Why Are Computer Clocks Inaccurate? Understanding Timekeeping Issues

Discover why your computer clock may be inaccurate and learn how to synchronize it effectively using NTP servers.

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Computer clocks can be inaccurate because they rely on quartz crystal oscillators which can drift over time. Variations in temperature, aging of the crystals, and internal software bugs can contribute to this inaccuracy. To mitigate this, use Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers to synchronize your computer clock with more accurate external time sources.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the Network Time Protocol (NTP)? NTP is a networking protocol used to synchronize the clocks of computers over a network to ensure accurate timekeeping.
  2. What causes clock drift in computers? Clock drift is affected by various factors including variations in temperature, aging of quartz crystals, and hardware performance.
  3. How can I ensure my computer's clock is accurate? To ensure accuracy, regularly synchronize your computer's clock with NTP servers or use other reliable external time sources.
  4. Are there alternatives to NTP for time synchronization? Yes, alternatives include GPS synchronization and manual updates, though NTP is widely used due to its convenience and accuracy.

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