Network Time Protocol

Syncing your clock to Virginia Tech's time servers

Virginia Tech hosts four Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers:

• ntp-1.vt.edu (198.82.1.201)
• ntp-2.vt.edu (198.82.1.202)
• ntp-3.vt.edu (198.82.1.203)
• ntp-4.vt.edu (198.82.1.204)

Using Gnome

1. Right click on the clock in the top right hand corner of your desktop and select Adjust Date & Time.
2. You may have to enter your password to continue.
3. From the Configuration drop-down list, select Keep synchronized with Internet servers.
4. You may need to click Install NTP support.
5. Click Select Servers.
6. Type ntp-1.vt.edu
7. Click the Add button.
8. Type ntp-2.vt.edu
9. Click the Add button.
10. Type ntp-3.vt.edu
11. Click the Add button.
12. Type ntp-4.vt.edu
13. Click the Add button.
14. Click the Close button.
15. Click the Close button again.

Using ntpd

Backup your /etc/ntp.conf:

# cp /etc/ntp.conf /etc/ntp.conf.bak

Add the following lines to /etc/ntp.conf:

server ntp-1.vt.edu
server ntp-2.vt.edu
server ntp-3.vt.edu
server ntp-4.vt.edu

Using ntpdate

Change the contents of /etc/cron.daily/ntpdate to:

ntpdate ntp-1.vt.edu ntp-2.vt.edu ntp-3.vt.edu ntp-4.vt.edu