Daylight Saving Time on your computer

Daylight Saving Time comes early this year, thanks to a recent federal law change. We will "spring forward" this Sunday, March 11, by setting our clocks an hour later and we won't "fall back" until November 4. Because these time changes are built into the operating system of most of our computer-based devices, we normally don't have to give that much thought: our computers and all of their programs just update on their own.

But this year, we'll need to update the information our computers use to make that change. Some computers, especially those running Microsoft Vista and Microsoft XP with automatic updates enabled, will have already received the special update to accomplish this. Other computers and devices will require a manual download. Here are some places you can look to find more information specific to the versions you have on hand (or to help decide what it is you have):

• Microsoft's Daylight Saving Time Help and Support Center
• Daylight Saving Time on your Mac
• Is Your Windows XP Ready to Spring Forward?
• And there's even a patch for your Windows-operated cell phone: Updating Windows Mobile-powered devices for the new Daylight Saving Time

(via Librarians' Internet Index)

updated to add:

• And for other software than your basic operating system, The Calendaring and Scheduling Consortium offers Extended Daylight Saving Time Links, Advisories and Changes (via Brad)