NationStates Jolt Archive

Does anyone know how the clock inside a computer remains correct, despite it being off without any battery for a prolonged amount of time?
Is it like a tiny battery inside just for the clock?

Yes, actually. It's one of those flat, round ones.

Hee, that could totally be a question I'd ask. :p

So, shouldn't the battery run out eventually, then?

another mystery well solved.

*claps hands*

Is it like a tiny battery inside just for the clock?

You betcha.

The latest versions of Windows also synchronise their time with internet servers, as well.

So, shouldn't the battery run out eventually, then?

It takes several years, well beyond the shelf-life of most computers.

I've seen computers more than 10 years old still working on what I would assume is the original battery.

So, shouldn't the battery run out eventually, then?It does run out eventually. After a couple of years.
.

Think they get charged each time you use the computer, in my experience they only run down on computers that haven't been used for a long time.

You betcha.

The latest versions of Windows also synchronise their time with internet servers, as well.

Neat, huh?

It's called NTP. Invented in 1985. Now available from Microsoft! :rolleyes:

Neat, huh?

It's called NTP. Invented in 1985. Now available from Microsoft! :rolleyes:

:rolleyes:

I know. Where did I credit Microshaft with its invention?

It takes several years, well beyond the shelf-life of most computers.

I've seen computers more than 10 years old still working on what I would assume is the original battery.

vs.

It does run out eventually. After a couple of years.
.

vs.

Think they get charged each time you use the computer, in my experience they only run down on computers that haven't been used for a long time.

I appreciate the effort, guys, but you are not really clearing this up, you know? :p

I appreciate the effort, guys, but you are not really clearing this up, you know? :p
They could all be true.

If the middle quote is referring to computers that haven't been used in a couple of years, it's possible that the battery will have run down (as the last quote says).

And if it gets charged every time the computer is used, then it'd be possible for a 10+ year old computer to still have it working.

They could all be true.

If the middle quote is referring to computers that haven't been used in a couple of years, it's possible that the battery will have run down (as the last quote says).

And if it gets charged every time the computer is used, then it'd be possible for a 10+ year old computer to still have it working.

Well, i've seen computers where they've run out too....ones that haven't been used for a while, so you might be right on the money. :)

Well, i've seen computers where they've run out too....ones that haven't been used for a while, so you might be right on the money. :)
Oooh, what do I win?

How about an answer in the Dungeon thread?

They could all be true.

If the middle quote is referring to computers that haven't been used in a couple of years, it's possible that the battery will have run down (as the last quote says).

And if it gets charged every time the computer is used, then it'd be possible for a 10+ year old computer to still have it working.
Hm, you're right. Thanks. :)

Oooh, what do I win?

How about an answer in the Dungeon thread?
I saw that! If he becomes a brat again, it's your fault this time!

Oooh, what do I win?

How about an answer in the Dungeon thread?

No. I'm going to bed now. :p

So, shouldn't the battery run out eventually, then?

Yes. It once happened to me. As a result, the clock was ticking only when the computer was on. At first I thought it was just a bug or something, but it didn't seem to be able to correct itself like most Windows bugs do. Finally I thought of changing the battery, and the problem was solved.

Hm, you're right. Thanks. :)


I saw that! If he becomes a brat again, it's your fault this time!

I'm sure I could pin it on you somehow. After all, you're the one with the history of annoying him. :p

No. I'm going to bed now. :p
I don't suppose we'll be getting anything tomorrow, either, what with your 10 hour shift.

Ah, well.

Enjoy the walk to work. :D

I'll admit that I'm not sure how the battery works. I heard somewhere that a computer only uses as much power as a lightbulb (this in just the box by itself, mind you), so the battery lasting 10+ years wouldn't surprise me.

its called a CMOS battery....

http://www.computerhope.com/help/cmos.htm