How Do Computers Keep Accurate Time Using RTC and NTP?

Discover how computers maintain accurate time through Real-Time Clocks and Network Time Protocol.

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Computers know the time through built-in clocks called Real-Time Clocks (RTC). These RTCs have a small battery that keeps them running even when the computer is off. When the computer powers on, the operating system reads this RTC to set the correct time. Additionally, many computers use Network Time Protocol (NTP) to sync their time with internet time servers, ensuring accurate and up-to-date timekeeping.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is a Real-Time Clock (RTC)? A Real-Time Clock (RTC) is a battery-powered clock in computers that keeps track of the current time even when the computer is off.
  2. How does Network Time Protocol (NTP) work? NTP synchronizes the clocks of computers over a network by communicating with time servers to ensure accuracy.
  3. Why is accurate timekeeping important for computers? Accurate timekeeping is essential for file timestamps, scheduled tasks, and network synchronization.
  4. Can computers keep accurate time without internet? Yes, computers can maintain time using RTCs, but they may drift and require periodic updates from NTP servers for precision.

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