A method and apparatus are provided for performing synchronization of a
time clock maintained by a computer system based on the network connection
modes of the computer system. The technique allows the time clock of the
computer system to be synchronized at the earliest opportunity that will
not result in a disruption or inconvenience to the user. When
synchronization of the time clock is required, and the computer system
does not already have an active network connection, the computer system
queries a configuration database to determine its default network
connection mode. If the default connection mode is potentially user
disruptive (e.g., use of a dial out modem is required), synchronization of
the time clock is not performed until an active network connection has
been established. If the default connection mode is not likely to be
user-disruptive (e.g., doesn't require a modem connection), then a network
connection is immediately established to synchronize the time clock.
