How Much Do Computer Clocks Drift? Understanding Time Synchronization
Learn how clock drift affects computers and how to keep your system time accurate with NTP synchronization.
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Computer clocks can drift by a few seconds to several minutes each day depending on factors like system load and hardware quality. On average, typical drift is about one second per day, but it can be higher. Regular synchronization with a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server helps maintain accurate time, ensuring your system clock remains precise. For critical applications, implementing additional monitoring and synchronization tools is recommended to minimize drift.
FAQs & Answers
- What causes computer clock drift? Clock drift can be caused by hardware quality, system load, and temperature variations, impacting timekeeping accuracy.
- How often should I synchronize my computer clock? It's recommended to synchronize your computer clock daily to ensure accurate timekeeping, especially for critical applications.
- What is NTP and how does it work? NTP, or Network Time Protocol, is a networking protocol that synchronizes clocks of computer systems over packet-switched data networks.
- Can clock drift affect my applications? Yes, clock drift can affect time-sensitive applications, leading to potential data integrity issues or scheduling conflicts.