Hello, Laporte Report subscribers!

I've been enjoying my time off but I'm ready to come back on Monday with all
new shows. Until then, just a word about the Y2K bug. As you've probably
seen already, the early reports from down under and the Far East, where's
it's been the year 2000 for some hours now, indicate no significant computer
problems with Y2K. This is exactly what I've been expecting, but still it's
reassuring to know the world isn't coming to an end.

Here's some last minute advice for your personal computer...

Before you head out to tonight's New Year's Eve parties make sure to update
your anti-virus protection. We're seeing a slight spike in new virus
reports, and it wouldn't be too surprising to see some virii crafted just to
take advantage of people's anxiety about the millennium bug. If you don't
already have an anti-virus program, you can download InoculateIT for free
from Computer Associates at http://antivirus.cai.com/. Don't enter the new
millennium without one!

If you're worried about your computer's Y2K compliance, Windows users can
download the Norton 2000 BIOS Test/Fix from
http://hotfiles.zdnet.com/cgi-bin/texis/swlib/hotfiles/info.html?fcode=000W0
H. Macintosh users don't need to do a thing. All Mac hardware is Y2K
compliant.

Here's a key fact that seems to get overlooked. PCs that aren't compliant
*will* continue to work. They'll just be confused about the date. In many
cases you can correct the date with the Date and Time control panel and all
will be well. With computers that just refuse to enter the next century,
you'll have to check with the manufacturer for a BIOS update. But unless
it's important to you that files be correctly dated (and it could be if you
use your computer to maintain your finances, run a business, etc.) it might
be easiest to live with the incorrect date.

If there's software you rely on, check for Y2K updates and install them now.
I use Updates.Com (http://www.updates.com) to check my system regularly. Of
particular note, if you use Netscape Navigator/Communicator version 4.06 or
older, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.5 for Macintosh, you should update
now. Some ecommerce sites won't work tomorrow due to expiring certificates.
You can read all about it at http://updates.zdnet.com/articles/ax_50877.htm.

If you use custom software and you still haven't verified its Y2K
compliance, it's probably too late. Just sit back, let the clock tick over,
and see what develops. It's been my experience that the worst thing about
the Y2K bug is the anxiety. The most important thing to do now is spend time
with family and friends and look forward to a happy, healthy, and prosperous
2000.

Happy New Year, everyone. Stay safe and I'll see you Monday!

Leo