Computers must be updated before time change

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March 7, 2007

Get ready to move your clocks ahead by an hour this weekend, but remember to update your computers first.

The switch to Daylight Saving Time (DST) is set to take place this weekend on Sunday, March 11 at 2 a.m., which is three weeks earlier than in past years.

This will impact computer systems and electronic devices that are programmed to automatically switch to DST on the first Saturday in April.

McMaster's Computer Services Unit has alerted all employees of the University to ensure their computers are properly updated with the patches available from various manufacturers of computer hardware and software.

All individuals are required to perform this check on their computers and make necessary changes to their electronic calendars in order to avert problems related to the earlier switch to DST. These updates should be completed before March 11.

The following is the complete text of the e-mail from CSU providing the details of how to update your computer.

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Due to the switch to Daylight Saving Time on March 11, 2007, ALL users of computers and PDAs (personal digital assistants) MUST ensure these devices are properly updated BEFORE the switch.

Customers using Microsoft Windows Operating Systems, Microsoft Office, and Macintosh systems are affected by the change and need to download the appropriate patches.

To accommodate the required DST change to your Windows, Macintosh or PDA systems, you must first update your operating system.

Additional steps are required to ensure your calendar function is properly updated. Please see the summary instructions below for your specific system:

Microsoft Windows XP and 2000 users: click here and follow instructions provided for your specific version of Windows (be sure to check your Windows version before clicking the link).

Macintosh users: click here and follow instructions provided.

PDA users:

  • BlackBerry patch
  • Palm patch
  • Windows Mobile/Windows CE: click here and follow the instructions provided to update your devices.

    Calendar users:

  • Corporate Calendar clients must manually adjust all existing scheduled events from March 11, 2007 to April 1, 2007 and October 28, 2007 to November 4, 2007 back by one hour in order to restore their former start times.
  • Outlook Calendar: click here.

    Note that the appointment times may be affected by the settings of another person inviting you to a meeting, even if your system has all patches applied.

    For more information on Daylight Savings Time, please refer to the UTS website.

    UTS is applying patches to all critical systems to ensure readiness for the upcoming time change (servers, telecommunications services, lab doors, etc.). Please contact your designated support personnel for further assistance.