is it possible to add UTC as a timezone in sierra

Question

is it possible to add UTC as a timezone in sierra

In previous OS X versions I was able to type in UTC for the timezone and not have a geographical location in the time zone preferences setting dialog, just UTC.

Also was able to update / patch the timezone files via terminal to add / correct them.

Still looking to be able to do that in Sierra, but it does not seem to accept the UTC time zone assignment in the timezone dialog using the command:

sudo ln -sf /usr/share/zoneinfo/UTC_/etc/localtime

Does seem to have accepted it in the underlying BSD, using the command:

systemsettings -gettimezone though.

Inquiring mind thinks that it has something to do with UTC not being listed as an available timezone in the command:

systemsettings -listtimezones

MacBook Pro, macOS Sierra (10.12.3), still have and use my G4 12"A15"T

Posted on Mar 11, 2017 1:41 PM

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Answer 1

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Mar 24, 2017 5:12 PM in response to Boson Engineer

No, because UTC is not a time zone. But GMT is and is the same time as UTC

GMT is a time zone officially used in some European and African countries. The time can be displayed using both the 24-hour format (0 - 24) or the 12-hour format (1 - 12 am/pm).
UTC is not a time zone, but a time standard that is the basis for civil time and time zones worldwide. This means that no country or territory officially uses UTC as a local time.

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Answer 2

John Galt

Level 10

155,210 points

Aug 23, 2017 5:14 PM in response to Boson Engineer

All macOS activity is already referenced using a temporal offset to UTC specified by a user's localization and regional preferences. If you examine log activity for example, its entries specify local time with reference to a positive or negative offset to UTC. It's up to the individual app developers to determine how that information is used or displayed. For more information read https://developer.apple.com/documentation/foundation/timezone.

You don't have to do anything other than what is already available to the user in System Preferences. Stop messing with arcane Terminal commands. They won't accomplish anything, because Mac's file system already uses UTC. The localized time format is merely provided for convenience.

The "Apple Recommended" reply you already received is 100% correct.

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Answer 3

dot.com

Level 4

2,455 points

Mar 24, 2017 5:04 PM in response to Boson Engineer

UTC is the same as GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), isn't it? You can easily specify that in the "Date & Time" System Preferences pane, then choose Time Zone tab - then just have to deselect "Set time zone automatically using current location" checkbox and then click near London to set GMT/UCT.

Good luck...

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Answer 4

Aug 23, 2017 4:51 PM in response to Csound1

I understand that ... and I have fought this battle previously.

But my gripe still remains that I live in one location but my work strongly requests, and MY PREFERENCE, (as the user that paid big bucks for the hardware and software) is to use UTC for timestamps on all activities. The watch I USED to wear at work is still set to UTC because any logs I worked on MUST be done in UTC, and any electronic data stored must use UTC for unambiguous time stamps.

I would sure like to be able to do that, but still have all the regional settings otherwise in the location I choose, or HOW ABOUT have a regional setting UTC where all the otherwise pre-configured regional settings are USER CHOICE.

Users preferences no longer matter to the "big brother/sister" ...

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Answer 5

Mudge

Level 3

506 points

Aug 23, 2017 11:20 PM in response to adriennechansl

London's timezone is currently BST (British Summer Time), which is GMT+1 (or UTC+1). It alternates between GMT and BST, so can't be used as a surrogate for UTC+0.

See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Summer_Time

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Answer 6

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Aug 24, 2017 4:59 AM in response to Mudge

Can your employer not deduct 1 from another number,. it doesn't seem that difficult.

Again, UTC is not a time zone, so using it as such wont happen. your choice what to do next Im out of this 1st world issue.

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Answer 7

Aug 25, 2017 9:14 AM in response to Boson Engineer

Well, I am running Sierra and I just managed to set my time zone to UTC, to see if it was possible and it is. I have also read all the posts on this thread, so I remain puzzled that others say it cannot be done.

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Answer 8

Aug 25, 2017 9:30 AM in response to Eric Root

I opened System Preferences, unticked set my time zone by location, clicked the padlock to make changes, entered my password then I typed UTC as the City, it says Greenwich Mean Time but the city is set to UTC. I live in the British Islands, but I doubt this makes a difference.

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