Monitoring User's Application Usage of Software

[Anion]

Hi everyone!

I used google and this forum's search but only came up with the regular network/ram/cpu usage results that we all know.

What I am looking for is a program that allows me to monitor my (!) usage of applications. The parameter I am looking for is time.

An output should give me a clear structured overview of when and for how long I used program X (i.e. as active window in the front). Best case scenario, it shows me graphically what programs I used over the course of a day/month with a graphic output.

I am not really interesseted in the the cpu time of an application.

So far I have only found spyware for employers and parents (with keyloggers etc.) which is not what I am looking for.

Is there anything like that out there? As it is sensitive data I would prefer open source.

Thanks!

 

[tomnavratil]

What about Rescue Time? It's the one I found but I'm sure there are others - have both a paid version and a free one.

 

[Anion]

Thanks for the answer!

I remember stumbling upon Rescue Time some time ago, when I was investigating something similar for smartphones.

Although Rescue Time seems to offer the functionality that I am looking for, it not only is proprietary software (what would not be too bad) but it requires users to send their data to their online servers which is a defintive no-go.

Any other solutions though?

 

[dZp]

Just came across a couple on a quick google... maybe something that fits the bill?

Time Sink
http://manytricks.com/timesink/

Timing
http://timingapp.com

And with no frills whatsoever
https://gist.github.com/glenbot/3425960

 

[Anion]

It's funny how quickly one can find the right answer once you use the right terms for your query.

Too bad the more elaborated software is either based on online subscription (like Rescue Time or Slife) or Windows only (like ManicTime).

Anyway - I'll manage from here. Thanks to you!

 

[tomnavratil]

Thanks for the answer!

I remember stumbling upon Rescue Time some time ago, when I was investigating something similar for smartphones.

Although Rescue Time seems to offer the functionality that I am looking for, it not only is proprietary software (what would not be too bad) but it requires users to send their data to their online servers which is a defintive no-go.

Any other solutions though?

No problem, I didn't have an in-depth look. I see your point on these, I might consider one of these myself at some point to get my productivity back on track.