Configuring a Windows Based NTP Network Time Server

Computer time synchronisation is highly important in modern computer networks, precision and time synchronization is critical in many applications, particularly time sensitive transactions. Just imagine buying an airline seat only to be told at the airport that the ticket was sold twice because it was purchased afterwards on a computer that had a slower clock!

Modern computers do have internal clocks called Real Time Clock chips (RTC) that provide time and date information. These chips are battery backed so that even during power outages, they can maintain time but personal computers are not designed to be perfect clocks. Their design has been optimized for mass production and low-cost rather than maintaining accurate time.

For many applications, this is can be quite adequate, although, quite often machines need time to be synchronised with other PC's on a network and when computers are out of sync with each other problems can arise such as sharing network files or in some environments even fraud!

Microsoft Windows (2000 and above) 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. It can be configured to both synchronise a network using the internal clock or an external time source.

Note: Microsoft strongly recommends that you configure a time server with a hardware source rather than from the internet where there is no authentication.

To configure Windows Time service to use the internal hardware clock, first check that w32time is located in the system services list in the registry, to check: Click Start, Run then type regedit then click ok. Locate and then click the following registry entry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time It is highly recommended that you back up the registry as serious problems may occur if you modify the registry incorrectly, modifications to the registry are done at your own risk.

Note: the following instructions are based on Windows 2000 other versions of Windows may differ.

To begin configuration for an internal clock, click on the following subkey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters In the right pane, right-click ReliableTimeSource, then click Modify. In Edit DWORD Value, type 1 in the Value Data box, then click OK Exit Registry Editor

To restart the Windows Time Service click Start, Run (or alternatively use the Command Prompt facility). Type: net stop w32time && net start w32time Then press enter.

To reset the local computers’ time, type the following on all computers except for the time server which must not be synchronised with itself: w32tm â€"s

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_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters In the right pane, right-click Type then click Modify, in edit Value type NTP in the Value data box then click OK.

Now in the right pane, right click ReliableTimeSource, then click Modify. In the Edit DWORD Value box, under Value Data, type 0, then click OK.

Right-click NtpServer in the right pane then click Modify. In Edit Value, type the Domain Name System (DNS), each DNS must be unique. Now click Ok.

For Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 only, set the time correction settings to do this locate: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters In the right pane, right-click MaxAllowedClockErrInSecs, then Modify in the Edit DWORD Value box, , type a time in seconds max number of seconds difference between the local clock and the time received from the NTP server in order to be considered a valid new time. Click OK.

To set the poll intervals locate: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters In the right pane, right-click Period, then click Modify. In the Edit DWORD Value box, under Value Data, type 24 then OK Exit Registry Editor

Click Start, then Run then type the following and press Enter: Net stop w32time && net start w32time

To reset the local computers’ time, type the following on all computers except for the time server which must not be synchronised with itself:


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_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\TimeProviders\NtpServer\ 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_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters\NtpServer 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 0x1 to the end of each DNS name otherwise changes will not take effect. Now click Ok.

Locate and click the following HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\TimeProviders\NtpClient\SpecialPollInterval 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_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\config 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_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\config 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 on each computer, other than the time server, type: W32tm/ -s

And that's it your time server should be now up and running.


Source : http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=973696

Casting Iron, Iron Melting, And Iron Casting Basics

Many believe that iron casting is just simply out of reach for small furnaces but this is not the case. While alloys like aluminum are more prevalent in home foundries. Artists and hobbyists have also used brass, bronze, and even iron to fulfill their casting needs.

Industrial foundries commonly use iron for a variety of items like cookware, like cast iron pans, and even bridges. Casting iron provides an easy and effective method of making such large structural pieces and even smaller pieces for around the home.

The most common furnace type used by home foundries is the cupola furnace. The cupola is a basic furnace type that does not need a crucible as it allows the caster to pour the molten metal directly from the furnace into a ladle which is then poured into the mold. Cupola furnaces resemble smoke stacks and can be home made for those with enough confidence and some mechanical know-how to attempt it. The fuels used to heat the metal in a cupola furnace depend on the caster's resources and preference. Many will use propane and some will use coal. There are a select few that will use waste material such as old scraps of metal and the powder at the bottom of bags of barbecue coal to fuel the cupola. For iron many would recommend the use of propane, but there have been some casters that have succeeded with waste material. Don't be afraid to experiment with different fuel types to find the perfect fit for your furnace and need.

Finding a source of iron can be difficult and a trip to the scrap yard might be in order. This is just one of the exciting ventures that metal casting can provide you. After you locate your iron you will need to prepare your mold. This is assuming you have a pattern in mind that you want to cast. If not, then go ahead and figure something out even if it's a small piece in order to test your iron casting ability. Since sand casting is the most popular casting method you might want to use it for the iron casting especially if you are familiar with the method and not with iron.

After making the sand mold and placing the runner for the molten iron you will melt the metal. The melting point of iron is 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit or about 1538 degree Celsius. Since all metals melt at different temperatures don't be impatient if iron takes longer to melt and don't be surprised if it's quicker.

When the molten iron is ready you are going to pour some into a ladle and the pour that into the sand mold. The sand mold is held in place by the cope and drag, which is the top and bottom part of the mold. The runners are in place in the mold to allow the molten iron a place to enter. When the iron is cool, remove the cast from the sand carefully and there you have a cast of iron.

As with all metal casts, you will need to follow the appropriate safety steps to avoid any accidents. Accidents with molten metal will always be very painful so make sure you wear gloves, jeans, boots, and a long sleeve shirt. You may also want a heavy duty leather apron and a pair of goggles.

Iron casting is a great way to create restoration items or pieces for around the home and even for artistic purposes.


Source : http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=973996

Cell Phone Accessories

Making a fashion statement today means more than just a trendy wardrobe and shoe closet. In the technology driven world we live in, style and chic are extended to cell phone accessories as well. A faceplate or cover isn't just attractive; it can keep your cell phone scratch-free and clean. You can add a touch of your personality to your cell phone when you choose the right case and cover.

Cell phone accessories also extend to the latest rage - the Gear 2 Go bling kit. This pimped out kit comes with 300 crystals, in a variety of colors. The easy peel-N'-stick sheet means creating custom designs that are unique and accentuated with a charm. Once your cell phone has its bling, you can even customize the keypad. Choose laser or crystal keypads that shine through a variety of bright colors.

A carrying pouch or case and holster are an essential on-the-go cell phone accessory. Genuine leather pouches are sophisticated and very stylish, but there are also choices for the fun-loving - a bling pouch, the kids - the Disney series, college students and baseball fans - the MLB pouches. A belt-clip holster lets you be hands-free without needing to stuff your cell phone into your pocket. This cell phone accessory offers convenience when you're on the move.

Cell phone accessories need not be only style and fashion, many offer real utility. Give your cell phone reception a boost with an antenna. These increase the received signal a couple of times, so you'll never worry about a call dropping if you drop off the map. The special Shark-fin antenna is gives your signal a boost and your car that upscale look. It's easy to attach and remove this quality repeater antenna.

A hands free kit is another indispensible on-the-go cell phone accessory. There are two types of hands free kits available - the wired and the wireless. The wireless Bluetooth enabled hands free headset is no longer only for the corporate professional; these next generation headsets are available at unbelievably low prices now, offering their cable-free convenience to anyone with a Bluetooth enabled cell phone.

Genuine replacements for the cell phone accessories that came bundled with your phone are available with full warranty. Battery replacements and chargers for every cell phone model possible can be purchased online.

Many people think that they haven't properly cared for their battery, and that's the reason it will no longer hold a charge. They think that if they had properly discharged their batteries before recharging them, it would've made a difference. While this is true for the old Ni-Cad batteries we used to use, this is not true for the lithium-ion batteries that are used in the cell phones we use today.

What does matter is the age of the battery, the temperature they are stored at, and the amount of power left in them while they are stored. The cooler the environment the battery is kept in, the less of a rate it will lose it's capacity as long as it's not extremely low temperatures. Another thing to note is the rate of charging and discharging the battery also reduces the capacity. With these things in mind, here are some tips to giving your cell phone battery longer life.


Source : http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=974254