Windows Time Server: Synchronising Your Network With Ntp

Nearly all a computers activity involves time whether logging a timestamp for when a network was accessed to sending an email, knowing the time is crucial for computer applications.

All computers have an on-board clock that provides time and date information. These Real Time Clock (RTC) chips are battery backed so that even when off they can maintain time, however these RTC chips are mass produced and cannot maintain accurate time and tend to drift.

For many applications this can be quite adequate, however if a computer is on a network and needs to talk to other machines, failing to be synchonised to the correct time can mean many time-sensitive transactions can not be completed and can even leave the network open to security threats.

All versions of Windows Server since 2000 have included a time synchronization facility, called Windows Time Service (w32time.exe), built into the operating system. This can be configured to operate as a network time server synchronizing all machines to a specific time source.

Windows Time Service uses a version of NTP (Network Time Protocol), normally a simplified version, of the Internet protocol which is designed to synchronise machines on a network, NTP is also the standard for which most computer networks across the global use to synchronise with.

Choosing the correct time source is vitally important. Most networks are synchronized to UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) source. UTC is a global standardized time based on atomic clocks which are the most accurate time sources.

UTC can be obtained over the Internet from such places as time.nist.gov (us Naval Observatory) or time.windows.com (Microsoft) but it must be noted that internet time sources can not be authenticated which can leave a system open to abuse and Microsoft and others advise using an external hardware source as a reference clock such as a specialized NTP server.

NTP servers receive their time source from either a specialist radio transmission from national physics laboratories which broadcast UTC time taken from an atomic clock source or by the GPS network which also relays UTC as a consequence of needing it to pin point locations.

NTP can maintain time over the public Internet to within 1/100th of a second (10 milliseconds) and can perform even better over LANs.

To configure Windows Time Service to use an external time source simply follow these instructions.

Locate the registry subkey.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeParameters

Right click type then Modify the Value by inserting NTP in the Value Data box.

Right click ReliableTimeSource, then Modify the Edit DWORD Value box, by inserting 0 (zero).

Right-click NtpServer then Modify the Edit Value by typing the Domain Name System (DNS), (note each DNS must be unique).

Now locate the original subkey and right-click Period Modify the Edit DWORD Value box with the poll interval (how often a NTP server polls the time), under Value Data (recommended 24)

Run the following command line, Net stop w32time && net start w32time.

Now enable NTP by locating the subkey, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeTimeProvidersNtpServer

Right click Enabled and modify the Value data box by typing 1.

Right Click SpecialPollInterval in the right pain of the subkey HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeTimeProvidersNtpClientSpecialPollInterval. Edit the DWORD value box the time you want for each poll (900 will poll every 15 minutes)

Locate HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32Timeconfig

To configure the time correction settings right click MaxPosPhaseCorrection, then modify the DWORD Value box with a time in seconds such (select decimal under base first, 3600 = one hour)

Now do the same for MaxNegPhaseCorrection the restart windows time service by running (or alternatively use the command prompt facility) net stop w32time && net start w32time.

To synchronise each machine simply type W32tm/ -s in the command prompt and the time server should now be working correctly (note it may take several polls before the correct time is displayed).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linux Web Hosting Vs Windows Web Hosting

When you are ready to search for a host for your web business online, there is a big dilemma that you need to seize by the horns: Linux or Windows?

In this context, it is easy to fall into the popular debate of which platform is better. Linux votaries may have a hundred brickbats to throw at Windows, and vice versa. Debates apart, what system is best for YOU? Many people take a decision depending on whatever platform is installed on their personal PC. This is rather short sighted. In short, there really is no need to take sides. Rather, the basic criterion for your selection should be based on what platform helps you the most. Real requirements of your site must be considered.

Windows web hosting: If your website uses any components or technologies that are Windows compatible, then it is advisable to go for Windows hosting plans. That way, you can easily run ASP, ASP.Net, MS Sql and other Windows scripting applications. Of course, these days it is possible to get Windows applications that are compatible with Linux server, but, to garner the full power of Windows, it is recommended that you go for a Windows based platform. If you are using additional services like Microsoft’s Sharepoint or MS Access, Windows platform is the only choice.

Linux web hosting: Linux servers are known to possess remarkable power and stability. If you use platform independent languages like PHP and MySql, you are better off with a Linux server. These servers are able to take the load of several simultaneous queries provided they are administered properly. Linux based databases like MySql and PostgreSql are relational databases. They are inexpensive and very efficient. Unless your server experiences very heavy load, these databases perform exceptionally well.

Linux servers have a reputation for dependability. This is because they often maintain a very high uptime of 99.9%. This is also one of the reasons for the compelling attraction of Linux website hosting servers.

Linux and its supporting technologies are open source technologies. Because of this, these are not expensive. On the other hand, Windows is developed by Microsoft at very high operative costs and Microsoft makes it mandatory to obtain their license before you can use the Windows server. This is why Windows systems are so expensive, while Linux is comparatively cheap. Additionally, Linux offers the greatest of ease when it comes to switching over to Windows system. Linux is also open to easy upgrades and can easily accommodate the changing requirements of the user.

To sum it up, Windows hosting plans are generally 20% costlier than Linux plans. So, if you do not need some unique features for your website like a searchable database or a chat facility, then Linux hosting servers perform beautifully and flawlessly. In the end, it all depends on what YOU want, not on the merits and demerits of the server.

How to Configure a Windows Time Server

The latest Microsoft Windows operating systems have a time synchronisation utility installed by default called ‘Windows Time’. The Windows time service allows a Microsoft network to provide time synchronisation of machines in a domain. This article introduces how to configure the Microsoft Windows 2000 and 2003 operating systems to operate as a SNTPNTP Time Server. The article discusses how to change Windows registry entries to configure the Time Service.

Before modifying any Windows registry settings, it is a good idea to save the registry. In the even of any difficulties, the registry can be restored to its former state.

Windows 2000 Time Service

Windows 2000 has an integrated network time synchronization service, installed by default, which can be configured to synchronize to a Time Server. In fact, by changing associated registry settings, the service can act as both a time client and a time server to synchronize other network time clients.

The Windows Time service should be present in the systems service list. The application executable is ‘w32time.exe’. The parameter list for time service should be present in the in the registry at:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeParameters

The Windows 2000 operating system can operate as a time client and synchronise to a time server by setting the parameter ‘NTP Server’ to the IP address of a Time Server.

By default, the Windows 2000 machine will synchronize to the specified time server every 8 hours, or 3 times a day. This may not be enough to maintain accurate synchronization and can be easily increased. Setting the ‘Period’ parameter to how many times each day synchronisation is required can reduce the period. Setting the ‘Period’ parameter to 48 will activate synchronization with the time server once every half hour.

The Windows 2000 operating system can also be configured to act as a time server by setting the ‘Local NTP’ registry setting to ’1′.

After changing any of the registry settings for the windows time service, the service must be restarted for the settings to take effect. The time service can be started or stopped from the service control applet in the Administrative Tools menu. The service can also be controlled via the DOS net command thus:

‘net start w32time’ and ‘net stop w32time’

Windows 2003 Time Service

With Windows 2003, Microsoft has expanded on the original Windows 2000 SNTP time service by providing a true NTP implementation. The Windows 2003 time service, installed by default, can synchronise to a NTP Server. Indeed, by changing registry settings, the time service can act as both a time server and client to synchronize other time clients in the domain.

The ‘Windows Time’ service should be present in the systems service list. The application executable is ‘w32time.exe’. The parameter list for the Windows 2003 time service should be present in the registry at:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32Time

To configure the Windows 2003 operating system to synchronize to an external time server, edit the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeParametersType

Set the ‘Type’ registry entry to ‘NTP’, which specifies synchronization to a NTP time server.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeTimeProvidersNTPClientSpecialPollInterval

The ‘Special Poll Interval’ registry entry defines the period in seconds that the Windows 2003 operating system should poll the time server. A recommended value is 900, which equates to a polling period of every 15 minutes.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeConfigAnnounceFlags

Set the ‘Announce Flags’ registry entry to 5 indicating a reliable time reference.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeTimeProvidersNTPServerEnabled

Changing the ‘Enabled’ flag to the value 1 enables the NTP Time Server.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesW32TimeParametersNtpServer

The ‘NTP Server’ parameter is used to provide a list of DNS names or IP addresses, separated by a space, of time servers that the Windows 2003 operating system can synchronize to.

Troubleshooting the Time Service

A number of isuues may be encountered when configuring the Microsoft Windows Time Service. SNTP and NTP operates using the UDP protocol over TCP/IP. Therefore, the TCP/IP network protocol must be active for SNTPNTP to operate. Synchronisation issues may also arise when SNTPNTP attempts to synchronise to an inaccurate time server reference or if network delays are excessive.

Synchronising Network Device and Components

In addition to synchronizing Microsoft Windows servers and workstations, time servers can also be used to synchronise network devices, such as switches, routers and hubs. Any network infrastructure that can synchronise to a NTP or SNTP time server can be pointed to the Windows time server to obtain synchronisation. In this way the whole network and accompanying infrastructure can be accurately synchronised to a time reference.

Online SharePoint Services : Use Windows SharePoint blog host sites with best WSS 3.0

You can use blogs with best Microsoft SharePoint hosting. Microsoft Windows Server 2003 has a versatile technology included in it known as Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0.

Blogs in SharePoint hosting have developed into a vital tool for companies who wish to broadcast information, this is done through posts and interaction with many and varied communities. A blog built using Windows SharePoint Hosting Services can help the entire team to keep track, and to update all the shared information. You can create a post on a blog in Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 by using a Web browser without using any additional tools or software. Besides using a browser to post a blog; you can also use blog publishing programs which are compatible with Windows SharePoint Services even with Microsoft Office Word 2007. Also, MS Word 2007 provides a blog template that enables you to create and publish blogs to a Hosted SharePoint site.Blogs in SharePoint hosting have developed into a vital tool for companies who wish to broadcast information, this is done through posts and interaction with many and varied communities. A blog built using Windows SharePoint Hosting Services can help the entire team to keep track, and to update all the shared information. You can create a post on a blog in Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 by using a Web browser without using any additional tools or software. Besides using a browser to post a blog; you can also use blog publishing programs which are compatible with Windows SharePoint Services even with Microsoft Office Word 2007. Also, MS Word 2007 provides a blog template that enables you to create and publish blogs to a Hosted SharePoint site.

When adding a blog to your SharePoint WSS 3.0 hosting site, you click on “create”. This tab is found under “Site Actions”. Once in the “Template Selection” click on Blog. It is as simple as that! Extra zing may be added to blogs in SharePoint hosting by means of rich editing features. MS Word 2007 supports SharePoint WSS services for blogs, so all entries can be made by using MS Word 2007.

By use of blogs in SharePoint hosting, projects and teams are kept on track through synchronization between SharePoint WSS services and Microsoft Office programs.

Differences Between Unix and Windows Web Hosting

When you are trying to decide what web hosting company to go with you may see that one of the hosting companies is offering Unix web hosting and another is offering Windows web hosting. There will even be times when you can choose one or the other from the same web hosting company. So what are the differences between Unix and Windows and which should you be using?

First of all it is important to note that it does not matter which type of web hosting you decide to go with when creating your site as the actual code used to create your website is essentially the same. The differences between Unix and Windows are actually differences that are more behind closed doors if you will. Here are some major differences between the two:

•Software: This is the biggest difference between the two. Because Windows is a Microsoft product it will stand to reason that the Windows web hosting will run Microsoft software such as VBScript scripting languages and Microsoft Access databases. Unix on the other hand will not be compatible with these types of software. If your website will require specific Widows or Microsoft applications it will better for you to go with a Windows web hosting service.

•Reliability: While both Unix and Windows web hosting are indeed very reliable, Unix does hold the slight advantage in this category and tends to spend less time ‘down’.

•Cost: A Unix web host will use any of a number of ‘flavors’ of Unix like Linux or FreeBSD. These operating systems are free and help to keep costs down. Windows on the other hand sees their server software cost thousands of dollars and this can mean more money out of your pocket as well.

•Bug fixes: Because Unix is run on free servers that mean that anyone has access to the full source code. While that may not sound like a good thing, when it comes to getting a bug fixed it is indeed a good thing as many individuals spend a good deal of time writing new code for Unix to help make it better and fix bugs. Windows though is again owned by Microsoft and because of that only Microsoft people have access to the source code which leads you to rely solely on Microsoft to fix any problems that arise.

So which one is right for you?

Before you make your final decision on whether to go with Unix web hosting or Windows web hosting you first have to figure out what features you will be running on your website. If you are going to use a bunch of Microsoft applications and software then you will of course need to go with a Windows web hosting service. But if your website will not be utilizing those types of programs then going with a Unix web host is going to leave you with more options and more than likely a better price as well. So the correct answer to the questions it, it is all up to you and your website’s needs.

21 Install and Configure Domain Name System (DNS) on Windows Server 2003 for Internal Website

The resolution of names through the use of Domain Name System (DNS) is central to Windows operation. Without proper name resolution, users cannot locate resources on the network. It is critical that the design of the DNS namespace be created with Active Directory in mind and that the namespace that exists on the Internet not conflict with an organization’s internal namespace. Sorce: support.microsoft.com

Choosing a Web Hosting Package – Unix Based or Windows?

 

Do you want a Windows or a Unix Based Web Host?

 

The fact that you are reading this article indicates that you have been looking for a Web Host, and will therefore have noticed by now that most web hosting companies off you either Unix (or Linux) Hosting, Windows Hosting or both – to some this is an unexpected decision to have to make, many unless they own a Mac will be largely unaware of the capabilities of any other platform than Windows. So what are the differences between the two systems and what are the advantages of each?

The first point to note is that you do not need Windows Hosting just because you have a Windows based PC, nor do you need Unix if you own a Mac, the HTML code or Java Script you upload onto the server is universal as is the server’s output of that code, so your website will look the same on either. The difference lies in the software which is used to output that website.

 

Unix Hosting uses a Unix based operating system which was developed primarily for use on severs, Unix Hosting is generally cheaper than Windows because most web hosts use Linux – a Free Open Source version of Unix (which is used in some supercomputers) and consequently do not have to shell out thousands of pounds in licensing and support to Microsoft, a saving which is passed on to you the user. Another advantage of using free open source software is that anyone can make changes and improvements to the source code, and in doing so add functionality and updates without contravening any license, this factor has lead to Unix based systems naturally evolving over the years to become relatively bug-free. As a result Unix based operating systems are renowned for their inherent stability and their ability to  run for years before a reboot is required, thus requiring less attention from technicians and reducing costs – an attractive feature for a server.

 

Windows Hosting as the name suggests uses MS Windows as an operating system and although more expensive and slightly less stable does have some benefits over it’s Unix based conterpart. Primarily this has to do with what you want to host; if you want to use an MS Access database or upload MediaPlayer files such as music or Videos you will require Windows Hosting, (N.B. MP3, Quicktime, Shockwave, Flash and Real can be handled by either system).

 

Making the decision as to which is best thus comes down to what you want to do with your web space. Both Systems can host Multimedia both can host dynamic content and with PHP, MySQL and CGI, but the question becomes you need to run Windows based applications on your server? If so then you have no choice but to use a Windows Hosting solution, if the answer is no then can make your decision based on other factors such as choice of host, cost and reliability.

 

For Further information on choosing a web host visit, WhichDomainHost 

 

Should you Choose Windows Web Hosting or UNIX?

Should you opt for Windows web hosting or choose a host that uses one of the many varieties of UNIX operating systems? You can decide by evaluating the differences and similarities between these two web hosting options.

Microsoft developed Windows Server, while UNIX was developed as an “open system.” The UNIX source code is publicly available and free for anyone who wants to use it. Some view UNIX’s open source origins and status as an advantage. It’s free, while Microsoft Windows Server involves a purchase. Thousands of individuals have contributed to the development of UNIX, and it is more frequently updated than Windows Server. On the other hand, UNIX is more complex as a result of being open source.

Windows web hosting supports nearly all Microsoft products. This includes Microsoft FrontPage, Visual Interdev and Microsoft Access. Windows Server also supports Active Server Pages (ASP). This is a popular scripting language that allows you to build dynamic, database-driven web pages.

If you’re planning to build your website yourself, it’s worth considering that most CGI programs (including many free Perl scripts) available online today were developed on UNIX. This means they usually install and operate better under UNIX.

In terms of reliability and security, there are many arguments between Windows web hosting and UNIX supporters. Some claim UNIX operating systems are more stable and faster. Windows is sometimes seen as more insecure due to the fact that it is such a widely used PC operating system. This gives people more time to explore and exploit its flaws. On the other hand, UNIX platforms are the most widely used server types, and it too has been hacked successfully over the years.

In terms of performance there’s not a huge difference between the two server options today. Consider that developers are always working to improve both Windows Server and UNIX. Neither is likely to far out-pace the other in terms of reliability, security or features in the near future. 

These are just a few of the differences and similarities between UNIX and Windows web hosting you may want to consider when deciding between the two operating systems. In many cases, the choice about which operating system a web server is using isn’t really important. It’s mainly consequential only if you require specific features offered only by one or the other, or if you plan to use specific technology that will function better or more appropriately on either UNIX or Windows Server.

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 beta releasing in July

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 beta releasing in July

On the occasion of the conference TechEd held in New Orleans from June 7 to 10, Microsoft has supplied details on the availability of Windows 7 Service Pack 1 beta.

The publisher has advised that a public beta of the first service pack of Windows 7 should be brought online during July. During the same period, Microsoft will deliver a Service Pack for another of its operating systems.

The U.S. firm also plans in effect from July 1 to broadcast service pack for its latest OS server, namely Windows Server 2008 R2. But as for SP1 Windows 7No specific date has yet been provided.

But what should we expect from this first practical updates for Seven? Overall, little enough, Microsoft has ensured that developments would be minor. The SP1 has given priority to a compilation of hotfixes released since the launch of the OS.

Changes for Windows Server 2008 and Windows 7 are to be expected, however. This will include the integration of RemoteFX and Dynamic Memory.

Re: Windows 7 Service Pack 1 beta releasing in July

From microsoft club house:
Microsoft RemoteFX is designed to introduce a new set of end user experience enhancements to remote desktop computing in Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 that enable a rich, local-like desktop environment over the network. With RemoteFX, connected knowledge and task workers can experience their workspace in full fidelity, improving end user productivity, while their applications and data are kept highly secure and centrally managed in the data center.
Dynamic Memory will enable Windows Server Hyper-V to dynamically allocate more or less memory to each VM as needed, provided a more scalable and better performing VDI environment. These changes will be important for customers who are planning VDI deployments (generally about 10 percent of our user population).
Windows 7 Service Pack 1 beta releasing in July

On the occasion of the conference TechEd held in New Orleans from June 7 to 10, Microsoft has supplied details on the availability of Windows 7 Service Pack 1 beta.

The publisher has advised that a public beta of the first service pack of Windows 7 should be brought online during July. During the same period, Microsoft will deliver a Service Pack for another of its operating systems.

The U.S. firm also plans in effect from July 1 to broadcast service pack for its latest OS server, namely Windows Server 2008 R2. But as for SP1 Windows 7No specific date has yet been provided.

But what should we expect from this first practical updates for Seven? Overall, little enough, Microsoft has ensured that developments would be minor. The SP1 has given priority to a compilation of hotfixes released since the launch of the OS.

Changes for Windows Server 2008 and Windows 7 are to be expected, however. This will include the integration of RemoteFX and Dynamic Memory.

Re: Windows 7 Service Pack 1 beta releasing in July

From microsoft club house:
Microsoft RemoteFX is designed to introduce a new set of end user experience enhancements to remote desktop computing in Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 that enable a rich, local-like desktop environment over the network. With RemoteFX, connected knowledge and task workers can experience their workspace in full fidelity, improving end user productivity, while their applications and data are kept highly secure and centrally managed in the data center.
Dynamic Memory will enable Windows Server Hyper-V to dynamically allocate more or less memory to each VM as needed, provided a more scalable and better performing VDI environment. These changes will be important for customers who are planning VDI deployments (generally about 10 percent of our user population).

 

Windows Home Server

A home server operating system developed by Microsoft is Windows Home Server. This Server is specified as a solution for those homes in which there are many number of linked PCs are present. It will provide them file sharing, machine controlled backups and remote access. Windows Home Server is grounded on Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2.

Windows Home Server was launched on 7 November 2007. Power Pack 1 for Windows Home Server was launched on July 20 2008 and Power Pack 2 was on March 20 2009. Some of its features are as:

Centralized Backup – Windows Home Server permits backup of up to 10 PCs, with the use of Single Instance Store technology. This technology is used to avoid the numerous copies of the same file, even if that file is present on multiple PCs.

Health Monitoring - It is capable of tracking the health of all PCs present on the network, including antivirus and firewall status. File Sharing – Windows Home Server provides network parts for computers to store the files remotely, in this manner it works like a network attached storage device. Different categories are offered for common file types such as Documents, Music, Pictures and Videos.

Printer Sharing – It permits a centralized print server to manage multiple print jobs for all users.

Shadow Copy – It accepts the earnings from the of Volume Shadow Copy Services, to grant the older versions of files to be recovered.

Headless Operation – In it there is no any requirement of monitor or keyboard to manage the device. Remote administration is done with the Windows Home Server Console client software available in the suit. It also supports Remote Desktop associations with the server while it is linked with the same LAN.

Remote Access Gateway – Windows Home Server grants remote access to any linked PC present on the network over the Internet.

Media Streaming – It is capable of streaming media to an Xbox 360 or to other devices which supports Windows Media Connect.

Selective Data redundancy – It defends against a single drive failure, because it replicates the selected data across various drives.

Expandable Storage – It gives a integrated and easily expandable storage space and takes away the requirement of drive letters.

Extensibility through Add-Ins – Its add-ins permit third-party developers to improve the features and functionality of the server.

Server Backup – It also takes back up of those files which are saved in the shared folders, present on the server in an external hard drive.

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