Is there software for logging computer usage

[AndyT]

Its for me not my nipper. I spend far to much time on the PC and would like to:
A. - get a better understanding how often I am on the PC
B. - limit myself so I can get some proper work round the house done!!!

Is there anything available

AndyT

 

[turbine_2]

Depends, to what level do you want it. You could knock something simple up that records when you log in / log out to a text file in about 5 minutes.

 

[AndyT]

At the opening screen I can choose which user profile to log on as and I have one and my son has another. I'm only interested in my usage as its too high (hence replying in under 5 mins).

I was thinking of something that flagged up if I was on it for more than an hour or so at a time. We have a package at work that forces you to take breaks based on key stroke usage rather than just been logged in (I leave the PC logged in all day long generally).

Andy

 

[buellzebub]

If you use Firefox and it's just browsing time you want to monitor, this add-on will keep track of it.

 

[Slowdown]

Depends, to what level do you want it. You could knock something simple up that records when you log in / log out to a text file in about 5 minutes.

The Security Event Log does that for you right now, assuming you're using Windows.

It'd be easy to write a script that logged off/shutdown the PC after x amounts of minutes logged on. Or popped up a little window every 15 mins saying 'Why Don't You Just Switch Off Your Computer and Go and Do Something Less Boring Instead?'

There's a gazillion options - AndyT - how complicated do you want it to be?

 

[AndyT]

...

There's a gazillion options - AndyT - how complicated do you want it to be?

Really simple to be honest.

I recon on an average day I spend minimum approx 8-10 hours a day at the pc browsing chatting etc.. and as a result I get sweet nothing done around the house and don't tinker with my bikes anyore. Hopefully by monitoring the situation I can confirm my suspicions and see where I am spending most of my time.

Its really sad when it comes to ths but to be honest the PC has taken over my life and I watch to be in charge again...

I'll try the firefox add on as I use fire fox on my pc.

Thanks guys

 

[Slowdown]

Buy a webcam, put it on the screen or behind where you sit and have it set to motion capture. When you run out of disk space you know you've been sitting in front of the PC for too long

But it sounds like you've about as much will power as I have - so buy a mains timer http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=97806&C=SO&U=strat15 and a box to lock it in. Throw away the key to the box, having set the timer to only provide power for the computer for x hours per day.

You'll never look at log files and will ignore any pop-ups - That's my experience, anyway....

You've gotta be tough with yourself - it's the only way, believe me

 

[buellzebub]

This is the one I was looking for, works a bit better

 

[cookie]

i wouldn't worry. you can't be using your pc much if you haven't heard of google

 

[turbine_2]

In that case I'd do a google search on "stopwatch application" and work from there.

If you want something that will force you to take action IIRC there's an option in windows scheduler to start an application after a time delay from a point (i.e. logon) so you could use that.

 

[AndyT]

This is the one I was looking for, works a bit better

I downloaded both the Add on for Mozilla Firefox but cant seem to see where they are!!!!! Maybe I need to spend more time on here and learn abit more about them

Turbine_2 many thanks for hat snippet, I'll do a search and see what it comes back with.

Thanks again

AndyT