Personal Activity Monitor tracks time you spend using desktop apps
Up until a couple of years ago, I used to turn to RescueTime to figure out how I spend my time online. Then it got too complex, and I stopped using it. Personal Activity Monitor is like a vastly dumbed-down version of RescueTime, and I mean that as a compliment. It's free and bare-bones -- all it does is track what applications you're using and for how long.
A big drawback at this point is that it doesn't integrate with Web browsers to help you analyze how you spend your time on the Web. Still, if your work doesn't require constant Web app use, knowing how long you've used a browser overall might be enough to help you manage your time.
A big drawback at this point is that it doesn't integrate with Web browsers to help you analyze how you spend your time on the Web. Still, if your work doesn't require constant Web app use, knowing how long you've used a browser overall might be enough to help you manage your time.
This is far from the only application in this space -- alternatives such as Slife and Chrometa are full-featured and impressive -- but PAM is good option for those who want a nice, simple tracker.













Comments
8
Subscribe to commentsearlsMar 5th 2011 10:20AM
thank you thank you download Squad... that's why I read this site... unique gems like this. trusted valuable download suggestions.
Hott DoggMar 5th 2011 10:54AM
Seems like it doesn't work on Win7 64bit :(
earlsMar 5th 2011 1:21PM
@Hott Dogg - Working for me.
lake54Mar 5th 2011 2:33PM
I use a service/app called Wakoopa. It can also track web apps (e.g. Facebook) - http://social.wakoopa.com is the address.
novettamMar 5th 2011 6:49PM
@lake54 Same here, it is also cross-platform!
that_dudeMar 5th 2011 2:56PM
Nice try, but manictime still rulz, it not only shows you which apps, but even what windows within those apps you use (e.g. Gmail/Greader/etc...)
xma2fc3xwrmt9luMar 6th 2011 1:12PM
cool
MedlirMar 7th 2011 11:11AM
Still using ManicTime here, which works great. This looks promising though, and I like that it's open-source on CodePlex.
Am I the only one who can't stand all the web service based time trackers? I want my data local, and no one else gets it, and I don't want to sign up for an account with anyone for anything just to track my own time.