Keep system clocks precise across servers and desktops by configuring reliable NTP synchronization. 16.11.2025 | reading time: 2 min Clock drift breaks logs, certs and distributed jobs; set a reliable time source and your system will stop lying about when things happened. Hands-on example with chrony Install and enable chrony, point it to public pools, and verify with a single set of commands; follow this sequence exactly. ```bash sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y chrony sudo sed -i "s/^pool .*/pool pool.ntp.org iburst/" /etc/chrony/chrony.conf || true sudo systemctl enable --now chrony sudo chronyc sources ``` Sample output after sync: ```text 210 Number of sources = 4 MS Name/IP address Stratum Poll Reach LastRx Last sample =============================================================================== ^* time.cloudflare.com 2 6 377 12 -0.003456s ^+ 2.debian.pool.ntp.org 2 6 377 14 +0.000123s ``` Tune sync behavior for servers For servers prefer stability over aggression: increase `maxpoll`, keep `iburst` for fast startup, restrict which peers may query you in `chrony.conf` or `ntp.conf`, and use `driftfile` to persist clock drift; also verify with `chronyc tracking` or `timedatectl show --property=NTPSynchronized` to confirm state. When to pick which service Use chrony on virtualized or mobile hosts because it handles intermittent networks and large jumps better; use systemd-timesyncd for minimal desktops where lightweight syncing is fine; legacy `ntpd` still works for complex peer topologies but requires careful configuration. Troubleshooting quick wins If clocks refuse to sync check firewall rules for UDP/123, confirm DNS resolution of pools, inspect `journalctl -u chrony` or `journalctl -u systemd-timesyncd`, and review system clock discipline with `chronyc sources` or `ntpq -p` to see reachability and offset. Next steps and certification Once synchronization works, automate monitoring of time offset and include time checks in configuration management; deepen skills with targeted study and consider a certification such as CompTIA Linux+ or LPIC-1, and for focused exam prep try bitsandbytes.academy. Join Bits & Bytes Academy First class LINUX exam preparation. setup network infrastructure troubleshooting
