2031

[mikeshn]

I read probably a rumor that Linux/Unix will die in 2031. Because Linux use 32bits registers. Also the time represents in seconds, threrefore by 2031 the Linux will die becase of this problem, similar to 2k problem. True or Not?

 

[n0cmonkey]

I thought it was 2032. And this will only be a factor if we do not move to 64bit chips by then. What are the chances we will continue to use outdated technologies like 32bit chips? Not good. Plus there will probably be a work-around. The problem is that the date is counted in seconds up from Jan 1, 1970(?). In 2032 all 32 bits will be full. So its the UNIX Epoch, or the millenium bug for UNIX-like systems. I wouldnt worry about it too much.

 

[Nothinman]

If anyone still has a 32-bit machine that still uses a 4 byte integer to hold the date (seconds since the epoch) it'll just roll over and screw up the date, like all the Windows PCs affected by millenium bug although it's much more feasible there will be no 32-bit machines (and those that are around will probably have this fixed by using a larger data type) by that time.

 

[Blayze]

interesting, but by 2031/2032 we will not be using our current processors or linux installs...

 

[Nothinman]

interesting, but by 2031/2032 we will not be using our current processors or linux installs...

I probably won't have the same hardware setup, but I guarantee I'll never reinstall my current Linux install =)

 

[Vadatajs]

<< I thought it was 2032. And this will only be a factor if we do not move to 64bit chips by then. What are the chances we will continue to use outdated technologies like 32bit chips? Not good. Plus there will probably be a work-around. The problem is that the date is counted in seconds up from Jan 1, 1970(?). In 2032 all 32 bits will be full. So its the UNIX Epoch, or the millenium bug for UNIX-like systems. I wouldnt worry about it too much. >>



No offense, but that's exactly what they said about the y2k switch and 2 digit dates for the year.

 

[n0cmonkey]

<<

<< I thought it was 2032. And this will only be a factor if we do not move to 64bit chips by then. What are the chances we will continue to use outdated technologies like 32bit chips? Not good. Plus there will probably be a work-around. The problem is that the date is counted in seconds up from Jan 1, 1970(?). In 2032 all 32 bits will be full. So its the UNIX Epoch, or the millenium bug for UNIX-like systems. I wouldnt worry about it too much. >>



No offense, but that's exactly what they said about the y2k switch and 2 digit dates for the year. >>



None taken. But AMD and Intel are now working on 64 bit chips. They should be usable in 30 years. Other companies already have working 64bit chips.

 

[Nothinman]

No offense, but that's exactly what they said about the y2k switch and 2 digit dates for the year.

Like n0c said, Intel and AMD both have ~30 years to get their chips doing something productive. And even if they don't and my x86 boxes all blow up, I'll just get another Alpha or UltraSparc.