Online Shopping Guide

Configuring Windows 2003 to run as a NTP Network Time Server

Time synchronisation in modern computer networks is essential, all computers need to know the time as many applications, from sending an email to storing information are reliant on the PC knowing when the event took place.

Microsoft Windows Server from 2000 onwards has a time synchronisation utility built into the operating system called Windows Time (w32time.exe) which can be configured to operate as a network time server.

Windows 2003 Server can easily set the system clock to use UTC (Coordinated Universal Time, the World’s time standard) by accessing an Internet source (either: time.windows.com or time.nist.gov). To achieve this, a user merely has to double click the clock on their desktop and adjust the settings in the Internet Time tab.

It must be noted however, that Microsoft and other operating system manufacturers strongly advise that external timing references should be used as Internet sources can’t be authenticated.

To configure the Windows Time service to use an external time source, click Start, Run and type regedit then click OK.

Locate the following subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeParametersType
In the right pane, right-click Type then click Modify, in edit Value type NTP in the Value data box then click OK.

Locate the following subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeConfigAnnounceFlags.

In the right pane, right-click AnnounceFlags and click Modify. The ‘AnnounceFlags’ registry entry indicates whether the server is a trusted time reference, 5 indicates a trusted source so in the Edit DWORD Value box, under Value Data, type 5, then click OK.

Network Time Protocol (NTP) is an Internet protocol used for the transfer of accurate time, providing time information along so that a precise time can be obtained
To enable the Network Time Protocol; NTPserver, locate and click:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeTimeProvidersNtpServer
In the right pane, right-click Enabled, then click Modify.

In the Edit DWord Value box, type 1 under Value data, then click OK.

Now go back and click on
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeParametersNtpServer

In the right pane, right-click NtpServer, then Modify, in the Edit DWORD Value under Value Data type In the right pane, right-click NtpServer, then Modify, in the Edit DWORD Value under Value Data type the Domain Name System (DNS), each DNS must be unique and you must append 0×1 to the end of each DNS name otherwise changes will not take effect.

Now click Ok.

Locate and click the following
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeTimeProvidersNtpClientSpecialPollInterval
In the right pane, right-click SpecialPollInterval, then click Modify.

In the Edit DWORD Value box, under Value Data, type the number of seconds you want for each poll, ie 900 will poll every 15 minutes, then click OK.
To configure the time correction settings, locate:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32Timeconfig

In the right pane, right-click MaxPosPhaseCorrection, then Modify, in the Edit DWORD Value box, under Base, click Decimal, under Value Data, type a time in seconds such as 3600 (an hour) then click OK.
Now go back and click:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32Timeconfig
In the right pane, right-click MaxNegPhaseCorrection, then Modify.

In the Edit DWORD box under base, click Decimal, under value data type the time in seconds you want to poll such as 3600 (polls in one hour)
Exit Registry Editor

Now, to restart windows time service, click Start, Run (or alternatively use the command prompt facility) and type:

net stop w32time && net start w32time
And that’s it your time server should be now up and running.

Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the telecommunications and network time synchronisation industry helping to develop dedicated NTP clocks. Please visit us for more information about NTP or other network time server solutions.

Configuring Windows 2003 to run as a NTP Network Time Server / Author: Richard N Williams

Occupation: writer
Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the telecommunications and network time synchronisation industry helping to develop dedicated time server products. Please visit us for more information about a GPS time server or other NTP server products.
http://www.armagard.co.uk

• (0)

Windows Time Server: Synchronising Your Network with NTP

Nearly all a computers activity involves time whether logging a timestamp for when a network was accessed to sending an email, knowing the time is crucial for computer applications.

All computers have an on-board clock that provides time and date information. These Real Time Clock (RTC) chips are battery backed so that even when off they can maintain time, however these RTC chips are mass produced and cannot maintain accurate time and tend to drift.

For many applications this can be quite adequate, however if a computer is on a network and needs to talk to other machines, failing to be synchonised to the correct time can mean many time-sensitive transactions can not be completed and can even leave the network open to security threats.

All versions of Windows Server since 2000 have included a time synchronization facility, called Windows Time Service (w32time.exe), built into the operating system. This can be configured to operate as a network time server synchronizing all machines to a specific time source.

Windows Time Service uses a version of NTP (Network Time Protocol), normally a simplified version, of the Internet protocol which is designed to synchronise machines on a network, NTP is also the standard for which most computer networks across the global use to synchronise with.

Choosing the correct time source is vitally important. Most networks are synchronized to UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) source. UTC is a global standardized time based on atomic clocks which are the most accurate time sources.

UTC can be obtained over the Internet from such places as time.nist.gov (us Naval Observatory) or time.windows.com (Microsoft) but it must be noted that internet time sources can not be authenticated which can leave a system open to abuse and Microsoft and others advise using an external hardware source as a reference clock such as a specialized NTP server.

NTP servers receive their time source from either a specialist radio transmission from national physics laboratories which broadcast UTC time taken from an atomic clock source or by the GPS network which also relays UTC as a consequence of needing it to pin point locations.
NTP can maintain time over the public Internet to within 1/100th of a second (10 milliseconds) and can perform even better over LANs.
To configure Windows Time Service to use an external time source simply follow these instructions.

Locate the registry subkey.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeParameters
Right click type then Modify the Value by inserting NTP in the Value Data box.

Right click ReliableTimeSource, then Modify the Edit DWORD Value box, by inserting 0 (zero).

Right-click NtpServer then Modify the Edit Value by typing the Domain Name System (DNS), (note each DNS must be unique).

Now locate the original subkey and right-click Period Modify the Edit DWORD Value box with the poll interval (how often a NTP server polls the time), under Value Data (recommended 24)

Run the following command line, Net stop w32time && net start w32time.

Now enable NTP by locating the subkey, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeTimeProvidersNtpServer

Right click Enabled and modify the Value data box by typing 1.

Right Click SpecialPollInterval in the right pain of the subkey HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeTimeProvidersNtpClientSpecialPollInterval.

Edit the DWORD value box the time you want for each poll (900 will poll every 15 minutes)

Locate HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32Timeconfig

To configure the time correction settings right click MaxPosPhaseCorrection, then modify the DWORD Value box with a time in seconds such (select decimal under base first, 3600 = one hour)

Now do the same for MaxNegPhaseCorrection the restart windows time service by running (or alternatively use the command prompt facility) net stop w32time && net start w32time.

To synchronise each machine simply type W32tm/ -s in the command prompt and the time server should now be working correctly (note it may take several polls before the correct time is displayed).

Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the telecommunications and network time synchronisation industry helping to develop dedicated NTP clocks. Please visit us for more information about NTP or other network time server solutions.

Windows Time Server: Synchronising Your Network with NTP / Author: Richard N Williams

Occupation: writer
Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the telecommunications and network time synchronisation industry helping to develop dedicated time server products. Please visit us for more information about a GPS time server or other NTP server products.
http://www.armagard.co.uk

• (0)

Best spyware adware removal

Any aware internet surfer is today well informed about viruses and spyware risks. He well knows the importance of a good antivirus and a good firewall and the importance of keeping his software up to date.

But in the last times a new threat troubles internet surfers nights…

The new trouble are Adwares and in Wikipedia we can find a good definition of what an Adware is.

“Adware is software with advertising functions integrated into or bundled with a program. It is usually seen by the developer as a way to recover development costs, and in some cases it may allow the program to be provided to the user free of charge or at a reduced price.

The advertising income may allow or motivate the developer to continue to develop, maintain and upgrade the software product.

Some adware is also shareware, and so the word may be used as term of distinction to differentiate between types of shareware software. What differentiates adware from other shareware is that it is primarily advertising-supported. Users may also be given the option to pay for a “registered” or “licensed” copy to do away with the advertisements.

Adware can also download and install PUPs to your computer”.

So adware is one of the largest sources of headaches for computer users today. This type of software doesn’t spy on you or anything quite like that - instead, it covers your screen in ads, even when you aren’t connected to the Internet!

Often the more efficient antivirus and antispyware softwares are not well equipped to stop this threat.
Fortunately, there’s today an answer to this problem.

We’ve tested dozens - even hundreds! - of adware removal programs. Some of them are great, most of them get the job done (more or less), and too many simply don’t work. We’ve gathered the top contenders in the field, and reviewed them here for your convenience!

Here: http://walter925.bezoogle.com/pp/adware/ you can found the best.

Best spyware adware removal / Author: Walter

• (0)

Career Oriented Online Computer Training

Now, different categories of computer trainings are available online. Comparing to the classroom trainings, these online courses are economical and effective. Anyone who has a computer and an internet connection can endure these trainings. But most of the advanced computer trainings have the prerequisite of certain qualifications and experience. However in general, any one can appear for computer trainings which offer fundamental knowledge of computers. With the advent of internet technology, people from different parts of the world get closer and involve in various transactions and communications.

Importance of elementary computer training

Earlier, learning to read and write was considered as the basic objective through education. These days, emails, chats etc have replaced the conventional mode of communications like sending letters or telephone calls. In addition, any dealings can be performed through computer and internet. It is common that people depend on internet for daily activities like shopping, banking, entertainment, knowledge etc. Thus, learning basic computer skills and internet technology has become a requirement to survive in this IT era.

Institutions providing Online Computer training

Most of the people prefer online computer courses rather than classroom trainings. A substantial amount of commutation time can be saved by this mode. Another major advantage is the flexibility and comfort for the learning schedule through online option. Once enrolled for a computer course, you will get instructions and courseware from the institution and there will be tutors to assist you for the learning process. Most of the learning materials can be downloaded from the website of the e-learning providers. Online exams and assignments are provided by the authorities to assess the learners.

Advanced computer training through online courses

Information technology is advancing day by day. Most of the enterprise applications use advanced software and tools and hence, lots of job opportunities are available in the IT sector. The job prospects of candidates holding certifications and degrees are more in many multinational firms. Many employment firms are providing advanced computer training to their employees to update them with latest tools and technology. E-learning facilities are supported by many course providers due to its flexible nature. The certification courses provided by many leading multinational IT companies like ORACLE, SUN Microsystems, CISCO etc are very popular among employees and job seekers.

Computer training through software tutorials

Software tutorials are applications designed to train learners by giving step by step instructions. Anybody who has reasonable computer aptitude can learn any new tool using the software tutorials. A great advantage of this type of learning is that it can be done through self study. Most of these tutorials can be purchased online or most of then are available at major retail outlets. Comparing to online trainings, this mode of learning doesn’t require the presence of internet connections. Most of these computer trainings are highly interactive with graphics and multimedia. Computer training is now a compulsory factor for efficient communication and productivity to survive in the modern IT world. Exploring the world of computers and related technology can be done in a number of ways according to the interests and convenience of an individual.

About the Author:

John Mahoney is a freelance author who writes about various technology related subjects including Computer Training . For more information about John, visit his website: www.techstore.ie

Career Oriented Online Computer Training / Author: John Mahoney

• (0)

Biggest ever business blunders

As you are faced with multiple challenges and impediments in day-to-day business, we must remember that golden opportunity comes once in lifetime. And, you must make the best use of it. At any cost, a mistake once committed must not be repeated, or else you land up in deepening business crisis and unforetold miseries.

The entrepreneurs today, need to be more organized with no incorrect business practices and methods in vogue to come up as true business leaders. Right from planning and conceptualization stage to the final product delivery, you should be assured of the accurate results. Walmart, one of the retail giants in the world had lost its image in an average American eyes because of certain business malpractices. Later, recovered by hiring public relations firm to canvass itself for its new found face.

Some of the biggest business blunders that you should avoid are:
Bad Investment decision: As an esteemed entrepreneur, you must know where to put your money, and how to raise your capital. If you have less money, trim your budget and make the best use of resources.

Lack of Planning: If your business goals are not clear and you have not planned well, you are sure to land in trouble. You should know how your business would look like in the next 5-10 years or so. Having a clear cut agenda, short-term or long-term with mission statement in your mind, you should take up any business. Further, at the end of every fiscal year, you should evaluate your business budget and if your business is surging down, its time you should reinstate your business by changing your plan.

Choice of a bad or me-too product: Entering a product category which has been chosen randomly and not based on the experimented results or market research, is sure to fall in the market place. Always choose a product which has chances of winning in the market place.

Choice of Location: You should enter into a territory which has a demand for your products. Based on demography, cultural attributes and market statistics, you should set up your business.
For example, you open up a food plaza at a location which already has a number of excellent outlets in that area, you will survive but not thrive.
Wrong use of marketing tools: You have the best capital, best location but did not promote your product well, then you did a blunder. You should know whether to go for print/electronic advertisements or online-advertisements and which suits your product well. If other campaigns like mailers, or direct marketing does work, you should make it your long-term strategy.

Changing your business too often: You have entered a business which has not given you instantaneous results, you immediately changed. Never ever do this, as it takes time for your business to go sky-high and reap positive results. More so, it will tarnish your image in the market place.

If you keep a note of the above blunders, you will never find yourself languishing.

Jaya Sinha/ ITVoir Network

For Further Information Contact : www.itvoir.com

Biggest ever business blunders / Author: itvoir

• (0)