Utilising GPS for a Stratum 1 NTP Server

Utilising GPS for a Stratum 1 NTP Server

The Network Time Protocol was originally developed over 25 years ago as a means of synchronising computers on the Internet. NTP is a suite of applications that provide synchronisation of time to an accurate timing reference. Originally developed for Linux\UNIX, NTP has since been rewritten for the Microsoft Windows operating systems. NTP allows a network time client to synchronise to within milliseconds of an accurate external time reference.

Combining an accurate external timing reference with the NTP application provides a highly accurate network timing device. This article describes how to utilise a low-cost GPS receiver in combination with the NTP software distribution to provide an accurate stratum 1 NTP server timing reference.

The NTP source code can be obtained from the NTP website and must be compiled on the local machine. The downloadable NTP tar file extracts to a directory where scripts are available to make compilation and configuration very straight-forward. Many Linux distributions provide pre-installed versions of the software. To set up and install a stratum 1 time server a stable external timing reference is required. The NTP software provides a large number of reference clock drivers that can be utilised to interface with a range of hardware timing references. Hardware timing references can generally be fairly expensive pieces of equipment. However, the popularity of GPS navigation devices has reduced the cost of GPS technology. Low-cost GPS receivers are now readily available from around $100. Many GPS receivers have a RS232 serial communications port, which can easily be connected to a PC. Many low-cost GPS devices use the NMEA protocol, which is a standard GPS protocol for providing location and timing information. The timing information can be utilised by the NTP software as an accurate timing reference to provide a stratum 1 NTP server.

The NTP software needs to be compiled with the NMEA reference clock driver to interface with the GPS receiver. Once compiled the application must be configured to utilise the correct serial port. When correctly installed and configured, the NTP application will provide your network with an accurate, stable timing reference.

Most computers such as Linux and Microsoft Windows servers and network devices such as routers and switches can synchronise time with a NTP server. Any network device that has an integrated NTP client can be configured to synchronise time with the NTP server. Generally, clients only need the IP address of the NTP server for synchronisation. With a NTP server, you can synchronise almost any device on your network.

By : David Evans
Keyword : Utilising GPS,Stratum 1 NTP Server

Refurbished Laptops Solve Money Problems For Students And Parents

Refurbished Laptops Solve Money Problems For Students And Parents

College students spend an enormous amount of money on day to day living and school expenses. Dorms, books, and food alone will cost parents thousands of dollars per semester. Finding places to cut costs can be difficult, but one major expense can be avoided. Laptop computers are very quickly becoming a necessity for any student, and they are costly. Finding a cheap laptop that will get the job done can save a great deal of money.

Many have found the answer in Refurbished Laptops. A refurbished laptop is one that has been returned to the manufacturer and has been restored to a "like new" state. Although the computer is not damaged, it can't be sold as new so the price is slashed heavily. A $2000.00 laptop might be sold as a refurbished item for $900.00 and be no different that it's new counterparts. This means that for less than half the cost, a powerful like new laptop can be purchased, and in many cases be placed under warranty in the same way a new laptops would. Almost every major computer manufacturer offers refurbished laptops including IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and Dell.

Once a refurbished manufacturer is chosen, the laptop specifics must be looked at to make sure the computer can get the job done. Students are looking for a laptop that is:

*Sturdy - Students are on the move, and their laptop will take some damage in its time. Make sure the computer is tough.

*Fast - The computer needs to keep up with the student so processor speed and memory is very important. These are not the two areas to cut cost.

*Light Weight - No one wants to carry a 50 pound boat anchor around in their already heavy book bag. Make sure the refurbished laptop is as portable as it needs to be.

*Wireless - The laptop should already be wirelessly enabled or have an open slot for a wireless card. Universities are becoming wireless hot spots and every student should be able to take advantage of this.

*Powered - Make sure that the life of the laptop battery is respectable, and purchase a rechargeable back-up so there is always battery power available.

There is more that should be considered of course, but most options will depend on the needs of the individual. One drawback of a refurbished laptop is that in most cases there is very little customization that can be done before the point of purchase. These computers are already built and ready to go so if you don't like a particular option then you need to buy another laptop. This doesn't mean that changes can't be made by the user after purchase, but any further customization will cost additional money and the user needs to be proficient in making the upgrade.

By : jon T Norwood
Keyword : loptops

5 Tips for Buying a Laptop

5 Tips for Buying a Laptop

Buying a laptop is a major investment decision. As such it is not one that you should make lightly. Below are 5 tips that will help prepare you for making the best and most well informed decision when buying a laptop.

Tip #1 Size Matters

Buying a laptop is a matter that requires some thought. Consider the size and weight of the laptop. How often will you be carrying your laptop? Your answer will help determine which size and weight will best suit your needs. If you will be carrying your laptop frequently, a lighter model will be preferable.

The keyboard is another area to consider when buying a laptop. Why is the size of the keyboard important? A larger laptop will have a slightly larger keyboard area. But keep in mind that if you worry about your fingers or wrists taking on too much stress from typing on a keyboard that is too small, you may want this to be a main factor in your purchasing decision,

Tip #2 Choose Your Mouse

A laptop it will come with a built in touch pad, an alternative to the mouse, whereby the pad is controlled by the user's finger movement. For some people, this type of pad is uncomfortable and not easy to work with. Before purchasing a laptop, determine what mouse options are available. Test each one and determine which one best meets your needs.

Tip #3 Wireless Options

Today, when many people think laptop, they think �wireless�. No doubt people want to make sure that their laptop computer will be able to access the Internet with a wireless connection. Many try to account for this by ensuring that their laptop has potential upgrade options, such as room for an expandable PC card or a USB port. However, since so many laptop users are looking for wireless connections, many of today's laptops come pre-wired for wireless Internet. All you need to do is activate your wireless Internet service, and your laptop will take it from there. So depending on your needs, choose your laptop whether it is capable of expanding or if it is already configured for wireless Internet.

Tip #4 Check for Ports

Peripheral equipment will be connected to your laptop through USB ports. You will make your life much less complicated by ensuring that your laptop has adequate ports. Connecting equipment such as printers, scanners, and digital cameras will be much simpler if you have the ports readily available. If you are not sure, thoroughly read the specs for any laptop that you are considering purchasing.

Tip #5 Check Your Budget First

Finally, when buying a laptop, beware that you do not overspend. First create your budget and stick to it. When you think that you have found the laptop that you want, do not rush into it. Wait a day and check over your budget, requirements, and see if you are still as excited about the laptop in the morning, as you were when the sales clerk was showing off its specs. If you still feel that it is the laptop that you want to purchase, then go for it.

Rob Buenaventura invites you to Laptops �n Notebooks 4 U, an information site focused on your laptop and notebooks needs. Find out why more and more people are replacing their desktop with a laptop or notebook computer! Before buying a laptop computer, consult http://www.laptops-n-notebooks-4-u.com/laptop-buying-guide.html to help you find the best laptop for you.

By : Rob Buenaventura
Keyword : laptop, notebook, mouse, wireless

How Do PSP Download Sites Really Work?

How Do PSP Download Sites Really Work?

You will find a huge number of sites where you can download PSP games. However, the important question is: Can you trust these websites? The media or games that you can download from these sites are just the same as the original versions found in the retails stores? Or they are going to be a modified version? Let's discover.

From what the professionals have said, people can download games of great quality(similar to the UMD version). Universal Media Disc or UMD is a type of digital entertainment medium like full-motion video or game software which is new and of great capacity.

A UMD of the latest type can store data up to 1.8 GB and its diametric measure is just 60mm. These kinds of media are the ideal for the portable entertainment device like the PSP. An array of entertainment elements like movies and games and music can be stored in it. Even the PSP games can be stored in it and played straight from the memory card.

PSP is a special gaming device which can be transported from one location to another. Music, movies, or games; you can play any of these media in your PSP. PSP's USP is that you can download games from the internet and store it in to the memory card. As a result, a number of websites are offering PSP games. Such websites permit the owners of PSP to download, music, movies and games in to their PSP directly.

People wonder how these sites operate. In the first place one needs to download the game from the internet and store it in a computer. Then the file is transferred to the PSP by dint of the USB data transfer cable. This can be done by connecting the PSP with the PC and dragging the game file straight into the PSP's memory stick.

You need to be certain that the files are delivered to the right path or folder. When the files are transferred from your pc to your PSP, switch off the PSP and remove it from your PC. In order to get hold of the game file, choose Games on the main menu and then choose the alternatives given in the memory card. You will find the games files that you transferred here.

By : Jeremy Liner
Keyword : PSP Download