September 30tn, 2003.

Common issues setting up time synchronization software.

All of TSS (time synchronization software) works by "taking" the correct time from time servers. In case of Absolute Time Corrector, there are over 250 time servers in the database. How can one know which ones to select? That is why ATC comes with a special wizard that lets even the most inexperienced users select the right time servers based on their location and internet connection. It simply selects the server that responds first. When one time server becomes inaccessible, the program automatically looks for a different one. Another difficult moment is using proxy servers. Really, it is not that difficult. Services like AT&T WorldNet, America Online, and CompuServe do NOT use a proxy server nor do they require proxy authorization. But if you need to set up a proxy server, simple contact your ISP the office users often another problem - incompatibility of time synchronizing software with FireWall. Firewall can block access to ports used by ATC. For SNTP its port 123, for TIME - port 37. Solution - contact your system administrator. Another quite common problem - incorrectly chosen Time Zone. If you don't know how to set your Time Zone, simply use program's "Adjust minutes and seconds only" option. Also, various problems may arise when using time synchronizing software in a network environment. To avoid them, Absolute Time Corrector searches for and test time servers, which simplifies network setup.

Next Week. The dangers of poor network timekeeping.