Timezone Adjustment Hack

This is kinda hard to explain, but this hack basically detects when a user doesn't have their timezone set correctly (when their set time doesn't match their computer time). It gives the user a JavaScript prompt asking whether they would like to update their timezone. If they click "OK", it pops open a small window for a couple of seconds, updates the user's timezone offset accordingly in the database, and closes the window.

This is a beta!! I've played with it a little, and it appears to work *most of the time*. I'm releasing it in the hopes that someone can help me fix any errors that come up. (I expect errors to come up.)

It is important to note that the idea was inspired by FireFly's HiveMail, but the JavaScript is written completely by me. I previously asked about it (underestimating my own abilities, I guess) and was told that I had to get permission from Chen. I emailed him but haven't received a response, so I went ahead and wrote this. If any mods have a problem with this, just delete the thread and the hack.

This hack does not work for users in Newfoundland, since their offset is -3:30.

IF YOU DOWNLOADED THIS BEFORE 5:45 PM PDT ON 03/24/03, change all instances of "hi_timezoneoffset" to "hi_timezone" (disregard the quotes in both cases). Then, re-apply step 1.

IF YOU DOWNLOADED BEFORE 6:10 PM PDT ON 03/24/03, remove from your hi_timezone template the following:

	} else if (difference<0) {
		sdifference="-"+difference;

IF YOU DOWNLOADED BEFORE 7:35 PM PDT ON 3/28/03,
open global.php and replace:

  eval("\$timezonecheck = \"".gettemplate('hi_timezone')."\";");

with:

  $nowhours=vbdate("H",time());
  eval("\$timezonecheck = \"".gettemplate('hi_timezone')."\";");

Instructions are attached. Don't forget to upload updatezone.php as well! Enjoy!

[N!ck]

Update: I've tried this hack going both directions (positive AND negative), but I've only got it enabled for admins at the moment. Can anyone play with this some? Please? Thanks.

[Smoothie]

To find in index.php;

PHP Code:

require("./global.php"); 


I can find

PHP Code:

require('./global.php'); 


[Smoothie]

Installed, not working.

[alkatraz]

Great idea!
Not going to install it tho

[AlexanderT]

will definitely install it when it is working

[N!ck]

Yesterday at 10:43 PM Smoothie said this in Post #13
Installed, not working.

You're not a newbie. I shouldn't have to tell you that I need more details. What do you mean it doesn't work? WHAT doesn't work about it?

[Zelda-King]

Well, mine isn't working at all, even if I change the time on my computer clock and mess with my forum time offset. I assume it's supposed to take action whenever someone goes to index.php?

[N!ck]

You are correct. View the page source and make sure there's a JavaScript in the head section of your page that includes a function called checktime(). If you don't see it, perhaps you're not logged in. Or perhaps you haven't added all the templates.

[Zelda-King]

Actually that javascript isn't showing in my 'view source' but I have added/edited the templates and removed

} else if (difference<0) {
		sdifference="-"+difference;

from the hi_timezone template as you said. I've also gone over the file edits over and over. I'll check again later. (And I was logged in).

[Smoothie]

03-25-03 at 07:18 PM N!ck said this in Post #16


You're not a newbie. I shouldn't have to tell you that I need more details. What do you mean it doesn't work? WHAT doesn't work about it?

Woa, calm down there. Your desription of the hack;

This is kinda hard to explain, but this hack basically detects when a user doesn't have their timezone set correctly (when their set time doesn't match their computer time). It gives the user a JavaScript prompt asking whether they would like to update their timezone. If they click "OK", it pops open a small window for a couple of seconds, updates the user's timezone offset accordingly in the database, and closes the window.

It does nothing. I'm assuming you mean if your time zone in your user cp is set wrong, this script will detect the incorrect time, and a js will prompt asking if you would like to update to the correct time zone. I use hivemail, I know how it is suppose to work.