Allright Experts

From: William Donzelli <william_at_ans.net>
Date: Fri Oct 17 19:10:50 1997

> _VERY_ few computers use the mains frequency for anything other than
> possibly a heatbeat interrupt (in which case the real time clock will
> keep bad time, but nothing else should fail).

Actually (in the U.S.), running a clock off of the line is a
very accurate way to make a real time clock. The utilities must keep their
AC no more than ten cycles (1/6 second) off of what the NIST clock says
it should be. In the long term, it proves to be much more accurate than
crystal control, especially the crummy crystals used in computers.

Of course, once the power fails, time stands still...

William Donzelli
william_at_ans.net
Received on Fri Oct 17 1997 - 19:10:50 BST