Change in daylight-saving time requires changes in computing systems

Change in daylight-saving time requires changes in computing systemsMarch 02, 2007Judy Holmesjlholmes@syr.edu

Two years ago, the U.S. Congress voted to extend daylight-saving time as an energy-saving measure. The new daylight-saving time schedule will go into effect on March 11 — instead of April — and will end the first Sunday in November; people across the nation will turn their clocks ahead one hour. The new schedule requires changes to all devices that automatically manage daylight-saving time, with computers and computer applications particularly affected.

Syracuse University’s Information Technology and Services (ITS) is in the process of applying the daylight-saving time patch to all central computing systems and services to avoid problems when the change takes effect next week. Departmental computing staff members are similarly working on their local computer systems.

ITS expects that all of SU’s central computing systems will operate normally after daylight-saving time goes into effect March 11. However, due to the many system interconnections and other variables related to this process, clients may notice that some applications that are time-sensitive may display incorrect information. Some of these known issues are being addressed for centrally maintained systems, however, clients and departmental computing staff may need to work with local systems.

STUDENTS: All students should ensure that their computers are configured to automatically install operating system updates from the vendor. Microsoft Windows XP and Macintosh OS X both have this feature built in. Make sure the automatic updates feature is “enabled.” Additionally, some applications may require updates (particularly calendaring applications). Students should check with software vendors to see if updates are required. For more information, call ITS at 443-2677 or visit one of the ITS Student Computing Support Centers.

FACULTY AND STAFF: Faculty and staff should contact their departmental computing support person with questions or concerns about their departmental computer regarding the daylight-saving time change.

For personally owned computers, or computers that are not supported or maintained by SU departmental computing staff, individuals should apply the steps listed above for students.