Picking the Right Setting Mode
Use Manual when you want to make a setting quickly.
Use Once when you want to set the clock at a given time in the future, for example to synchronize with another computer or system.
Use Daily to maintain the clock at accuracy at a reasonable level suitable for most users.
Use Auto or Periodic when the accuracy of the system is crucial:
Auto is best when the desired level of accuracy is known and the time drift is relatively constant.

Periodic is appropriate for the most demanding environments when the clock must be kept within several seconds of standard time.
To select one of the other, run ClockWatch in the Periodic mode for several days with an interval of 8 hrs.
If the time difference between readings is relatively constant then the Auto setting will probably be the best choice. If readings differ widely then  Periodic should be chosen at a rate to handle the worst (largest time difference) case.

Interpreting the Graphs
Overview
The charts are useful for displaying the accuracy of the computer clock from readings over a time period. The Current Settings chart shows the difference in seconds between two successive readings, while the Clock Drift chart converts that difference into an accuracy reading as expressed in seconds of drift in clock time per 24 hour period. While Current Settings will show the actual amount of time the clock was adjusted, the Clock Drift chart provides an indication of the system clock's accuracy over a given period.  The Previous Settings chart gives a good summary of the computers time accuracy performance since ClockWatch was installed.

Spotting Trends Using the Graphs
First, to get a reasonable set of data, run ClockWatch in the Periodic mode for one or two days with an interval of 8 hrs.  Unless the system is drifting excessively a shorter interval will probably not show much of a trend.

After the sample period, review the Clock Drift graph:
If there is little or no drift then the system is relatively stable and the test should be repeated with the time interval set to 1 day.
If the Clock Drift is relatively constant then the System is relatively uniform in its time drift.
If the Clock Drift varies widely then there is possibly a program or hardware that may be interrupting the functioning of the clock. While this is a normal condition it is an indication that ClockWatch should be run regularly to keep the clock accurate.


Using the Clock Setting Log
The Clock Setting log provides a record of all the settings, made on the system. This can be useful in a variety of ways:
To store previous setting attempts for use by the Previous Settings Graph.
As a record of system performance
As a long term indicator of System Clock Drift over time
As a source of information on when Internet access is available.
As an input to other programs such as a spreadsheet or database programs where further analysis would be done.
Using Batch Mode
ClockWatch can be operated in an unattended mode from the Windows 95/NT or MS-DOS command line. This allows unattended or batch operation for:

• Execution from other programs
  
• Starting from remote computers
  
• Starting from scheduling programs such as Windows 98 Task Scheduler or Microsoft Plus+
  
• Inclusion in batch files.