ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Real-time clock

A real-time clock is like a watch that is inside a computer or electronic device. It tells the computer what time it is, just like a watch tells you what time it is!

It is called "real-time" because it always knows what time it is, just like how you always know what time it is when you wear a watch on your wrist. The clock is always ticking and keeping track of the time, down to exact seconds and even milliseconds.

The clock is important because it helps the computer keep track of events that happen at specific times, like reminders for appointments or when to turn off the computer at night. It also helps track the time between different actions on the computer, like when you open a file or send an email.

Without a real-time clock, the computer would not be able to keep track of time accurately and might not function properly. So, in short, a real-time clock helps a computer know what time it is and is necessary for it to work correctly.