HOWTO for most Linux distributions
Requires:
As root, type the following at a shell:
ntpdate time-a.nist.gov
hwclock --systohc
...and all will be right with the world. Assuming your
time zones aren't all screwed up.
ntpdate is part of the
ntp suite for networked time synchronization available at
www.ntp.org.
XCthulu: Yes, xntpd will keep your computer's clock closer to Boulder's clock. It can get time via GPS, WWV, dial-up, and the government mind control ray broadcasting service. xntpd will wash your windows and empty the kitty litter. xntpd is a daemon, and like most networking daemons must be properly configured to avoid a security hole. It also has a proud history of remote exploits. ntpdate isn't nearly as slick, and it doesn't understand four day simultaneous time, but it will set your clock to a more reasonable approximation of the current time as most people need without any potential of future security problems.