the Y2K Bug Really a Hoax?
Nov 28, 2024
David Robert Loblaw, a Canadian programmer known for questioning the reality of the Y2K bug, joins Arshy Mann to dissect the deep-rooted fears surrounding the millennium bug. They explore whether the immense preparations were warranted or merely a collective panic. Loblaw discusses the evolving role of technology and its implications on society while drawing parallels to today's anxieties like AI and climate change. Their conversation reflects on how media perceptions shape public reaction to possible technological threats.
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Early Y2K Discovery
- Peter De Jager noticed the Y2K bug while working at IBM, observing the two-digit year format.
- His boss dismissed his concern, saying someone would fix it later, a phrase he'd hear repeatedly.
The Email System Crash
- In 1990, Peter De Jager's company's email system crashed due to a one-digit year rollover issue.
- This incident, similar to the gas price signage problem, highlighted the broader issue of rollover problems in computer systems.
Data Dependency
- The Y2K problem stemmed from using two-digit years to save memory in early computer systems.
- Data from these older systems was still needed, creating a pervasive issue across various industries.