Andrew Errington wrote:
Hello,
Is anyone using ntpd properly? I am running Debian woody, and I have installed the ntp package, which gives me ntpd and ntp-simple. I have nominated a single timeserver, which appears in /etc/ntp.conf, and ntpd is running.
I have read the 'clock mini-howto', which is a bit waffley, and most of the other stuff on the web is a bit vague. Do I have to do anything else? Is it really that simple to set up?
I plan to install ntpd on a number of boxen, some running Debian and some running Red Hat, so once I am comfortable with the setting at home I can apply it to the other machines.
Thanks,
Andy
Yes, I am using it properly! Here's what I do...
1. use /etc/init.d/ntpd to first run ntpdate, then ntpd. This ensures that any gross time changes are performed on boot up , and the ntpd is then used to keep the clock in step. Set up a single box as a tier 3 ( or higher ) server, using publicly available tier 2 servers. I use ntp.massey.ac.uk and tk1.ihug.co.nz. Yoiu can use more, but with 2 you're well covered. Don't use tier 1 servers, as everyone else does!
2. For the rest of your network, use the time server you've just set up... do not use external ones again... that's just a M$esque approach!
Note... you cannot use ntpdate when ntp is running... they use the same port. For more information, use http://www.ntp.org
hth,
Steve
