Y2kAFRIK SMME Program: Case Study 001

At 13:59 1998-09-29 -0700, Maureen Flanagan wrote:
>I have just started browsing around looking for information on the Web re
>the year 2000 problems.  I am the manager of a very low tech small company.
> My first concern is whether the software on our computers and the
>computers themselves are going to be a problem for me.
>My question to whoever it out there is, is there a site that I can access
>that will tell me, for example, if windows 3.1, Simply Accounting,
>Microsoft Office 95 have problems, or is it the hardware--eg. the bios that
>is the problem?  Do I need to throw out all 486's?  How do I test my own
>computer without risking wrecking my files?

To answer your questions, both Win 3.1 and Win 95 have problems but these are fixable, you do not have to upgrade. Even if a 486 has a tickover problem, it does not matter, this can be bypassed (see below). I use a 486. You may have to upgrade simply Accounting to Version 6. (see below) Use the Cinderella method to test from diskette, this will not damage your files.

1. I would suggest that you start with reading the "Cinderella Method" at
http://www.cinderella.co.za/cindmeth.htm

2. Download and install the Y2kAFRIK Starter Toolkit from
(http://www.cinderella.co.za/cindpat.htm)

The installation process puts the "Cinderella method" documentation and tools onto your hard disk.

I would suggest that you print out the "Cinderella Method" and associated documents.

Create the bootable stiffy from the toolkit menu and boot from it.

Run the suggested tests.

Follow the instructions in the README file.

After doing that, you will have discovered what the status of your 486 is, fixed the BIOS, upgraded the File manager and converted your Windows system to use yyyy-MM-dd.

3. Next check out your Operating System:

For Windows 3.1, read the document at
http://www.cinderella.co.za/win31.htm

For Windows 95, and read the document at
http://www.cinderella.co.za/w95.htm

The primary patches for Most PC's are in the document
http://www.cinderella.co.za/cindpat.htm

Doing the full Toolkit instal includes the main patches anyhow.

4. The next phase is to check out your application software.

Have a look on Cinderella in the [Small Business] section. This contains Powerpoint presentations you can download and additional links to compliance information.
http://www.cinderella.co.za/cindsme.htm

You will find this link which lists commonly used Accounting Software

AREA: Links
TITLE: Accounting Software Links

Following this link you will find "Simply Accounting". And on the ACCPAC site you can see that you would probably have to upgrade Simply Accounting to version 6.0

AREA: Compliance (PC)
TITLE: Simply Accounting 6.0

5. There is a section within the Small Business page for Product Compliance Information

For general products:
http://www.cinderella.co.za/comply.htm

and for Microsoft products:
http://www.cinderella.co.za/complyms.htm

Check out your individual Office products.

6. The next phase is to convert your spreadsheets and databases to use 4 digit years. And input the date in yyyy-mm-dd format from then on.

7. An important step is to do a Risk Analysis on your business

In the Small Business section of Cinderella you will find pointers to the "Prudential Year 2000 Toolkit for Small Business" at
http://www.prudential.com/corporate/techatpru/cotzz1004.html

I highly recommend that you download and print these worksheets. And then fill them out. They will provide a guideline for all the issues that you should consider, and also provide a Paper Trail to document what you have done.

If you need a more in depth Methodology such as Elmar Robergs "Peace of Mind" and help on Managing Projects or Advanced Risk Management, there are additional resources in the Cinderella [Contributions] section at
http://www.cinderella.co.za/cindcont.htm

8. Things change.

Check out "Whats New" on the Cinderella site from time to time
http://www.cinderella.co.za/cindwhat.htm