Juicio Final (2000)

Juicio Final (2000), translating to "Final Judgment (2000)" or "Judgment Day (2000)" in English, refers to a specific perceived threat of global societal disruption associated with potential computer malfunctions at the turn of the millennium. This concern arose from the widespread use of two-digit date fields in computer software and embedded systems. It was feared that on January 1, 2000, these systems would interpret "00" as 1900, leading to incorrect calculations, data corruption, and system failures across various industries and infrastructure.

The core issue stemmed from the practice of representing years using only two digits (e.g., "99" for 1999) to conserve memory and storage space, particularly prevalent in older systems. When the year 2000 arrived, computers relying on this system could potentially misinterpret "00" as 1900, leading to erroneous calculations involving dates. This was considered a significant problem because date calculations are essential for many business and government functions, including financial transactions, record keeping, and scheduling.

Anticipated consequences ranged from minor inconveniences like miscalculated bank statements to more serious problems such as disruptions to power grids, transportation systems, and financial markets. Extensive efforts were undertaken globally to identify and remediate these "Year 2000" or "Y2K" problems, involving software updates, system replacements, and extensive testing.

While some localized problems did occur, the widespread disruptions predicted by some did not materialize. The extensive preparation efforts and the inherent resilience of many systems mitigated the potential impact of the Y2K bug. Nevertheless, the Y2K scare serves as a significant example of the potential vulnerabilities of computer systems and the importance of proactive risk management in technology. The episode also highlighted the interconnectedness of global infrastructure and the necessity of international cooperation in addressing technological challenges.