iTimeSync Version 1.0 2/3/02
Quick Info...
iTimeSync synchronises your computer clock with an internet time server which have very accurate clocks, generally synchronised by the harmonics of an atom. (Thus called an Atomic Clock.) You can set up to five different time servers, which can be automatically checked in turn on a failure to connect. It can also be set to auto-start in a non windowed mode with Windows and attempt a time sync and exit. Also a positive or negative time offset can be set if you like you clock to be fast or slow.
Tested on...
Win98SE
Win2000
Installation...
Run "InstallerA.exe" and follow the instructions. If you do not like iTimeSync, and feel that you require your 70Kb of hard drive space back, use the "Add/Remove Programs" option in the Control Panel.
Use...
iTimeSync comes with some time servers preloaded. Thus all you need to do is connect to the internet, press "Sync Now!" and your time should be updated.
Button/Window Functions
IP - These five windows are where you type in the IP addresses of the
Time Servers that you want to use.
Default - The IP address to the left of these selectors will be the
default IP to try to connect to. If the default server fails and "Use Default
Server Only" is not selected, the other servers will be tried in turn.
Autostart - If selected iTimeSync will load on Windows start-up and
attempt to set the time. This is only useful if you have an always on internet
connection.
Use Default Server Only - Disables the cycling of IP addresses on failure
to connect
About - Shows info in iTimeSync
Help - Shows this File
Exit - Exits iTimeSync
Sync Now! - Attempts to synchronise the time using current settings.
Messages - This is where iTimeSync displays status details.
Time Offset Settings
iTimeSync can set the time with a positive or negative time offset. This can be of use if for example there is no time zone for your area, or if you like your clock to be slightly fast or slow. The time can be set up to 99 minutes plus or minus the normal.
Command line Options
If you add "/q" to the path of iTimeSync then it will load in "Quiet Mode" with no window displayed.Notes...
This program is designed for a minimum footprint. It uses around 70Kb of hard drive space and doesn't slow the computer down in any appreciable way. even while resident. The registry is only used if you ask the program to automatically load on start-up, all other setting are stored in the "iTimeSync" directory.
For the technical people, iTimeSync uses the RFC-868 Time Protocol. I plan in the future to make iTimeSync support more formats. There is no ability to make "iTimeSync" resident as there really is no need; after all, computer clocks are quite accurate. If you want to make the time be set at a certain interval, then I recommend using my program "GigAlarm" to set the regularity of updates. Simply make a shortcut with the Quiet mode option on and select the shortcut as the alarm file. You can also use the built-in windows scheduler.
Like my only other released programs iTimeSync is intended to be small and efficient, but I am interested in any improvement ideas.
History...
1.00 | Initial Version |
Licence...
This program is essentially free to use for non-profit purposes. Permission is given for all forms of distribution, including CD compilations and Websites. Just keep it in the ZIP file to keep the files together. To help me keep track of its distribution I would like an EMail from you so I get a general idea of its usage, and also to encourage me to improve it. Advice/insults (on the subject of the program, not myself) are also welcome. People who EMail me can also be added to a mailing list and be sent the newest version when available. Simply send me an EMail with "TimeADD" in the subject. The address is at the top of this file and also in the program itself in the "About" window. I might also add you to the list if you Email me and show interest my programs. To be removed from this list, write me an EMail with "TimeREMOVE" in the subject.
Having said all of that, if you find this program useful I would appreciate $10 AUD (or $5 USD) as a token of your appreciation. Send this to the postal address mentioned in the "About" window of iTimeSync. (In cash only please - to convert a foreign cheque it costs $7!)
Liability...
I accept no liability for this software. Installing this software is your choice and your choice alone. Any unintentional damage/loss cause by the use of this software in any way is not my responsibility, even if it is my fault. By installing this software you acknowledge to accept this totally arrogant proposal.
glina@bigpond.net.au http://users.bigpond.net.au/glina/