What is a Time Server?

All systems have a date/time clock, and all are subject to occasional human or machine error. The use of time-servers makes it possible to quickly confirm or correct a system's idea of the time. Some ISPs use a time server to reset your computer clock to the correct time whenever you log on to the Internet. Most of them use NTP. A time server is an Internet clock that you log on to so it will set your computer clock for you.

What is NTP?

NTP stands for Network Time Protocol, and it is an Internet protocol used to synchronize the clocks of computers to some time reference. NTP is an Internet standard protocol originally developed by David Mills at the University of Delaware.

Does blueyonder have a time server?

blueyonder do not "officially" have a time server, however one can be found at:-  ntp.blueyonder.co.uk but it is NOT part of BY standard service

So how do I set my clock?

There are programs you can run whilst on line that will check your system clock for you.

What are these programs and where do I get them from?

1. Dimension4 will set your clock for you when online.

   If you decide to use it, and are running a firewall program such as BlackIce please remember to allow the time server access to your computer in your firewall program.

   The program can be downloaded from here: Dimension4

2. Tardis - available from www.kaska.demon.co.uk

   Tardis is a shareware utility for Windows that makes sure your PC's clock tells the right time. It can find out what the right time is in various ways including accessing Internet-based Atomic Clocks, using networked timeservers, GPS (The Global Positioning System), and by listening for time broadcasts over a LAN.

3. Time Server from http://www.haytech.com.au/TimeServer/timeserver.htm

4. http://www.timeticker.com/main.htm is a web page that will update your clock - but you have to visit the site whenever you want it updating.

Other Time Links

1. US Naval Observatory Master Clock at http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/cgi-bin/timer.pl
   and http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/Timecheck.html

2. RCC Time Server v1.1 for Windows NT http://www.rccinc.com/RCCTimeServer/RCCTimeServer.html

Last Amended : 2003-04-30 by elfin
Original Author : Angua