This thread has been put together specifically for those of you who are relatively new to Y2K. It is a collection of other threads that were started with newcomers to Y2K (a.k.a. newbies) in mind. Each has a brief description of what the thread is about, a hotlink, and the url for the thread. Simply click on the hotlink to open it right here on this thread, or you can right-click on the hotlink and then select 'open in new window'. If for any reason the hotlink doesn't work, you can still copy/paste the url and go to the thread that way.

I hope that you find the information helpful and time-saving in your efforts to understand and prepare for Y2K. Good luck to all of you, and welcome to the Forum.

The first ten threads are a subset from my series specifically started for Y2K newcomers.

1 There is a difference between what you may want to know about Y2K and what you actually need to know. Here is what you need to know. There is also a link on this thread to the wonderful "classic" preparation archives that Brian created.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000ebS

New to Y2K? What you need to know

2 This was the first thread in the series. It discusses how to mentally prepare for new or unexpected situations by thinking about various possibilities ahead of time, instead of waiting for "What do we do now" to happen.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000Rlr

What do we do now?

3 This thread encourages you to think twice before accepting opinions and to question what you hear and read.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000S0B

New to Y2K? Question what you hear and read

4 Those of you thinking about relocating will want to read the link on this thread, where pros and cons are discussed and the risks and benefits of your current location are examined.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000ac9

Risks and Benefits of Your Current Location

5 This is about the benefits of knowing who your neighbors are and them knowing you, so that you can face uncertainty and possibly adversity together.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000i2W

Get to know your neighbors

6 Not all preparations are prudent. This thread discusses how to prepare so that you will minimize having regrets later.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000iTj

Preparation and Regrets

7 Worrying about any uncertainty, including Y2K, is normal. We all do it. By thinking about what you do or don't have control over, you can reduce needless worry and focus yourself on solving problems that you can control.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000nAW

New to Y2K? What are you worried about?

8 This thread encourages you to start preparing now for uncertainty. Not later, now.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000qnN

New to Y2K? Start Preparing Now

9 Anyone who is thinking about preparing for Y2K asks the question "How long should I prepare for". That is the subject of this thread.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000wjO

New to Y2K? How long a disruption period to prepare for?

10 So many of us who are Y2K aware and are preparing are mocked and laughed at by those who do not take Y2K seriously. This thread offers some comfort and discusses the fact that you are not alone after all.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000xfk

New to Y2K? Take some comfort in the fact that you are not alone

11 The following thread has information about the Forum itself, some of its participants, links to things like how to use html, etc. It should be helpful if you're interested in finding out more about the Forum.

The url is: http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000I05

New to the Forum? README

The following threads contain valuable links that some consider to be "must reading", especially for newcomers to Y2K. Check them out.

12 One of the very best threads for newcomers ever posted on the Forum is the following one that Kevin created.

The url is: http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000UdL

Y2K news articles and items for newcomers

13 Another outstanding post for newcomers is the following one by Arnie Rimmer.

The url is: http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000ZaR

New To Y2K? 3 Recent Documents To Get You Started

14 Here is a more recent thread about the forum itself that was started with newbies in mind by Sandmann. It gives you a flavor for the current "mood" of the forum. Some very helpful links were added to the thread specifically for Y2K newcomers.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=0010sn

For Those of You Who Are New to Y2K and/or to This Forum

Forum vets: Basically, all I am trying to do is create a kind of 'one-stop shop' for newbies that come to the forum so that they can get a jumpstart. I am sure that I have missed some really good threads for Y2K newcomers. If you have created threads specifically to try and help the newbies, then please consider adding them here or compiling them onto your own thread under the new category "Y2K for Newcomers". Thanks, Rob.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), July 15, 1999

Answers

Thanks for all the hard work Rob.

This thread now resides under the new (easier to find) category "Y2K For Newcomers (New)."

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), July 15, 1999.

And another good place to visit for a more sane look would be here:

http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb237006

-- (a@aaa.hole), July 15, 1999.

And don't forget to visit the...

NEW!!!

TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000) Preparation Forum (Y2K Prep Only Discussions)

http:// www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a.tcl?topic= TimeBomb%202000%20%28Y2000%29%20Preparation%20Forum

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), July 15, 1999.

Thanks muchly for this valuable compilation, Rob. Would you consider reposting it periodically, as Stan Faryna has done with his newcomer info? Even though there's a new category for newcomers in the archives now (thanks Forum Moderators!), newbies don't always know how to find their way to the directory.

-- RUOK (RUOK@yesiam.com), July 15, 1999.

For those of you tempted to visit the site mentioned by the appropriately-named aaa.hole above, be warned that it is the Debunking Y2K site and displays your ISP number on your post. (The ISP number can be run through WhoIs by anyone to identify the Internet Service Provider you use.)

Rob, very nice job.

-- OutingsR (us@here.yar), July 15, 1999.

Admirable effort Rob.

Just my 2 cents FWIW... The info/links provided under item #12 are extremely outdated. Some are general enough to "maybe" still apply, but for the most part the others would definitely give newbies the wrong impression as to the current state of Y2k.

-- CD (not@here.com), July 15, 1999.

very nice work, rob!

-- Cowardly Lion (cl0001@hotmail.com), July 15, 1999.

RUOK: I will send the thread to the top when I pop by the forum, and other posters can feel free to do the same if I am not around for a week so, which sometimes happens. Funny you mentioned Stan. I looked in the archives, in several sections, for his newcomer threads by searching for 'newcomers' and 'new to y2k' but couldn't find any. Hopefully he will see this thread. BFN, Rob.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), July 16, 1999.

To the top for the newbies.

-- (sonofdust@net.com), July 17, 1999.

Up to recent answers for the Y2K newcomers.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), July 21, 1999.

Up, up, and away!

-- J (jart5@bellsouth.net), July 28, 1999.

Jart5: Thanks for sending this up for the newbies while I was away.

A second part that contains the remaining threads in the "newbie series" has just been created. The url is: http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=001ASc

and it is called "Y2K for Newcomers - Part II".

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), July 31, 1999.

Y2K for Newcomers - Part II

-- (sonofdust@net.com), August 07, 1999.

To the top once again for the newbies.

-- (sonofdust@net.com), August 22, 1999.

Up to recent answers for Y2K Newcomers.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), August 31, 1999.

Up, up and away again.

-- (up@tothe.top), September 05, 1999.

To Recent Answers for the newbies.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), September 13, 1999.

welcome newbees

-- (to@the.top), September 21, 1999.

To Recent Answers for Y2K Newcomers

-- (back@up.now), September 27, 1999.

Newbies: A category called "Y2K for Newcomers" has been created. You can find it towards the bottom of the "New Questions" page.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), September 28, 1999.

90 days to go. Get moving!

-- (sonofdust@get.moving), October 02, 1999.

Top.

-- (up@again.now), October 06, 1999.

80 days to go until rollover. How much longer will there even be newbies to try and help? Probably right to the very end.

So back to the top for all of you Y2K Newcomers.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@prepare.now), October 12, 1999.

It is better to have something and not need it than to need something and not have it. Think about it.

Prepare newbies, prepare.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@prepare.now), October 18, 1999.

To recent answers.

-- (recent@nswers.now), October 23, 1999.

Once again, topside!

-- (sonofdust@help.newbies), October 31, 1999.

Life is full of uncertainty, including Y2K uncertainty.

Prepare as best you can for uncertain times. The time to prepare is before a problem happens, not during it. It's your choice.

Choose well.

-- (sonofdust@55days.togo), November 06, 1999.

Back up to recent answers.

-- (sonofdust@top.side), November 12, 1999.

Welcome Y2K newcomers!

-- (to@the.top), November 25, 1999.

To recent answers again for the newcomers.

-- (28days@to.go), December 04, 1999.

To recent answers for the nubees.

-- (8d@ys.to.go), December 23, 1999.