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FAST FACTS: Daylight Saving Time Changes

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FAST FACTS: Daylight Saving Time Changes

(CBS4) That's when daylight saving time will start SUNDAY, MARCH 11TH, three weeks earlier than usual, in most of the U.S. and Canada.

In an attempt to save electricity, the U.S. Congress introduced a provision in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 mandating that clocks "spring forward" three weeks earlier.

Some people are worry about a mini Y2K but most experts say it's nothing like that. A few simple steps can make sure your technology keeps track with the time on your clock.

DST RESOURCES
CBS News Interactive: Spring Forward

Adjusting To An Early Daylight Savings' Arrival

Sunday's Daylight Saving May Cause Problems

Is Early Daylight Savings The Next Y2K Scare?

Video: Computer Chaos With DST Change

 National Institute of Standards DST Facts



Your computer's operating system may need to be adjusted to handle the change to new Daylight Savings Time rules.

 Microsoft Windows Daylight Saving Time Information and Patches

 Blackberry

 Palm

 Apple Computers

 Other Devices and Computer Operating Systems






COMPUTERS
If you run a Windows program on your computer and you have Vista, there is nothing you need to do. Vista will automatically take care of the time change for you. If you have XP or a slightly older version of Windows, download a patch. From the Windows Update page, or it's done automatically if your settings are pre-set. With Windows 2000, a patch is also required.


--If you're still using Mac OS X 10.2.8 or earlier, you can adjust your clock manually using Date and Time preferences. Deselect the option to set date and time automatically, then set the time for your local time zone as needed.

As the daylight saving time change has caused an immense amount of inconvenience for consumers. Microsoft has issued a patch for updating your computer. At www.support.com, they are offering free expert assistance in installing this patch and navigating any additional issues.

Also, if you call 1-800-PC-Support (800-727-8776), their solutions engineers can either walk you through download and install of the patch or they can take remote control of your computer and do it for you at no cost.

# Cell phones should just adjust to the time based on the carrier and the signal from the cell tower, but always good to double-check with your provider.

BLACKBERRY
A patch may be downloaded HERE

And most of all don't forget to synchronize.

Appointments and their reminders might appear one hour late on your BlackBerry device if the appointments start in one of the following windows in any year:
--Between the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in April (for example, March 11 2007 to April 1 2007)
--Between the last Sunday in October and the first Sunday in November (for example, October 28 2007 to November 4 2007)

In addition to the display time on the BlackBerry device not transitioning correctly when the new Daylight Saving Time (DST) start and ends dates occur, there is an impact to the calendar features on the BlackBerry device.
The way a calendar appointment is affected depends on whether it was created using an old DST table (i.e. no patch applied) with historical DST information or using a new DST table (i.e. after patch is applied) with the updated 2007 DST information.

TIVO
TiVo has reported that their earlier series machines will show a slight off-time, but likely won't affect the recordings. Newer machines should be fine.
TiVO Daylight Saving Time Information Here
Most DVRs (digital video recorders), SUCH AS MACHINES FROM DIRECTV, DISH NETWORK, AND CABLE COMPANIES should update automatically.
Series3 TiVo DVRs, running 8.1.1 are fully compatible with the new DST schedule. All functions and displays will change as expected. If you are setting up a new Series3, it will not have 8.1.1 software immediately. While the DVR will update automatically within 2 days, you can speed up the download by making a manual connection to the TiVo Service.

While Series2 TiVo DVRs, running 8.1a are fully compatible with the new DST schedule, they do have one minor display issue that will be visible for programs airing the evening of March 10. At the moment of the DST change at Greenwich Mean Time, the clock in the TiVo banner and guide will display an hour ahead, but all programmed recordings will be recorded at the correct time. Once your local time reaches DST, the issue will automatically correct itself and your TiVo DVR will display the correct time. This is a display issue only, and will not affect recording.

NOT CONNECTED TO A NETWORK?
Anything without a network connection or a way to update them will need to be done manually. That includes digital cameras, cordless phones, VCRs, DVD players, clock radios and microwaves.

The bottom line: It won't be catastrophic in any way. Worst-case scenario: you're off by an hour. That may affect some things like hotel wake-up calls, meeting times, financial payments and cell phone billing. But most companies have this situation well in hand.


(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)