i'm currently running slack 10.1 (kernel 2.6.10) on an ibm thinkpad. everything's working perfect except when i put the notebook into standby (using kde, under the klaptop icon on the panel) and when i bring the notebook out of standy my time changes. sometimes there's a difference of 30 minutes during the same day, but sometimes it can also show a difference of about one full day. i was wondering if there's any other way i could maintain the correct time using ntp or if there's a fix for this.

thanks for any advice.

Odd problem there.

The problem could be coming from some failure for the computer to save the system time to the hardware clock.

As a temporary work around, as you suggested, you could update the time over the network regularly.

On my system, I have this script in /etc/cron.hourly:

Now, you may have to change that address based on your location. A Google search should help you find you closest time server.

Here is a guide, which also contains a more advanced script than I suggested:

System Clock Mini-HOWTO

thanks a bunch! i was wanting to use something like ntp but didn't know how to set it up. this is easier than that. thanks again.

When your motherboard RTC battery (usually a small nickel sized watch battery) starts going dead it messes around with your system time when the pc is off. Do you notice a time difference when you power down? I'm not sure if your pc uses that RTC battery in suspend.

I also have my laptop go into suspend, but I set it up that way in the BIOS. My laptop goes into suspend after 5 minutes of inactivity (the fan doesn't need to cool anything and shuts down-an LED blinks indicating it's in this powersaving mode) from the command line (not in KDE). I haven't noticed a time difference when in suspend...but I just replaced my RTC battery a couple of months ago (they usually last a couple years).

If you do, it's easily fixed by buying a battery at Radio Shack....I swapped my Compaq Presario laptop's battery so quick that I didn't lose any settings in my BIOS-I would write the settings down first....just in case.

All you need is a phillips head screw driver-goto IBM's site for the exact location of the RTC on your laptop. Mine was under the laptop keyboard-taking it apart can be tricky. Just write down the size of the battery and goto Radio Shack. I got mine for $3.50.

NOTE: PCs and static electricity don't mix-do your pc hardware work on a carpet free surface and touch a metal object before you put your hands inside of your pc!