Stay punctual with chrony
On Time
© Photo by Malvestida Magazine on Unsplash
The chrony implementation of the network time protocol provides an alternative to the familiar NTP daemon.
Keeping your computer's clock set correctly is important; otherwise, a number of bad things can happen. For example, on a server, the logs can become inaccurate and confusing (and therefore insecure and ineffective). Also, when all files on your server or your desktop are modified or accessed, the time is noted. For day-to-day tasks, this timekeeping is moderately important, but for security it can be key, as you might imagine, if an attacker changes files on a system.
Networking can become disorganized, too. You may find with older implementations of secure web pages (SSL, Secure Sockets Layer) that the time on your desktop machine must have the correct time for the connections to work as expected.
Moreover, many anti-spam email systems treat time-warped email sent from the future as unwanted spam by default. Some systems instantly and silently refuse to process the offending email in any way, shape, or form. Finally do not forget that scheduled tasks (e.g., downloading new packages) also get messed up if your system clock is skewed.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
The Bullet-Proof KDE Software Initiative Is Coming
KDE, Techpaladin, and Kubuntu Focus have announced a new initiative that will provide at least three years of support for KDE Plasma 6.6 LTS and related software.
-
Linux Mint Shares a Possible Kernel Cleanup Solution
For those on Linux Mint who like to keep multiple kernels around but don't want them to take up too much space, you might be getting a new automated tool.
-
CachyOS Gets an Update
CachyOS August 2026 release is now available with the latest version of KDE, some new features, and plenty of improvements.
-
The Linux Kernel Dev Staging Area Now Rejects AI-Generated Patches
Unless a kernel patch is a valid security fix, it will be rejected if it was created using AI.
-
Linux Surpasses Double-Digit Market Share
According to two sources, the Linux operating system has hit a major milestone in market share that naysayers thought would never happen.
-
AI Helped Develop a Linux Exploit
A use-after-free race exploit was discovered and exploited on CentOS Stream 9.
-
Yet Another Linux Kernel Vulnerability Discovered
Affecting millions of systems, a kernel flaw discovered by Qualys could allow users to gain root privileges.
-
Ubuntu 26.10 to Include Ubuntu Certified Hardware Check
If you've ever wondered if your laptop or PC is officially certified to run Ubuntu, that curiosity will soon be met.
-
Substantial Update to IPFire Now Available
The lastest version of IPFire features a fundamental change to how the system handles DNS.
-
Gnome Working on Test Center App to Make Testing Easier
It's now possible to test experimental features on the Gnome desktop without worrying that you'll break things.