The first person known to publicly address the issue of y2k was Bob Bemer, who had noticed it in 1958 as a result of work on genealogical software. He spent the next twenty years fruitlessly trying to raise awareness of the problem with programmers, IBM, the government of the United States and the International Organization for Standardization. This included the recommendation that the COBOL picture clause should be used to specify four digit years for dates. All of this culminated in it becoming widespread knowledge that a ‘technological Armageddon’ could occur once the clock strikes midnight on December 31st 1999
Y2K fashion, spanning the late 1990s and early 2000s, epitomized a vibrant and eclectic era. Characterized by bold experimentation, futuristic aesthetics, and a revival of '60s and '70s influences, Y2K style blended nostalgia with avant-garde elements. Metallic fabrics, iridescent accessories, and futuristic motifs dominated wardrobes. Low-rise jeans, cargo pants, and miniskirts were iconic choices, often paired with crop tops and chunky platform shoes. Logomania and tech-inspired accessories defined the era, reflecting a society on the cusp of the digital age. Y2K fashion remains a nostalgic celebration of individuality and the bold, boundary-pushing spirit of a bygone era.
The fears surrounding Y2K, or the Millennium Bug, were rooted in the potential technological repercussions as the calendar transitioned to the year 2000. Computer systems, predominantly programmed to recognize years with two digits, raised concerns of misinterpretation when '00' arrived, possibly leading to system failures. Industries worldwide, including finance, utilities, and transportation, faced the spectre of malfunctions that could disrupt essential services. Experts warned of a domino effect, predicting financial collapse and societal chaos. Governments and organizations undertook massive efforts to identify and rectify the Y2K bug, investing billions in testing and upgrades. Ultimately, meticulous preparation averted widespread catastrophe, dispelling the apprehensions that had gripped the world in anticipation of the new millennium.
The internet's journey began with ARPANET in 1969, connecting research institutions. Tim Berners-Lee introduced the World Wide Web in 1989
refining the internet into an accessible platform. The '90s saw a surge in commercialization, paving the way for online businesses.
By the 2000s, social media emerged, transforming communication. The internet's exponential growth revolutionized information access,
connecting people globally. Its impact on commerce, education, and communication is profound, shaping contemporary society.
From its modest origins to an indispensable global network, the internet's evolution reflects human ingenuity,
fostering an interconnected world of information and interaction.
Down below is a brief timeline about important events on the internet leading up to Y2k in 2000.
The World Wide Web begins as a CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) project called ENQUIRE, initiated by British scientist Tim Berners-Lee. Other names considered for the project include “The Information Mesh” and “The Mine of Information.”
Researchers rig up a live shot of a coffee pot so they could tell from their computer screens when a fresh pot had been brewed. Later connected to the World Wide Web, it becomes the first webcam.
Yahoo! is created by Stanford University graduate students Jerry Yang and David Filo. They originally named the site “Jerry and David’s Guide to the World Wide Web.”.
Hotmail launches as one of the world’s first Webmail services, its name a reference to the HTML internet language used to build webpages.
AOL launches AOL 4.0 and inundates American homes with CD-ROM mailers. AOL membership jumps from 8 million to 16 million members.
The Y2k problem was solved, there were only minor problems which occurred like banks being unable to process transactions. Alongside some computers having incorrect dates appearing on them.