Configuring time zone data

To add new or update existing time zone entries, use the Time Zone Data form. Initialized system data contains standard time zone names, but any time zone name can be specified as needed.  If legislation changes the time zone in a particular area, that information can be updated on this form.

Daylight Saving Time has a start day and an end day.  This is specified as the first, second, third, fourth, or last weekday of the month.  For example, Central Standard Time has a Daylight Saving Time of one hour that starts on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November.

  1. When you add or update a time zone entry, specify the Offset Minutes for the time zone.
    This is the offset to be used for translation, in minutes. The offset is the difference, in minutes, between Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and local time. All translations between UTC and local time are based on this formula:

    UTC = local time + offset minutes

  2. For Daylight Saving Time, provide this information:
    Offset Minutes
    Specify the offset to be used for translation, in minutes. This is usually 60, which is added to the local time.
    Start Month
    Specify the month when the Daylight Saving Time starts.
    Start Week
    Specify the week when the Daylight Saving Time starts. You can select from the list whether the start week is the first, second, third, or last week of the Start Month.
    Start Day
    Specify the day when the Daylight Saving Time starts.
    End Month
    Specify the month when the Daylight Saving Time ends.
    End Week
    Specify the week when the Daylight Saving Time ends. You can select from the list whether the end week is the first, second, third, or last week of the End Month.
    End Day
    Specify the day when the Daylight Saving Time ends.