Spring Ahead, Fall Back!
SHA Newsletter: Vol. 3 No. 2
Daylight Saving Time is coming soon. This year it's coming even sooner than before! And DST will stay
around longer starting in 2007. Houston, we might have a problem.
The New DST
Under the old rules, Daylight Saving Time (DST) started on the first Sunday in April, and ended on the last Sunday in October. Starting this year, DST starts on the second Sunday in March (March 11 in 2007) and ends on the first Sunday in November (November 4 in 2007).
What's the Problem?
Because of the new rules, an unpatched computer or device will be one hour behind from the second Sunday of March until the first Sunday of April. That's because it will be slow to spring ahead to DST. Then it will be one hour ahead from the last Sunday in October until the first Sunday in November. In this case, it will fall back to Standard Time too soon.
Computers that aren't switched properly will get the dates on files and used in programs confused. This can cause trouble for content-management systems, databases, and any software that relies on date information. Meetings could be missed because the computer fails to switch the clock on the right days. You'll need to double check your important online deadlines this spring.
Some computers have their internal clocks set to a standard known as Universal Time, Coordinated (UTC). Some people know this by its older name of Greenwich Mean Time, or GMT. If your computer uses UTC consistently, it will be fine. UTC doesn't change through the year. However many computers, especially in offices and homes, are set up to report time based on the local timezone. They'll see date inconsistencies if their timezone data files aren't updated for 2007.
If your computer vendor supports your computer properly, it will provide you with the updates you need to keep your computer going. You'll also have to update any software that uses date and time information, such as your email program and calendar software. If you are not in the habit of updating your computer, now is a good time to check on it. If you've been holding on to some obsolete software or operating system, though, you might well be on your own. You'll have to update your computer's clock four times per year. Yuck.
Although many non-US countries will change their rules to be in sync with the United States, not everyone will. So you will want to be careful when scheduling meetings and sharing files with colleagues in other time zones.
What Else Is Affected?
Lots of things. Just because your computer is OK doesn't mean you'll be out of the woods.
Your TV and VCR: If you have consumer electronics which include calendars, such as VCRs and time-shifting devices, they might need an update. Most newer devices (less than about two years old) will be OK. Any devices that have the time set via your cable company or service provider, such as a set-top box, will be OK too. Older devices will have to be checked and set by hand.
Your cell phone: Again, newer devices will have been programmed to handle the new time rules, but devices more than a couple years old might not be.
Timer-controlled devices like sprinklers and lamps: These will have to be changed over earlier (and changed back later) this year.
In general, if you own something that includes a clock or calendar and it's more than about two years old, then it will probably need to have its time reset in the middle of March, at the start of April, at the end of October, and the beginning of November.
Are you traveling somewhere on the switching dates? Make sure your travel agent, railroad or airline is up-to-date too and working on the correct time.
Where Did This Come From?
Thank your Congressman. The new rules are part of the the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005. This is intended as an energy-conservation measure. The reasoning is that we'll use less energy because we'll have more hours of daylight for longer in the year. These rules aren't necessarily permanent though. Congress can change them back later if it wants to.
What About Smoke Detectors?
They don't have clocks, so they can't be affected by the time change. It's still a good idea to check your alarm and replace the battery when you change your clocks.
Please note: Any trademarks and trade names of others mentioned in this message are the property of their owners, and not Stoney Hill Associates, LLC. We respect the intellectual property of others. The information provided is believed to be reliable, but we cannot guarantee that the procedures and information given here will work correctly for your specific situation.
If you would like help with a computer or software problem you face, contact us. Send an email to request@stoneyhillassociates.com.
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