Time synchronization via the Internet. Time synchronization software over the Internet

Time synchronization via the Internet is the ability of a computer, and more recently not only a computer, to compare its time with servers of the exact time on the Internet (about them below). This function has all modern operating systems. But it should be noted that in some cases, you need to install a couple of modules for the correct operation of this function.

The possibility of synchronization is configured at the time of the first start of the newly installed OS. After the configuration, this function is performed at a low level, so it does not depend on the application programs installed on the user's computer.

How the system works

The synchronization is started invisibly for the user at the time the computer is booted, if the Internet connection is performed before the download. An example of such an option can be called, when the network goes your router, and you connect to it. If the Internet starts after the system is booted, the time will be checked at the nearest free time.

Can I turn it off?

Of course, we can not exclude the moment when an inexperienced user can disrupt the operation of this function. Then time synchronization through the Internet will not be done. In principle, the computer itself does not care what time to show it. The exact time in this case is of interest to the user. If the user's machine is new enough, then once set the correct time for a few years.

Synchronization in WinXP

Many systems write the frequency of the update, and after a certain period, the automatic synchronization of time via the Internet occurs. Windows XP indicates this in the clock settings located on the taskbar. The time of the last synchronization can be seen if you right-click on the clock and select the "Date / Time Setting" item. In the window that opens, you need to go to the "Internet Time" tab, which indicates when there was a previous synchronization and the time of the future.

The picture above shows that the previous synchronization failed. We can use the "Update Now" button for an instant update or choose another address from the list. First in the list are two addresses that belong to Microsoft, usually both work. At the same time in the network you can find other sites that give the exact time. Having found such a server, we can add it to this list. You do not need to click on the list arrow, just click directly on the address in the line. You need to select it and add your address instead (just to be on the safe side, note that the system settings, including those described above, will require the administrator's login). In any case, no matter what server is used, a week is typically set between the lines.

The picture shows that there are several servers, and the synchronization time, if you pay attention to the dates, is one week.

The same function in Win 7

The timing, refresh rate, launch in Win7 is hidden in the same menu as in WinXP. Having chosen the above-mentioned item "Date / time setting", go through the "Time on the Internet" tab (here it is called so).

That's how this window looks in russified Win7. There will be two messages in the window: how and with what result this function worked, when the next time synchronization via the Internet will be. Windows 7 shows all the information, like WinXp, but the settings are hidden in the additional window. It opens by clicking on the button below the messages. Click on it and get into a new window, where we see the already familiar "Update Now" button and the list of servers in the drop-down list. In the picture we are told that the function worked in the normal mode.

Software synchronization

Sometimes providers offer packages with payment for traffic. This is often how mobile operators work. In such packages, as a rule, the speed is not limited, but there is a limit in the amount of data received. On the pros and cons of such an Internet we will not argue, but note that each synchronization is the expense of traffic. Insignificant for one computer, and if computers 10, 50 or 100?

In addition to the tools built into the system, there is another way. Install a special program on the computer directly connected to the network. And on other devices, configure the time request. Traffic inside the network, as a rule, is cheaper (and sometimes completely free) than the traffic provider. And instead of using a separate time server device, there is a solution and it's easier.

The program of time synchronization through the Internet exists far from one or two. In the role of such can make, for example, Absolute Time Corrector. At the first start the program will interrogate the list of resources included by default (there are more than 250 of them), check the settings and, selecting the fastest, will work with it in the future. You can configure startup at system startup, manual or automatic update type and many other options.

For most cases, automatic tuning is suitable. To do this, put a few checkmarks at the bottom of the window. The picture above is configured to check every hour and start at system startup. For use in the time server role, it is recommended to also set the second one on top of the "Time Correction" checkbox, and also to set several checkmarks at the top of the third tab. For the convenience of work, the program provides not only visual, but also sound alerts.

Servers of exact time

How does this function work? In the presence of the Internet, the above program or the system itself sends a request to the Internet to a special computer. There are many such in the network: in different countries, cities or data centers, but they all have one thing in common: time synchronization servers over the Internet, or they are also called time servers. At the same time, system time updating does not have to be set up to work through US sites. Russia has a lot of its servers, the addresses of which can be found on the Internet and, if desired, switch the verification to them.

In addition to time, a summary of weather, sunrise, sunset and even holidays is displayed. By the way, at one time Windows users, whose clock was set to synchronize on Microsoft servers, experienced problems: in the Russian Federation the translation of the arrows was canceled. And if the synchronization of time through the Internet was checked against the clock in Russia, there were no problems. Any synchronization operates according to one principle - connection with such servers.

Conclusion

In most cases, time synchronization over the Internet works on the computer automatically. It can be done forcibly, but you do not need to make any particularly important settings for this. By default, the update occurs once a week, regardless of the user's actions. If for some reason you need a more frequent update and the user does not want to adjust the services himself, you can put the program in which the desired refresh rate can be set manually, bypassing the services.