Fixed Header, Date Format & Sorting

Hi,

I need a solution to a few problems I am having. I am using the bugged fixed version of 1.0 and I want to keep using this version if possible.
However this version is deficient in two major appears:

1. Date sorting
I have a date column and it is using the date format dd/mm/yyyy when sorted this column is not in the correct order. I have read through this forum looking for solutions and there are a few related items but I cannot find a complete example of how to implement the required functionality. Can someone point me in the right direction?

2. Fixed Header
With this version I would like to implement a total row. This row is not sortable and should be distinguished from all other rows. Does anyone have an example of how this can be done on version 1.0 (with bug fixes)?

Thanks,