My son, who is a systems engineer for a computer service company, told me that they are advising all clients to completely "power down" all computers that are not essential when they leave work today. The engineers themselves all plan to have their personal computer equipment completely unplugged from external power sources before the 12 midnight turnover. Someone else just passed on this tidbit: a Hewlett Packard spokesperson on CNN suggests that everyone "power down" (i.e. turn off their PCs) a few minutes before midnight, at least, after backing up all info & making hard copies of all important information. Also, we are being advised NOT to check our phone lines by attempting to dial up once the clock strikes 12. These suggestions are intended to REDUCE the need for services, thereby eliminating the strain on power and information grids that usually occurs at such times. Best wishes for a happy holiday! JS List custodian ____________________________ James Shuman, art instructor Modesto High School jshuman@telis.org ____________________________