As you may have heard in the news, the Internet will be rebooted today and is expected to be down for around one minute. A global consortium of ISPs and technology companies has called for the action following several periods of instability over the past few years.

A spokesman for the group commented:

People forget that the Internet has been running continuously since the 1970s. This reboot will provide greater stability for years to come. We’re also hoping it will result in fewer viagra and scam messages.

The plans have been meticulous and all information will be backed up to CD and tape drives. No one should lose data as a result of the reboot, but everyone is advised to:

Convert 1 April 11.59am UTC to their local time using a tool such as The World Clock Time Zone Converter. Shut down all Internet applications such as web browsers, email clients, and instant messengers shortly before the reboot. Wait at least a minute before restarting any applications.

The process is especially hazardous for the Internet technicians handling the restart. One specialist – who wished to remain anonymous – told us:

Some of the equipment down there is nearly 40 years old. There are missing fuses, exposed wires and unterminated cables: it will be dangerous. Anyone surfing the net or sending a large email attachment at 11.59 could easily electrocute one of my team.

How will your company handle the reboot downtime? Is the reboot necessary? Do you think it should have been done sooner? Let us know your opinions, but please be careful when you send them.