2. Network Time Protocol (NTP)

Issue

Most recent operating systems include support for the Network Time Protocol (NTP), meaning they can synchronize the local clock to a time server over the network. For example, Apple and Microsoft both provide NTP servers on the Internet that their systems can use. Note, however, that time zone information is not updated through NTP. Time is synchronized in terms of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) so time zones don’t factor into NTP at all.

Recommendation

If a computer hasn’t been updated with the new DST starting and ending dates, users may be tempted to manually set the clock to compensate. This won’t be effective for very long if the computer is synchronizing its time to a time server, since the clock will soon revert back to the way it was. If the new DST rules can’t be applied by a software update, a better work-around is to change the time zone setting, not the time. Choosing the time zone to your east will normally achieve the desired result and will remain correct even if your clock is being synchronized over the network. After the extended DST weeks are over, the time zone will need to be put back to the normal setting.