Subj : 2038: still be running a BBS?
To   : Sean Dennis
From : August Abolins
Date : Mon Mar 22 2021 22:52:00

Hello Sean!

** On Monday 22.03.21 - 21:18, you wrote to me:

 AA>> The workaround is probably to only use apps that do not
 AA>> rely on dates whatsover.   ???

 SD> It depends on what language the program is written in.  If
 SD> it's C, just use a time library that uses an 8-byte time
 SD> instead of 4-byte.

That is a fine solution for programs that can still be  
recompiled.  But it appears that legacy 16/32bit programs that  
are nolonger supported, will have a DOA in 2038, no?

That means that all the programs that people have so feverishly  
archived and play with using retro computers or using modern  
computers with 16/32bit VMs/OSes, will be rendered useless?

 SD> I seriously doubt by 2038 I will still be running a BBS but
 SD> that's only 17 years away.  I've been running a BBS for 25
 SD> years so what's another 17 years?  I will probably have to
 SD> switch to Linux then since I doubt IBM will allow OS/2 to
 SD> be ported to 64 bit.

Hey.. I just heard that William Shatner turned 90yrs. That's  
about 30yrs more than me. He does NOT look 90!  I know people  
who are a bit older than me and less than 70 are in much worse  
shape. Anyway.. Shatner makes another 30 years seems like a walk  
in the park.  Who knows.. maybe some of us here will be just as  
spry to keep BBSing in people's minds.  And 17 years to 2038 is  
a long way from 90!  I'd start worrying at 2050. :D

--
  ../|ug

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