Time Zones
Since the UNIX kernel bases its Epoch Time on the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) time standard, it is instructive to do a review of time standards in general. Then, local time zones will be covered to provide a clear understanding of how they are related to the UNIX kernel clock.
Introducing World Time Standards
Originally, the GMT time standard was the world standard. Since then, a new world standard has emerged to coordinate the precise synchronization needed for distributed computer systems.
UNIX had its beginnings when GMT was the still the world standard. Consequently, much of the UNIX literature is steeped in the references to GMT today.
The GMT Time Standard
Greenwich Mean Time is based on the prime meridian of the Earth, which in ...
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