Daylight saving time
Mar. 7th, 2007 08:25 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
wowie
Q. I’ve heard that there is going to be a big problem when we switch to daylight-saving time this year. Since it is happening earlier, computers aren’t going to be able to handle the change. Will this affect computers everywhere? And what about our home computers? I’m worried.
A. This is a bit reminiscent of the Y2K crisis. But don’t start hoarding water and canned goods! Most people have nothing to worry about.
This year, daylight-saving time will begin three weeks earlier on March 11. It will also end a week later. This is enough to confuse most people.
But it has the potential to create troubles with your computer. Computers automatically adjust their clock to daylight-saving time. However, the date that daylight-saving time kicks in is programmed into the software.
Daylight-saving time was changed due to the 2005 Energy Policy Act. So your computer could have the incorrect date to switch.
This is inconvenient. But you could probably work around it. However, Microsoft has already pushed out a patch for Windows XP. So if you have XP, and it’s updated, you’re OK. If you haven’t updated XP lately, now is a good time.
The change was built in to both Windows Vista and Office 2007. So you don’t have to worry about it.
Most software uses the Windows clock, so your software should be fine, too. But if you’re uncertain, check with manufacturers for a patch.
The Microsoft patch requires Windows XP Service Pack 2. If you’re still on Service Pack 1, you’re out of luck. You should upgrade to Service Pack 2.
Businesses could be hit hard by the switch. They often have custom systems that will need to be updated. But that is unlikely to have serious impacts on individuals.
Now, there are a couple of things you should consider. For three weeks after March 11, you’ll want to be careful when making appointments via Outlook. Even though your calendar is correct, the other party’s might not be. Call to confirm if in doubt.
Other gadgets around the house may also have problems. You’re probably used to changing the dates manually. But if they update automatically for daylight-saving time, contact the manufacturer. There may be patches to fix them.
You should also pay attention to the calendar on your phone, handheld or smartphone. These will likely need patches. Check your manufacturer’s support site.
To find out if you need to update Windows or your Windows phone, visit Microsoft’s site.
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no subject
Date: 2007-03-07 01:29 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-03-07 01:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-03-07 02:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-03-07 04:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-03-07 04:45 pm (UTC)Most big companies already have their tech folks working on this. We have a friend who's not gotten any sleep for the last weeks going to sites to install patches! Nuts! I'm just glad because it will be lighter later at the T ball field!
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Date: 2007-03-07 05:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-03-07 06:27 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-03-07 07:12 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-03-07 07:21 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-03-07 07:29 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-03-07 11:49 pm (UTC)I have Windows XP, but I don't know if I have Service Pack 1 or 2. Guess now would be a good time to check.
no subject
Date: 2007-03-08 12:05 am (UTC)winver
you can see what version of Windows you have. :)
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Date: 2007-03-08 05:19 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-03-08 09:18 pm (UTC)