This page remains here merely as a curious historical artifact.
Don't be surprised when the links don't work!
Presented below is an outline of the Y2K status of all our major computer systems and computer-driven facilities. Hyperlinks in this outline typically point directly to the relevant Y2K statements made available by the developers of the software or the manufacturers of the equipment.
Any systems not listed are systems with either no computer dependencies or systems that are the responsibility of the University. Our 1950s vintage Tandem van de Graaff, for instance, has no computer controls, and the power used to run it is provided by KSU (literally, since the Tandem is on the "old power" inner campus distribution net).
Computer Hardware and Operating Systems
- PDP-11 and RSX-11M
Digital transferred control of their PDP-11 and RSX properties to Mentec in 1994. The Linac control computer uses these systems running specialized Fortran programming. RSX does not generally set the real-time clock correctly after 01 Jan 2000, but the effects are limited to convenience time-stamping functions. These venerable components will likely be replaced by our new Vista-derived system by Spring 2000 anyway.
- MicroVaxes and VMS
Compaq verifies that there are no issues with our VMS -based systems. This is true of Compaq Fortran as well. We should thus have no problems with data acquisition or analysis.
- Motorola MVME Front-Ends and pSOS+
Motorola reports no problems with our data-acquisition front-end preprocessors. They run the pSOS+ real-time OS, which is certified by Integrated Systems.
- Sun Servers and Solaris
The departmental unix system is the responsibility of the Physics Computing Support Center. We rely on this system for network connectivity and C language cross-compilations. Sun reports that both our Ultra 10s and our SparcStation 5s are compliant, and that our current patch level of Solaris will keep working.
- Intel-based PCs and Win32/NDS
There are generally no hardware issues with Intel microprocessors and motherboards; there are issues with some older BIOSes. Similarly, when run at the latest patch levels there should be no problem with Microsoft Windows NT Server, Windows NT Workstation, or Windows 95/98. The vast majority of our machines are running NT along with Novell Directory Services. We have checked the older machines running Win95 for specialized tasks to insure their operation, and have spot-checked a representative sample of NT boxes. No problems were found.
- PDP-11 and RSX-11M
Applications Software
The following are the Lab's principal productivity applications. Their vendors report that they have no significant Y2K risks.
- CadKey
- Compaq Fortran
- Corel Draw & WordPerfect Suite
- Hummingbird eXceed
- Microcal Origin
- Microsoft Office 97
- Microsoft Office 2000
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Netscape Communicator
- Vista Control Systems Vsystem
Besides the above, we rely on the non-commercial VMS-based XSYS data-acquisition system. Our extensive experience with this system and close communication with its author gives us every confidence in its reliability.
This JRM Lab web site is hosted by the departmental unix system and should not experience any difficulties. The online beamtime scheduling system was designed from the beginning to be Y2K compliant.
Embedded Controllers
While there are a great many embedded microprocessors in the lab, none of them have any critical real-time, scheduled functions that might be affected by the Y2K rollover. In almost all cases our safety and equipment protection systems continue to operate independently of any computing failure.
The following areas of lab operations have systems with embedded controllers. The manufacturers have confirmed their products' readiness via their web sites or via private e-mail communications.
- Safety Systems
- Data Systems & Electronics
- BiRa CAMAC Components
- Black Box Network Bridges
- EG&G/Ortec Electronics
- Group3 Controls
- Keithley DAQ Systems
- Kinetic Systems CAMAC Components
- LeCroy Electronics & Oscilloscopes
- National Instruments DAQ Systems
- Tektronix Oscilloscopes
- WaveTek Function Generators
Some of our network bridges are obsolete or otherwise unsupported products, but we do not believe that these bridges have any clock-dependent functions.
- Vacuum Systems
Our actual vacuum interlocks and protection systems are analog systems that have been built in-house. So long as the data from the above devices is valid, they will continue to function properly.
- Cryogenics
The liquid helium refrigerator and the cryogenics distribution system is monitored and controlled by a computer program developed in-house. This program uses dates for time-stamping and data archiving only, is thoroughly understood and has been checked for Y2K anomalies.
- General Lab Support
- Safety Systems
Y2K Outside the JRM Lab
Obviously, we rely on a great many services from sources outside of our control. Fortunately, Kansas State University and the State of Kansas have both been very pro-active in resolving potential Y2K problems. The links below take you to the central Y2K web sites for entities vaster than JRML.
