I’ve done many many installs and one of the things I forget to update is the timezone for the server, so I was thinking it could be a thing to add to the post install of the server.
Pretty simple request 
As so often it seems that way - but in reality it can be otherwise - as this setting is already available within the GUI it could be said to make a written note to self to do it - it is after all a do it once action?
<mode:smartarse>
The request is indeed very simple. It’s the implementation that might be complicated. 
</mode:smartarse>
This is what I do when setting up a new server:
sudo timedatectl set-timezone Europe/London && (sudo systemctl is-active systemd-timesyncd || sudo apt install -y systemd-timesyncd) && sudo sed -i 's/^NTP=.*/NTP=pool.ntp.org/' /etc/systemd/timesyncd.conf && sudo sed -i 's/^FallbackNTP=.*/FallbackNTP=ntp.ubuntu.com/' /etc/systemd/timesyncd.conf && sudo systemctl restart systemd-timesyncd
This is part of a much larger, single-line command that sets up everything before the *min installation.
Its a afterthought configuration. It can be over looked but important on a hosting service if you in a country like Australia. I always remember to fix when looking at logs files.
Pushing it to the postinstall can help push it to a forethought.
Its not a important ask, just a thought I had today would be handy.
A “do it once action” sounds like the perfect candidate for being added to the post install process. Have you considered getting yourself a hobby that involves actually helping people instead of what you’re currently doing?
Also this could be used to set the php timezone and potential geo-location and zenith.
No. because I was born when making notes on paper were normal and grew up through making notes in “what to do when installing new software in txt file” became easier. 
Now it seems everyone expects someone else to to do it for them 
There are many new users that have not used Virtualmin before and new to Linux OS, so that having notes not much help to them.
Its a simple request, why the negativity?
1 Like
Also, this could go in the wizard with a checkbox to apply to php.
I am a newbie to Linux and virtualmin (or was) and I like everything to be in a GUI so I can get on with my other tasks.
1 Like
Rethink. With this attitude, you’ll struggle to thrive in the Linux world – once you overcome your Windows conditioning, you’ll appreciate the elegance of not needing a GUI for every little tweak.
But I admit, especially for *min and Linux newcomers, setting up the timezone in advance does make sense.
Our generation found it easier to adapt to things like new operating systems because we grew up alongside them and witnessed their evolution. It’s much easier to adapt to something that develops alongside you, rather than having to navigate an entirely new world of possibilities that the younger generation is being thrust into.
That attitude does seem to have become quite normal among the younger generations, but I suppose it’s how they’ve grown up – with the internet always there to answer their questions. Us ‘dinosaurs’, on the other hand, had to figure out how things worked on our own, piecing it all together without the luxury of instant answers.
There’s no need to be too upset about it, really. Instead of getting frustrated, why not pull out your notes and offer a hand to those who need support? Sharing what we’ve learned over the years can make a real difference, and it’s a great way to pass on our wisdom to the next generation!
1 Like
Unfortunately I guess they will still use AI to find the ‘wrong answer’ then pick others knowledge when it all goes wrong
Actually having most stuff in the gui makes me feel more confident with Linux as I can see what settings in the config files are changed and all the complex stuff is handled for me.
@Jamie, I generally like this suggestion! However, I’m not sure if including it in the post-install wizard is the best option. Perhaps it could be placed in the “optional features” section of the wizard?
I’m curious as to where this doesn’t happen prior to VM install. Usually I kinda remember being asked for a time zone when installing a bare OS. My VPS provider experience is minimal but the ones I’ve used seem to have taken care of this in the ISO. (They do know their time zone. )
Yes, that’s a valid point! However, I could be in the EU and choose a server in the US—let’s say because it’s cheaper—and in that case, the TZ would be off.
1 Like
Absolutely! often the provider location is not necessarily where the owner is - and .uk domains do not have to be located in the UK, EU or US!
Yes that would make sense to me. It’s low-effort, and potentially useful …
Fine! When I fully wrap up CI/CD for Virtualmin I will send you a patch!
Definitely not, we’re trying to simplify the postinstall wizard, not add more stuff to it.
Time zone is definitely not our business. That’s usually set by the hosting provider to be appropriate for the location of the server. And, changing it at any time is pretty harmless (time zone is about representation of time, it doesn’t actually alter the system clock).