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Setting System Time with set_time

The set_time command in the ChromeOS Shell allows users to manually set the system time. This command is useful for systems that cannot automatically synchronize time via network.

Usage

bash set_time <time string>

Parameters

  • <time string>: The time and date to set, formatted according to the GNU coreutils date command. For example, YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS.

Examples

1. Set System Time to a Specific Date and Time

bash set_time "2025-01-24 15:30:00"

This sets the system time to January 24, 2025, at 3:30 PM.

2. Set Time Without Specifying Seconds

bash set_time "2025-01-24 15:30"

This sets the system time to January 24, 2025, at 3:30 PM, defaulting seconds to 00.

Additional Information

  • One-Time Initialization: The system time can only be set once per boot.
  • Timekeeping Documentation: Refer to the Chromium Timekeeping Documentation for additional details.
  • Manual Time Setting Use Cases: Useful in environments without reliable network time protocol (NTP) support.

Best Practices

  1. Use Accurate Time Strings

  2. Ensure the time string is formatted correctly to prevent errors.

  3. Check Time After Setting

  4. Verify the system time using commands like date to ensure the setting was applied correctly.

  5. Consider NTP Alternatives

  6. If possible, configure automatic time synchronization to avoid manual adjustments.

The set_time command is a straightforward tool for manually managing system time, essential for devices in isolated or specialized environments.