LPIC-1 System Architecture Practice Question
A system administrator notices that the server's clock is consistently off by several minutes. Which service should be used to synchronize the time with an external time source?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse chronyd (a modern alternative) with ntpd, but LPIC-1 traditionally expects ntpd as the standard answer for time synchronization, even though chronyd is also correct in practice—the exam tests knowledge of the classic service name.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
ntpd
The Network Time Protocol (NTP) daemon (ntpd) is the traditional and widely used service for synchronizing a server's clock with an external time source. It continuously adjusts the system time by communicating with NTP servers, compensating for clock drift and network delays to maintain accurate time. This makes ntpd the correct choice for resolving a consistent clock offset of several minutes.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
ntpd
Why this is correct
ntpd is the standard NTP daemon for time synchronization.
- ✗
timed
Why it's wrong here
timed is not a standard time synchronization service.
- ✗
chronyd
Why it's wrong here
chronyd is a time synchronization service, but ntpd is the traditional choice.
- ✗
systemd-timesyncd
Why it's wrong here
timesyncd is a lightweight time sync service, but ntpd is more commonly referenced.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This LPIC-1 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the LPIC-1 exam.