X-Message-Number: 10122
From: 
Date: Sun, 26 Jul 1998 13:15:25 EDT
Subject: more y2k

Thanks to Merel and Soreff for their analyses of y2k problems and why apparent
common-sense solutions may not work.

At least it appears hopeful that, in some cases, there may be a simple fix
such as a decision whether to shut down and reboot just before the turnover. 

In some cases maybe a relatively simple fix--such as reinstallation of manual
controls--would be feasible. Installing manual controls might be quicker and
cheaper than fixing the computers, as a tide-over.

Here's another probably dumb idea. Everyone keeps saying that there is no
"silver bullet" and a live programmer must examine every line of code to fix
the possible problems. Why? Why not a program instead of a programmer? Isn't
that what computers do--rapid review and automated corrections? 

For example, have your diagnosis/therapy program first examine the operating
program to find every point where there is a date field. (I am assuming now
that the whole operating program cannot be replaced because of size and cost,
and the two-digit year fields cannot be changed.) At that point, do one of
several things. For example, route the program from there to a new sub-program
(or if necessary a totally new program on different hardware) that will take
the input 00 and change it to 2000 and go on to the appropriate action. (Of
course that might not work if the
date field input occurs too early in the program.)

Another possibility? At every point where a final command for a physical
action is given, insert (via external route if necessary) a garbage
review--the command must pass certain common-sense requrement filters before
being implemented. In case of doubt, insert a safe, average command or call
for human input. 

(In fact, shouldn't every industrial plant program have, as the last step, a
review of possible dangers in the command output? Do they? If not, would it be
relatively simple to add that to the operating program?)  

I know it's presumptuous to make suggestions to professionals who have been
wrestling with the problem for a long time, and such suggestions are unlikely
to have merit--but who knows. Even a blind hen sometimes finds a corn.

Meanwhile, CI will proceed with reviews and contingency plans.

Robert Ettinger
Cryonics Institute
Immortalist Society
http://www.cryonics.org 

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