How do I convert string dates to real dates?

IBM® SPSS® Statistics stores dates as a number of seconds from a fixed start date, enabling you to perform many numeric calculations with dates, such as determining the elapsed time between two dates. Sometimes, however, dates from other data sources are read as strings or are stored in multiple numeric variables (for example, day, month, and year.) There are numerous functions for converting these formats to date values and numerous functions for performing date calculations. The most common date conversions and calculations are available in the Date and Time Wizard.