More than one-third of Americans are unaware of the Year 2000 computer bug, according to a new survey of awareness among consumers. The study, conducted by International Data Group (IDG), found only 62 per cent of 643 people surveyed were aware of the computer problem surrounding the 2000 dateline.

However, the 400 respondents with a working knowledge of the problem were not alarmed by it. Half were "not at all concerned" about it affecting them personally, and 80 per cent were confident the problem would be fixed before the dawn of the millennium.

Conversely, earlier surveys conducted by IDG's CIO magazine among technology and business executives charged with fixing the problem, indicated only 17 per cent were confident the glitch would be fixed on time.