Understanding the Y2K Phenomenon

What was the initial public perception of the Y2K problem?

• A hoax created by the media

• A significant threat that could cripple civilization

• An opportunity for technological advancement

• A minor issue with no real consequences

Why did early computer systems use two-digit years?

• To align with international date formats

• To prevent errors in calculations

• To simplify programming languages

• To save memory space on punch cards

What prompted Wall Street brokers to address the Y2K issue in the 1980s?

• A government mandate to update systems

• Problems with bonds maturing after 2000

• A major computer crash in 1987

• The introduction of new programming languages

How did the Federal Aviation Administration prepare for Y2K?

• By replacing all air traffic control systems

• By spending $400 million on contingency plans

• By training pilots to fly without instruments

• By grounding all flights on January 1, 2000

What was a common misconception about the Y2K bug?

• That it would cause planes to fall from the sky

• That it would improve computer security

• That it would only affect personal computers

• That it was a problem only in the United States

What was the main reason for public panic about Y2K?

• A major power outage in December 1999

• Widespread computer crashes in 1999

• Media coverage predicting catastrophic failures

• Lack of information from the government

What was one of the actual impacts of the Y2K bug?

• Inaccurate receipts from cash registers in Greece

• A complete failure of the banking system

• A global shutdown of internet services

• A halt in all air traffic worldwide

How did the Y2K crisis help New York during the 9/11 attacks?

• By providing updated communication systems

• By preventing a financial market crash

• By ensuring all flights were grounded

• By offering a blueprint for disaster preparedness

What was the estimated cost of Y2K compliance in the U.S.?

• $100 billion

• $200 billion

• $50 billion

• $500 billion

What is a key takeaway from the Y2K event?

• It proved that media coverage is always accurate

• It highlighted the importance of proactive problem-solving

• It showed that technology is infallible

• It was a minor issue that required little effort