TimeWarp sets your computer clock using the Simple Network Timing Protocol (SNTP) as a client process. Using your computer's internet connection, timing messages from an SNTP time server can be obtained automatically to set your computer clock. It is set to the correct universal time, which is the time at the Greenwich meridian. Before using this utility, you should ensure that your computer clock is set for your time zone. This can be checked by using the Date/Time utility in Settings | Control Panel.
TimeWarp operates in unicast mode where it sends a message to a time server and waits for a reply. Using the round trip time from request to receipt, a simple calculation determines the propagation delay between the server and client so that your computer clock can be aligned to within a few tens of milliseconds of the correct time.
TimeWarp is operated using a single dialog box.
The Time Source group of controls includes two controls. The drop down list box enables you to select a time server from the list. When checked, Search causes the program to try each time source in the list until a valid message is received. When this happens the address for the successful connection is put on top of the list. When you exit the program, the list is saved in the order displayed.
Three push button controls are available to control operation of the program. The Call push button starts the process of calling a time source. If you are not connected to the Internet, your computer should attempt to create a connection. Your Internet browser may start; this should not stop the process of calling a time source. When a valid message is received, the program updates your computer clock. The local time to which your computer was set is displayed in the Status box. If a problem occurred, an error message will be shown instead. Status messages appear in the box just above the push button controls.
The Exit push button quits the program. Pressing the 'Alt+F4' keys will also do this.
The Help push button starts the on-line help program.
You can manually select the time server by choosing an internet address from the list box control in the Time Source group of the TimeWarp dialog box. Your computer clock is updated if a valid reply is obtained from the selected source.
When the Search control is checked, TimeWarp will call addresses in the list starting from the top until it gets a valid reply. Then your computer clock is updated. The address used successfully is put on top of the list.
Time server addresses are stored in a text file named internet.dat which you can edit. TimeWarp assumes that each line contains a single address with no spaces and assumes that each line ends with a carriage return. Microsoft Notepad can be used to edit this file. The file must be located in the same directory as Tw3.exe.
TimeWarp 3.0 is SHAREWARE. The demonstration version may be freely distributed.
The TimeWarp distribution package consists of TimeWarp executable file, an on-line help file, and data files. These should be copied into one subdirectory of your choice. The program assumes that the executable and on-line help files are in the same directory.
To install TimeWarp from a CD or floppy disk: Open Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel. Click Add New Programs, and then click CD or Floppy. Follow the instructions on your screen.
To install TimeWarp from a zip file: Unzip the file to a temporary directory. In the temporary directory, click on the file named setup.exe. Follow the instructions on your screen.
To remove TimeWarp from your computer: Open Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel. Select TimeWarp from the list, and then click Add/Remove. Follow the instructions on your screen.
The demonstration version of TimeWarp will work for a limited amount of time. If you are installing the demonstration version, read below for information on obtaining the user name and password that will enable continued usage of this software.
Your username and password will be transmitted by snail-mail or e-mail upon receipt of your payment of $5.00 in US funds.
Send check or money order to:
Abecedarical Systems
962 Depot Road
Boxborough, MA 01719-1119
Please include the snail-mail or e-mail address for your username and password. Update announcements will be made via e-mail.
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