Timeservers
Mac Tip#41/06-Feb-2002
In Tip 40 we looked at setting your Mac to have the correct date and time. First you had to already know the correct time so you knew what numbers to enter.
Your Mac can actually do that part for you too, though you need to use this ability with caution.
Out there on the Internet are computers which keep track of the exact time and are happy to tell anyone who cares to ask. They’re called Timeservers. They always know the right time and all you have to do to make sure your computer’s clock is correct is to ask the Timeserver.
Caution: if you’re on a dial-up connection with a modem always do this manually and first establish a connection to the Internet. If you use a cable modem or some other connection where the Internet is always “on” then you might like to set your computer to automatically check the time every day or so.
OS 9: Refer back to Tip 39 if you need to then open up the Date and Time Control Panel. Tick the box called Use a Network Time Server and then click the button called Server Options … . Then choose manually (for dial-up connections) or every 24 hours (for permanent connections).
The next step is to work out which Timeserver you want to connect to. I’m no expert on time, but I think it doesn’t matter. I like to connect to a New Zealand Timeserver though so have added it in to my list. Just choose one of the existing options if you like from the pop-up box at the top of the window. Note that the option at the bottom is to Edit the list and that allows you to add your choice.
See below for more information on where to find timeserver addresses.
Finally, click the Set Time Now button. Provided you’re already connected to the Internet the Control Panel will now go and ask for the correct time and update your computer’s clock accordingly.
Once you’re finished click OK. You’ll see that the Last Synchronized time shows that you just set the clock.
If you’re on a dial-up connection remember to uncheck the Use a Network Time Server box, and close the Control Panel.
OS X: The steps are almost exactly the same, with a slight difference. Again, refer back to Tip 39 if you need to. Then open Date and Time from the System Prefs. Click on the Network Time tab and check the box called Use a Network Time Server.
Choose the Timeserver from the pop-up box or add your own by simply typing its address into the NTP Server box. Then click the Set Time Now button. Finally, close the System Prefs.
To find a Timeserver near you go to: <http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~mills/ntp/clock2.htm>
In New Zealand I use <ntp.massey.ac.nz>
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