UNIX time() call

From: Mike Whorley <Mike.Whorley_at_coda.com>
Date: Thu, 09 Aug 2001 16:35:28 +0100

Fellow Managers,

I've had a couple of emails from concerned parties regarding the potential
for operating system / application failure on 9 September 2001 due to UNIX
time() system call

Here is an excerpt :-

"The UNIX time() system call is used to determine the number of seconds that
have
elapsed between 1 January, 1970 and the current system time. It is often
used
to provide a timestamp in files, databases etc.

It has been brought to my attention that shortly before 2am on 9 September,
2001, the time() system call will yield a value which uses 10 digits for the
first time. It is just possible that this could cause some applications to
break. "

In general is the Unix community concerned about this or is it highly
unlikely to be of any significance.

Have people taken any measures to deal with this ?

Regards,
Mike.


> __________________________________
> Mike Whorley
> Systems Administrator
>
> CODA plc
> Cardale Park, Beckwith Head Road
> Harrogate, HG3 1RY, England
>
> Tel +44 (0)1423 509999
> Direct +44 (0)1423 537934
> Mob +44 (0)7775 720259
> Fax +44 (0)1423 537862
>
> email mike.whorley_at_coda.com
> web http://www.coda.com
> __________________________________
>
Received on Thu Aug 09 2001 - 15:37:10 NZST

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Wed Nov 08 2023 - 11:53:42 NZDT