Amazon.com
Unlike many Y2K books available, Time Bomb 2000 offers a programmer's point of view on the issue--Edward Yourdon is a software engineer and the author of the well-regarded Yourdon Computing Series for software development. (His coauthor, Jennifer, is his daughter.)

While the Yourdons occasionally use Internet-based Y2K slang, such as TEOTWAWKI (which, for the uninitiated, means "the end of the world as we know it"), it's not likely that they'll be carving out space in a hillside somewhere. They do project a life very different from the one that currently exists, but advocate a commonsense approach to the impending crisis.

To that end, Time Bomb 2000 provides a chapter on each of the areas of infrastructure weakness: public utilities, transportation (automobiles included), banking and finance, news channels, hospitals, telephone and mail services, the U.S. government (social security, food stamps, the IRS, the Defense Department, and a brief overview of state and local agencies). A small portion of the book deals with the question of international economies. Each segment ends with advice on any one of four scenarios: facing a 2-day, 1-month, 1-year, or 10-year failure of each of the given systems. An informative look at what may well be a central issue for us all, Time Bomb 2000 provides important information without trying to answer the unanswerable. --Jennifer BuckendorffBook Description
Time Bomb 2000 has become a world-wide bestseller because it doesn't just tell you that there's a Y2K crisis on the way: it spells out how to evaluate your personal risks -- and what you can do about them. As the crunch draws closer, this new edition -- completely updated to reflect Y2K news in every key area of the economy -- is essential reading for everyone who wants to survive Y2K!As over 140,000 readers can already attest, Time Bomb 2000 is the most practical guide to the Y2K crisis. Based on the newest information available, you'll learn what problems are likely to occur, how they will impact individuals and society, and what you can do to prepare. This edition contains updated coverage of every major aspect of society, including communications, power distribution, transportation, finance, travel, medicine, social services, education and employment. You'll find the latest expert assessments of the relative probabilities -- and consequences -- of failure. Best of all, the book presents practical contingency plans and fallback positions in the event the worst happens.Anyone worried about the Y2K problem -- in other words, just about everyone. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (76)

How To Be Prepared
It is obvious (in hindsight) that nothing much happened on 1/1/2000.Whether it was a result of the problem being overblown or a testament to the incredible amount of work and money spent fixing it is a matter for speculation, though I tend towards the latter explanation.

So why am I still giving this book 4 stars?

This book still holds good advice as to how to be prepared for ANY sort of break down in the infrastructure of our highly specialized society.I believe that there is a non-zero chance of something like this happening in the next decade due to large internal attacks by the enemies of this country.

The book looks at these areas: Jobs, Utilities, Transportation, Banking/Finance, Stock Market, Food, your home PC, News/Information, Health/Medicine, Government, Embedded Systems, Telephone/Mail.

Then it tells you, for each of the topics listed above, what you would have to do to be prepared for shutdowns in these systems for the following time periods: 2 days, 1 month, 1 year, and 10 years.

So despite the fact that Y2K wasn't even a blip on the radar for most of us, this book is still an interesting read and tells you what you need to know to cover yourself from a infrastructure failure of whatever length may seem reasonable to you.

An anti-climax
Well written, well organised, but in hindsight - not so well researched. Okay. The Yourdons weren't the only ones caught up in the hype. Many others I had a lot of respect for were caught up as well. For example Robert Theobald, the futurist. I have known the works of Edward Yourdon since I started my batchelor degree - nearly 20 years ago now. After this book, I have to admit that I'll have a big bag of salt next to me when relying on Mr Yourdon's predictions. Hey, at least I did not bunker down and invest in a huge amount of instant food and an arsenal of firearms. But maybe that would have been too American.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice. . .
Credit to Ed Yourdon for inventing a new literary niche --pointing out a nonexistent crisis, writing a book about it, then writing another book debunking it! He hasn't, at the time of this review, written a bookcelebrating victory over the fearmongering that he helped to spark, but I'mcertain it will be forthcoming.

Yourdon's last shred of credibilityevaporated on 01/01/00. Hopefully he made enough off this book to retire.If he didn't, he's going to need to find a new line of work.

I want my money back !
This book is a sheer waste of ink and paper. I'll never again buy a book by Ed Yourdon, I loose all my confidence on his technical expertise. What a shame !

What a joke.
This book isn't worth the paper it's printed on. There isn't a choice for no stars. If there were, I'd give it that. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Modern Casting, published by American Foundrymen's Society, Inc. on October 1, 1993. The length of the article is 3608 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: A vision of computer-aided casting in the year 2000. (Computers in the Foundry)
Author: Constantine D. Orogo
Publication: Modern Casting (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 1, 1993
Publisher: American Foundrymen's Society, Inc.
Volume: v83Issue: n10Page: p20(5)

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Book Description
This digital document is an article from Security Management, published by American Society for Industrial Security on January 1, 1999. The length of the article is 439 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: Observers speculate that the Year 2000 computer problem will lead to the disruption in telecommunications, air travel and banking systems. The Federal Reserve is anticipating widespread bank withdrawals and resolves to increase currency printing order by approximately $50 billion by yearend 1999. Security experts, on the other hand, are concerned that this solution may lead to robberies of banks that are fortified with cash. Others believe that the banking industry should have prepared for such eventuality and have mapped out plans to avert bank crime.

Citation Details
Title: A mad, mad millennium?(Security Spotlight)(banking sector's management of anticipated problems related to the Year 2000 computer glitch)
Author: Michael Gips
Publication: Security Management (Refereed)
Date: January 1, 1999
Publisher: American Society for Industrial Security
Volume: 43Issue: 1Page: 14(1)

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Book Description
This digital document is an article from Government Finance Review, published by Government Finance Officers Association on June 1, 1998. The length of the article is 811 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: Broward County, FL's office of information technology (OIT) has been identifying non-year 2000 compliant computers and replacing them with updated systems or upgrading them in preparation for the year 2000 date change. OIT contracted a consulting firm to develop an inventory and assessment of the county's centrally managed software and hardware. Users of outdated decentralized systems were required to have system vendors upgrade their systems. OIT also began a renovation of centrally managed system solutions not requiring replacement.

Citation Details
Title: New systems and system upgrades. (Broward County, FL's preparation for the year 2000 computer transition problem)
Author: John Pryor
Publication: Government Finance Review (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 1, 1998
Publisher: Government Finance Officers Association
Volume: v14Issue: n3Page: p54(2)

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Book Description
This digital document is an article from National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management, published by The National Underwriter Company on January 26, 1998. The length of the article is 2483 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: Insurers are expressing their concerns regarding general liability policies coverage and exclusions that could be affected by the Year 2000 computer problems. The Insurance Services Offices Inc (ISO) has released the Year 2000 exclusions for standard policies and procedures for claims administration for first- and third-party policies. ISO has also introduced options for the basic policy and product liability policy regarding coverage of the Year 2000 losses. Insurance coverage experts predict that general liability policies could generate legal debates on issues similar to the asbestos and environmental waste litigation.

Citation Details
Title: Y2K coverage debate could rival A&E.(Year 2000 computer problems, asbestos and environmental litigation)(Special Report: Product Trends)
Author: Susanne Sclafane
Publication: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 26, 1998
Publisher: The National Underwriter Company
Volume: v102Issue: n4Page: p2(3)

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Book Description
This digital document is an article from National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management, published by The National Underwriter Company on November 10, 1997. The length of the article is 729 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a bulletin on Oct 8, 1997, notifying companies that they should disclose any financial difficulties that could be created by Year 2000 computer problems. Although the bulletin was a recommendation and not a rule, disclosure may actually be required by current regulations. Year 2000 computer expenses would include the cost of fixing problems and the potential expenses that would be created if the problems are not fixed.

Citation Details
Title: SEC pushes for Y2K disclosure. (Securities and Exchange Commission, Year 2000 computer problems, disclosure of potential exposure by corporations)
Author: Steven Brostoff
Publication: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 10, 1997
Publisher: The National Underwriter Company
Volume: v101Issue: n45Page: p4(2)

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Book Description
This digital document is an article from Countryside & Small Stock Journal, published by Countryside Publications Ltd. on March 1, 1999. The length of the article is 979 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Y2K and community.(year 2000 computer program could be good for society)(Brief Article)
Author: Bill Ellis
Publication: Countryside & Small Stock Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 1, 1999
Publisher: Countryside Publications Ltd.
Volume: 83Issue: 2Page: 129(1)

Article Type: Brief Article

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Book Description
This digital document is an article from Alaska Business Monthly, published by Alaska Business Publishing Company, Inc. on April 1, 1999. The length of the article is 483 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Transporting Alaska into the new millennium.(Alaska's transportation industry addresses year 2000 computer problem)
Author: Saundra Middleton
Publication: Alaska Business Monthly (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 1, 1999
Publisher: Alaska Business Publishing Company, Inc.
Volume: 15Issue: 4Page: 35(2)

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Book Description
This digital document is an article from Food Processing, published by Putman Media, Inc. on August 1, 1998. The length of the article is 1646 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: Tips on coping with the expected Year 2000 computer problem are presented. These include inventory of all systems and equipment which are possible causes of Y2K problems. Rank all systems and equipment according to the possibility of causing Y2K problems and magnitude of risk from failure. Examine the systems which are considered to be the most significant. Develop a solution plan based on the assessed problems. Remedy the problems, prioritizing those which are likely to occur and those likely to result in expensive damages.

Citation Details
Title: Y2K risks mount for late starters. (Year 2000 computer problem)(includes related article on possible Year 2000 problems concerning the food industry)
Author: Jack Neff
Publication: Food Processing (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 1, 1998
Publisher: Putman Media, Inc.
Volume: v59Issue: n8Page: p101(4)

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Book Description
This book is an indispensible reference guide for understanding Y2K and how it impacts society and the individual. There is extensive coverage of topics including: the inner workings of the computer, what the Y2K problem is, how it is corrected, what disruptions are expected if the problem is not timely resolved, the cost of remediation, legal issues, and how government and industry are managing Y2K.MOST IMPORTANTLY, the book provides a multi-faceted emergency preparedness plan for families -- covering areas such as heating, lighting, food and water, communications, medical supplies, security, investments, and more -- to help you prepare for a worst-case scenario. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Y2K makes sense at last!
After reading "Exploring the Year 2000," I was able to follow all of the current reports in the press, magazines, and on the Internet, because the author defines the computer terms relating to Y2K, explains whoall the major players are in this phenomenon, and gives details about thecongressional committees and industry organizations that are monitoring Y2Kprogress worldwide.

At last, a book that covers legal issues!
I have been worried about my obligations as a landlord (for example, I still don't have assurances from the utility companies that there will be no disruptions of services to my tenants).I also have investments, and Idon't know if the value of my stock is going to be affected by Y2K.Ms.Vannelli's book has helped me understand what recourse is available for me. Also, the author has been great about responding to my questions aboutsuch issues.

At last, a book that covers legal issues!
I have been worried about my obligations as a landlord (for example, I still don't have assurances from the utility companies that there will be no disruptions of services to my tenants).I also have investments, and Idon't know if the value of my stock is going to be affected by Y2K.Ms.Vannelli's book has helped me understand what recourse is available for me. Also, the author has been great about responding to my questions aboutsuch issues.

The book covers every aspect of Y2K, including legal issues.
"Exploring the Year 2000: A Comprehensive Layman's Guide," is the only Y2K resource book on the market that covers the entire field of this subject matter (including legal rights you should know about shouldyour life be affected by Y2K disruptions, and a detailed family Y2Kpreparedness plan).Because the book is written in a simple and livelystyle, anyone, including those who are computer illiterate, can understandthe the details of the problem (how it arose, how it is fixed, how toprepare for disruptions).The author, an Ohio attorney, has followed allof the Senate and House hearings on Y2K since they began, and monitors thefederal regulatory reportings.Use the toll free number at the front ofthe book to get current updates through the end of 1999. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management, published by The National Underwriter Company on January 26, 1998. The length of the article is 1355 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: Some insurance coverage experts are expressing their concern regarding the impact of the Year 2000 computer problems on coverage of property damage as part of commercial general liability policies. First- and third-party property damage policies will not cover most property claims referring to loss of data and money. Some corporations have purchased property insurance that covers computer problems with exclusions for some factors such as mechanical breakdowns and errors in computer programming.

Citation Details
Title: Y2K losses may spark coverage battle.(insurance coverage losses related to Year 2000 computer problems)(Product Trends)
Author: Susanne Sclafane
Publication: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 26, 1998
Publisher: The National Underwriter Company
Volume: v102Issue: n4Page: p6(2)

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Book Description
This digital document is an article from Countryside & Small Stock Journal, published by Countryside Publications Ltd. on September 1, 1998. The length of the article is 2761 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: The Y2K, or millennium bug, is a design flaw in computers that will reset programs during the year 2000. There is a great deal of information and misinformation on the subject and the direst predictions are serious enough that we should all prepare by becoming more self-sufficient.

Citation Details
Title: Some people know an awful lot that isn't so. (year 2000 computer transition and misinformation) (includes related article on Y2K)
Author: J. D. Belanger
Publication: Countryside & Small Stock Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 1998
Publisher: Countryside Publications Ltd.
Volume: v82Issue: n5Page: p6(6)

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Book Description
This digital document is an article from National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management, published by The National Underwriter Company on February 2, 1998. The length of the article is 468 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: Insurance regulators from Florida and Illinois are concerned about the insurance company abuses that could take place as a result of the Insurance Services Office's new Year 2000 computer-related exposures exclusions. There is concern about how the exclusions will be used rather than with the wording of the exclusions. Florida's Department of Insurance plans to hold a public hearing to discuss these issues.

Citation Details
Title: ISO Y2K exclusions questioned.(Insurance Services Office, year 2000 computer-related exposures)
Author: Dan Lonkevich
Publication: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 2, 1998
Publisher: The National Underwriter Company
Volume: v102Issue: n5Page: p1(2)

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Book Description
This digital document is an article from National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management, published by The National Underwriter Company on October 13, 1997. The length of the article is 1797 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: It is assumed that liabilities resulting from the 'year 2000' computer problem will significantly impact property & casualty insurers, but, as Grange Mutual Casualty Co's Steve Shaw pointed out, the Insurance Services Office's commercial general liability (CGL) form does not specifically address liabilities that could result from the problem. The question of whether 'year 2000' liabilities are covered by the CGL form is discussed.

Citation Details
Title: The Y2K problem: where is it covered in ISO's CGL forms? ('year 2000' computer problem; Insurance Services Office; commercial general liability)
Author: Peter Price
Publication: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 13, 1997
Publisher: The National Underwriter Company
Volume: v101Issue: n41Page: p9(3)

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Book Description
David M. Price, author of the book "How to Survive and Prosper After the 'Year 2000' Computer CRASH," reveals the depth of problems that businesses, governments and families will face with the year 2000 computer bug.US Senator Daniel Patrick Monihan wrote President Clinton to warn him that this "problem could have extreme negative economic consequences during your second term . . . The computer has been a blessing; if we don't act quickly, however, it could become the curse of the age."CRASH provides a guide on how to prepare for the disruptions of society, predicted by computer experts and government officials. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Well written, well documented, concise.
Highly recommended!There are lots of books out there on this subject that cost two or three times as much money.As far as I'm concerned, this one is the best regardless of price.CRASH is jam-packed full of quotesand facts that will clear up a lot of the confusion on the subject, andthat will give us all the information to take care of our families if Y2Khits hard." ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Software Industry Report, published by Millin Publishing, Inc. on December 15, 1997. The length of the article is 769 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Year 2000 computer problem posed for legal avalanche, warns accounting tool maker. (SBT Accounting Systems)
Publication: Software Industry Report (Newsletter)
Date: December 15, 1997
Publisher: Millin Publishing, Inc.
Volume: v29Issue: n24Page: p1(2)

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