Keeping in sync with daylight-saving time

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- We're springing forward three weeks early this year and that could cause some computer and gadget headaches. We'll give you the preparation tools you need to navigate through this year's time change.

The warnings surrounding this year's daylight-saving time change is reminiscent of the warnings about the Y2K bug. But just like in 2000, the hype about the time change is mostly just that.

The earlier daylight-saving time, which was implemented by Congress as a way to conserve energy, will throw a few computers and smart gadgets for a loop because they're automatically programmed to change the time on the old date on April 1st.

As a result, the worst that can happen is that you're an hour late to a meeting or someone calls you at the wrong time. But computer programmers and IT departments have known about the DST change for at least a year, says Lance Ulanoff of PC Magazine.

Almost any computer or operating system that was programmed before 2005 won't be ready to handle the change. That means most calendar software like Outlook 2003 and computer systems like Windows XP and Apple's OS X, will need to have the new time programmed in.

The clocks on your microwave, digital camera, camcorder and a personal digital assistant or PDA may also need fixing.

Expect the controllers that automatically lock and unlock doors or set alarm systems to be off-kilter. And don't forget about adjusting your programmable thermostats and coffeemakers.

If you don't have Microsoft Vista and you have an older computer that doesn't have an automatic update feature, expect to do some work. Microsoft and Apple have released software patches to adjust the clocks on your computer. Go to Microsoft.com and Apple.com to download these fixes. Or simply change the time on your desktop manually.

It's a good idea to keep something on your desk with the correct time, in case your computer doesn't so you can be sure your computer is telling the correct time, says Ulanoff.

If you have a PDA like a Palm or a Blackberry, you should also go to their respective Web sites to see what you need to do. And remember, this time change problem will happen again in November when daylight saving ends later than usual.

The decision to extend daylight-saving time affects only the United States and Canada. So if you're accustomed to making a lot of international calls, keep in mind that someone overseas may not have any idea about the time change.

And remember to be on the lookout for scam artists. During the next two weeks consumers may receive a number of e-mail offers that promise to fix the daylight-saving time problem, pretending to be your bank or your credit card issuer.

Remember, never give away any information about you or your financial affairs. If you have questions about your software or other gadgets, you should go directly to the source, by calling the company directly or visiting their Web site.

Complain better, get what's coming to you

Volatile stock market survival guide

Insurance and tornados - are you covered?

Easing money tensions

Gerri's Mailbox: Got questions about your money? We want to hear them! Send e-mails to toptips@cnn.com or click here - each week, we'll answer questions on CNN, Headline News and CNNMoney.com.