Bernard Rogers, a representative of Shaw's, outlined the complexity of the Y2K problem for his supermarket. He said the 170 Shaw's across New England process about 4.5 million transactions per week and that Shaw's restocks its shelves six times per week based on computer database sales from the previous day.

"The system is very, very intricate," he said.

Rogers said that Shaw's was compliant in April but is now working to bring its newly acquired Star Market stores into compliance before the deadline.

Several speakers likened the "coming storm" of the Y2K problem to a natural disaster such as a winter storm or Hurricane Floyd.

"It's not unlike a snow storm or a blizzard or a hurricane," Rogers said.

Occasionally speakers used some humor to lighten up the tone of their presentations.

"I have to admit that I will probably have a 2-day stash of Devil Dogs on hand," said Michael Walsh, a lieutenant in the Cambridge Police Department.