Computer Bytes - No. 41 A reader asked, "The time is off on my computer. Can I correct the time?". Yes, it is not a problem to change the time or date for that matter on your computer. However, if the time is incorrect or if the clock has stopped working, there are a few things to check out. The first thing that comes to mind is the computer's battery. Yes, your computer has a battery to keep its clock running - just like your Quartz wristwatch. This is so that when you turn your computer off, the clock continues to keep time. If your computer clock time is lagging or not working at all, this should be the first thing you check. If you are familiar with computers it is not difficult to replace. However, if you are not familiar with the workings of the hardware and are uncomfortable opening up the CPU, I recommend you have the battery replaced by a qualified professional. There are a couple of other reasons your computer clock may be off. Recently installed software may be the problem if the program is in conflict with your Operating System. If you are an exact hour off, check to see if your computer allowed for Daylight Savings Time (DST). DST was moved up three weeks in 2005 so if your computer is running on an older OS system, it may not have picked up the new DST dates. If you are running an older version of Windows, Microsoft has a patch available for download that will correct this problem. To change the date or time using Vista, XP or most other versions of Windows you can place the cursor over the time/date area and right click the mouse. This will open a menu box that will allow you to change the time or date. Double clicking in the date/time area will open the same menu box. From the menu box you can select 'Date & Time', 'Time Zone', or 'Internet Time'. Also, this menu box will allow you to select 'Automatic Daylight Savings' changes. You should find the checkbox for this function under the 'Time Zone' tab. In any case, once you have made your changes, select 'Apply'. Opening the date/time menu box is also a handy way to check for days and dates if you don't have a calendar handy. For interesting earth facts relating to time, visit www.poodwaddle.com. They have online clocks continuously running that tabulate the rates of births, building of cars and computers and more. They also offer links for other interesting earth facts, as well as clock-related downloads all free. Moncrief Web2 Home Page Moncrief Web Design Computer Bytes Index Web Design | Search Engine Optimization | Site Maintenance & Management | Request Information | About Us ~ Sample Sites Send Us an Email | Home Page Copyright 2007-2008. All rights reserved. Computer Bytes articles may not be reprinted, published, quoted, copied, or used in any manner whatsoever without the expressed written permission of David Moncrief.