How Does Your Computer Keep Time Correctly?

Discover how your computer maintains accurate time through synchronization and Real-Time Clock technology.

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Your operating system generally keeps your computer time locally correct by synchronizing with Internet time servers. These servers use the Network Time Protocol (NTP) to ensure your computer's clock stays accurate. Additionally, modern computers have a Real-Time Clock (RTC) chip that maintains the time even when the device is powered off.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the Network Time Protocol? The Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a networking protocol used to synchronize clocks of computers over a network.
  2. How does the Real-Time Clock work? A Real-Time Clock (RTC) is a battery-powered clock in a computer that keeps track of current time even when the system is powered off.
  3. What happens if my computer's time is incorrect? If your computer's time is incorrect, it may lead to issues with scheduled tasks, file timestamps, and network operations.
  4. Can I synchronize my computer's time manually? Yes, you can manually adjust your computer's time settings if needed, although automatic synchronization is recommended for accuracy.