This piece of software is WONDERFUL! For us creative types, it allows us to try out different ideas on client projects for graphic design and web mastering, then go back through and look at all the different directions we took as we come up with solutions to design problems.
This is a whole lot more than a time keeping product, it is actually a historical recordkeeping device for software developers and designers. I give this program 5 gold stars! Wow.

Except you can password your recordings to keep them private.

the only thing I will use it for or have a need is to see how long im
playing games,just a toy. However I do agree with a prev post it can be construed as spyware etc, my tupennyworth of advice is than,dont get..

it takes screenshots puts them here...

C:\Program Files\Uconomix\Uconomix SnapLogger 1.1\Data\30_11_2007

but the viewer doesnt know shit about them..help.

sort of fixed errors... by manuialyl downloading the .dll and restarting compputer BUT... i dont see this taking snapshots even after i wait 30 seconds and view the log.

HELPPPP

#56 Your strange attack on MichaelSF is unwarranted. I have found his comments most helpful in deciding whether I will download todays offering and his knowledge on this subject appears far superior to your lame comments today.

I installed SnapLogger (no problems at all on XP) and played with it a bit. Three things come to mind.

1-I copied the opening screen below so all can read it. Perhaps if more had actually read this FIRST there would have been less comments about this being 'spyware' - it's not.

2-If you run multiple monitors it will only make snapshots of your main moniter.

3-I recommend that everyone make a 'system restore' point when they install any new software (I have XP - not sure about other OS versions). That has saved me several times from crappy programs that tend to re-do things in ways that are sometimes impossible to figure out & undo.

Overall, it's a great little program that I think has gotten some undeserved bashing today. Read the introduction from the SnapLogger program below, you may find ways you can use it that you hadn't thought of before. I'm not sure I'd have enough interest (yet) to buy this, but if you need the features $20 isn't a bad price. Get it free while you can.
* * * * * * * * *

"Welcome to Uconomix SnapLogger

Uconomix SnapLogger is a computer activity logging application. It runs in your system tray and periodically takes screenshots of your computer.

The purpose of this program is NOT to spy on you but to help you keep a visual track of your time. You have complete control over what the program records.

What’s the use of this? Well at the end of the day you can see what you have been doing the whole day and where exactly you spent your time. This comes in handy when you are filling up a timesheet or a day log.

If your work depends on billing your clients on the basis of the time you’ve spent working on their project or you have to fill up a timesheet for your employer stating what you did the whole day then SnapLogger is just for you. You no longer have to scratch your head wondering how long you worked on a specific task. You can play back your day’s activities just like a movie and see what you were doing at a specific moment.

You can control what the program can and can not record. You can tell SnapLogger not to take screenshots when you are playing solitaire, watching a video or chatting on your favorite instant messenger. Or you can tell it to take screenshots ONLY when you are working on a specific application like Photoshop or MS Excel.

SnapLogger will not intrude on the normal working of your computer at all. All it will take up is some space on your disk to store the snapshots. You can configure the frequency to take the screenshots and tell it not to take them when your PC is lying idle. You can even protect the screenshots with a password so that no one else can see what you’ve been doing the whole day on your computer.

Fill up a timesheet
Bill your clients
Play back your day like a movie
Log you time visually with Uconomix SnapLogger!"

SnapLogger 1.1- requires Net framework
It will not install.
Been down that road before. Not going again, Iffin it need framework it`s OUTAHERE!
This is a Gripe against Microsoft as well as producers of software that requires .net framework. My computer will usually have framework 1 and framework 2 with update framework 1 update,framework 2 with update.
Why isn`t it just a replacement framework ?

I`m Just Tired Of Having to install the Massive .Net framework every time a program requires it. In Have the basic .Net framework,and the basic >net framework2,but it always needs updated before these programs will work. Now Iffin an offering needs the framework to install,then it will not get installed.PERIOD.

The Grouser

I downloaded this (previous version) last time it was on GOAA and I really like and appreciate it. I have found it useful when I have lost the location of a site that I meant to save, or lost due to a power failure, or Windows crash...haha!

Additionally, in our home, we do use it as a encouragement to our teenage boys to say on "family friendly" sites. They know it's there and that we can view their activities at any time. We also subscribe to an accountability software service that does the same thing...not just for the kids, but for the adults in our home, as well. It's easy to be tempted to do things online that you wouldn't otherwise do if you know that someone is watching.

Is this spying? Not really--we all know that these safeguards are in place and can be checked at any time. Even if it was considered "spying" on MY kids, on MY computer, in MY home, I honestly wouldn't care.

I like this proggy. I'm just using it for fun to see what I did on my computer all day. The snapshots are pretty clear, I can read everything it says on the pages. Thanks GOTD and Uconomix Tech.

This program appears to be the victim of its unfortunate choice of name. (If the developer hasn't thought of this, he ought to pay me for this advice.) The program was prejudiced by labelling itself with the syllables 'logger.'

I haven't tested its functionality yet. It appears to be a clone of a successful innovative shareware product. This is not a key logger, and there is at least something to be said for this method of logging time. In a few attempts withh another product, the key to avoiding a death by boredom in reviewing the snapshots is to run them back at the highest speed possible, not the default speed, which is something like two orders of magnitude too slow. I found myself wishing a speed still faster were available.

That other product is the real benchmark for measuring its clone. The other product is http://www.timesnapper.com/

Anyway, judge its purpose by the template. It is not a spyware type product but an innovative approach to recording work time. It is a lot more efficient than intuitively appears.

Interesting comments. I wonder why folks are so frightened of things like this? Since it's not a stealth logger, and they say in the FAQ at the site that employees need to be notified and can filter the actions of the program - what's the worry?

At any rate I can see the use for a person who uses graphics programs. When we're creating we're in our own world and it's a PITA to stop every few seconds to write the steps down that we're experimenting with.

Yeah, yeah, there are scripts and comps, but it's just not the same thing. This would be great to turn on when you sit down to Photoshop, just create away and if you can't remember exactly how you got to the result, examine the screenshots for a clue.

Don't knock it if you don't need it...others do and will get a lot of use out of it.

As a freelance web designer this product is awesome for keeping track of pay per hour customers. Giving proof of hours will be easier than ever thanks to this product. Thanks GOATD!!

Call me crazy, but I bet I can tell you where all your time is spent once you download this thing...checking out all the places you've already seen. lol Sorry...had to say it.

As to people mentioning the "spy" aspects of this program, the developer does not market it as such.

In fact they specifically say it is not a surreptitious monitoring program. The Developer's FAQ says:

Can SnapLogger be used to spy on someone?

No, it cannot. SnapLogger does not hide itself from the user. It does not run in a stealth mode. It always gives a notification when it starts recording. Its icon is always visible in the system tray. Besides, SnapLogger does not record things like keystrokes, passwords, form data or any other personal data. It records screenshots and nothing else.

_____________________________

To the Member who says that double clicking the icon will not open the program, I too am having that problem. If I close the program, then attempt to reopen it, the program will not open.

Worse, on reboot it still will not open.

I have had to uninstall the program, install it again, then it works. Had to do that twice now.

Not sure what the problem is. I have checked for conflicts, checked my Zone Alarm settings and have not found any reason as to why this is happening.

Anyone have this issue and the fix?

#56... Huh? You are critcizing me for posting extensive comments. I think detailed comments are better than one or two liners containing statements like "this is a stupid program" or whatever.

Yes, I spend about 18 hours a day on the job, in litigation and teaching. Much of that time is spent on the Net and on computers. Did not know that such was negative behavior.

I have to hand it to you, yours is the first time I have been flamed for attempting to contribute.

Not sure what you are talking about in regards to comments written not being my own. On that one post where I mentioned info on Net Framework, that was a paste from the tech website I linked to. I thought it explained things far better than I could.

Instead of posting only criticisms of member posts, why don't you post information that readers can use. In other words, quit being a mental slob and attempt to curb your thread crapping.

I find this program to have quite an unethical appeal. Use a time sheet to track your work hours, not a possibly compromising your identity software...

Today's giveaway, gave me initially the hope that it answered something I was looking for. However, I do not believe in the idea of "snapshots" (only for building some 'demo'), as a professional method for tracking your own computer time (privacy issues, significant loss of HD space, etc.). I have therefore finally decided to try another program (downloaded about a week ago) wich is now working perfectly for me. It is now my permanent application, that will cover exactly what I was looking for (to monitor and control, as best as possible, the tendency to "Internet addiction" - a problem for a lot of people today).

It is called "TimeTracker" (free, under GPL license). It gives 'List', 'Tree' and 'Chart' - exceptional for a free application, I have tested other ones - views of time spent under all desktop applications (even for each and every tab opened in my Opera browser, and time spent under each). The chart view even provides you with the percentage of 'idle time', in realtion to application usage.

This program is the top recommendation in Gizmo's Techsupportalert Newsletter (in one of the monthly issues, available to registered users).

As for tracking actual time spent in my work projects as a freelancer, I use "Allnetic Working Time Tracker", it is the one that works best for me.

If I expect personally, to receive a lot of thumbs down for those few recommendations, imagine then what the developer is feeling personally, RIGHT NOW, when he sees at the end of the day, that he has received 78% negative feedback from most people, after all the time invested in his software. (There is a lot of complaining in this site, which is actually very bad for many, if not most, of the software developpers).

---------------------------
SnapLogger.exe - Entry Point Not Found
---------------------------
The procedure entry point GetTextExtentPointI could not be located in the dynamic link library MSDART.DLL.
---------------------------
OK
---------------------------

I think this could be used for a few reasons. Keeping track of what Children are doing online, Checking for the cheating spouse and possibly helping you keep a record of your activity, for those out there who (like indi GA's) who regularly have to account for their billings.

Probably be a good alibi maker for said cheating spouse or wanabee criminal. Imagine recording your night "comp activity" as you macro random Stumbleupon sites.

Hmmmn, gotta go to work, yea.. that's it...work.

This would be good for companies if they have an employee they are investigating for using the computer for non business reasons such as games and myspace, but for home use this is completely useless. sorry gotd this program dosnt get my download.

To MichaelSF ("comments 5,8,12,14,48,51...)

I can clarly see, you are working 18 hours a day... (comment #) - and you have even rarly time to write a small comment: only 1/2 of the written text comment is writtenby you; poor boy!!!

cheer up!
___________________
(german)werwölfchen

This sounds like a good program to use occasionally, as I am somewhat scatterbrained. However, for keeping track of computer work time I have found Toggl (free) to be very useful.

There blog (lots of info) is here:
http://timetracking.wordpress.com/category/toggl-desktop/

Isn't it this similar to TimeSnapper?
TimeSnapper Classic is a free version that you can try out: http://www.timesnapper.com/
It also makes snapshots at X interval (to be determined by you) where you can tell it where to save it, etc.

I will pass on this one. I can easily see a lot of thumbs down for this offering. First off there is limited interest for this type of program. Add to that the requirement for net 2.0. That adds up to me to be most people will avoid it. Thank you GAOTD and the publisher Uconomix Technologies. I hope your next offering will be something more useful. And IMO does not require Net 2.0

Installed ok but I have checked the feature to "Run Snaplogger when the computer starts" but it does not automatically start when I start my PC.

Hermy [#44] I have more and more programs that require MS Net Framework. And more and more software developers are using Net Framework to write programs.

I don't think many people understand what it is and it sounds sinister. But the fact of the matter is that almost all newer programs [including many of the latest video games] require at least version 2.0 MS Net Framework.

And as far as I know, many late model computers with MS XP already have it installed, people are just not aware that it is there. You can all go to your "Add Remove Programs" in Windows Control Panel and see if it is there. [It's under "Microsoft Net Framework"]

IMHO people should not be scared of MS Net Framework. While .NET has some criticisms and concerns [just as any program does] there is nothing on the new saying net framework should or can be avoided [like I said, it's on most XP user's computers, typically version 1 or maybe 2.0, whereas I am up to 3.0.

If you want Net Framework 3.0 [MS recommends the update] here is where you can get it, without having to go through Windows validation procedures.

http://www.softwarepatch.com/windows/netframework.html

Here is some info on Net Framework:

The Microsoft .NET Framework is a software component included with the Microsoft Windows operating system. It provides a large body of pre-coded solutions to common software development requirements, and manages the execution of programs written specifically for the framework. The .NET Framework is intended to be used by most new applications created for the Windows platform.

The pre-coded solutions that form the framework's Base Class Library cover a large range of programming needs in areas including: user interface, data access, database connectivity, cryptography, web application development, numeric algorithms, and network communications. The class library is used by programmers who combine it with their own code to produce applications.

Programs written for the .NET Framework execute in a software environment that manages the program's runtime requirements. This runtime environment, which is also a part of the .NET Framework, is known as the Common Language Runtime (CLR). The CLR provides the appearance of an application virtual machine, so that programmers need not consider the capabilities of the specific CPU that will execute the program. The CLR also provides other important services such as security mechanisms, memory management, and exception handling. The class library and the CLR together compose the .NET Framework.

The .NET Framework is included with Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista, and can be installed on most older versions of Windows.

It seems like it only takes snapshots of the primary monitor. I have a dual monitor setup, and I can't find a way to get snapshots of the second screen.

I laughed at the description, normally this type of software would have a description of: "Need to see what websites your employees, Children or Spouse are visiting?" I guess if you need to spy on them this would be excellent for you. I already have a similar software installed on all my kids computers that log websites they visit, I don't need sceen shots, the URL is enough. This seems like a lot of hard drive waste, collecting screen shots everyday, all day. I'll pass. Thanks anyway, I've got alot of great programs and games here.

Well, seeing all the comments, I agree that there are many people who will not see or appreciate the uses for this software. Isn't that how everything works, choices for everything we use or consume. If it did not, there would be one restaurant, one style jacket, one model car, one kind of computer.... you get the idea.

In my business [well, what used to be my main business] I would work about 18 hour days. Making billing entries would take time out of a task and I would get distracted.

So usually I found myself at the end of the day, or the next day, trying to remember everything. I would always under bill because of this way of doing things. Besides, I always found my automatic billing/timer programs a hassle to use, having to make sure to turn the timer on for each project and/or client's task.

Sidenote: From what I have seen over the years many professionals who bill for their time enter estimates for work. Many make entries at the end of a day or in the mornings and afternoons. I seen few people opening timers so to keep contemporaneous records as the work is being done.

I have tried and discussed some type of auto screen capture software in the past and none of them worked all that well. Many were system hogs. [I am running this program on a 3.4 GHz desktop with 2GB RAM. Have three 500GB SATA drives and an OK video card.] I repeat from above, in my tests this program has not slowed down my computer, at least not that I can tell. Old programs that worked like this would almost crash my system [e.g., the hard disk sound like it was going to break.]

In my office I would have employees lose Word files, after writing pages upon pages of material. And they could not find them in Word's backup [ours set for every minute, to backup]. So being able to look at snapshots of one's work is a Godsend.

I suspect I will be able to use my conversion software to convert these snapshots into PDF files and from there to convert them into Word "doc" text files. That's we have done at times with other image files. So an added benefit is not only being able to view our "backup" files, but also get them back into Word format.

The way I see it, if this program saves our ass only once a year, it's worth its weight in gold. When working on a deadline I will set this to take a snapshot every 30 seconds.

As to another feature, I like that this makes movies. Not fast by any means [I think three frames a second. Most movies are at least 25 frames a second.] But I teach University students and during the "research" and "computer use" classes, I need something that can create tutorials I can put up on the screen in the class [I prep each class on my notebook computer and hook it up to the digital projector in the classroom.

While my notebook lesson plans have been great for surfing the Net [to demo online research] and playing video clips for the students, having this type of program will be great, for the "how to" parts of the class [dealing with setting up case files, using Adobe Acrobat, how to use Word, etc.]

Today I am having that one person who always loses her files load this and try it out. She also teaches and I am sure will like being able to make training videos for the class.

Sidenote: while this program has not hogged my system resources, I will install it on one of my slower IBM notebooks to see how it performs.

By the way, create a Windows restore point, download this program and try it out. Only then should you comment on it. For example, one member posted a calculation of how many snapshots this would take especially when the computer is left unattended and unused. If you install the program and try it out you will see that it provides an option to stop taking snapshots when your computer is idle for the number of minutes you set [the default is 5 minutes.]

So there is a big benefit to trying the program out before posting assumptions or unfounded opinions [like I did about being able to password protect viewing the snapshots.]

#43 - By default the program stops recording when the system is idle for 5 minutes.

I can't help but wonder how many divorces will be filed over the next few weeks due to todays "freebie"...

To keep records of my working hours (for reasons of time management and commercial project ....) I use professionally a free online tool which you can easily use at www.myhours.com

Regards,

What's with this framework required? Forget it ppl.

Does this work at night without the PC on?
If so, no thanks.
NOT as serious comment

i gave it a thumbs down but it recorded a thumbs up?!?!?!?!?

because of that i give the program that gaotd uses to record the thumbs ups and downs a thumbs down. (even though it will probly think its a thumbs up)

It is an interesting concept, but you then have to review your day, check the time stamps, and create your log. I've been using Personal Timeclock by KMR Consulting for years (http://www.kmrconsulting.com/).

It is a great program that sits in your tray. When you click it, a menu pops up of all the projects and tasks that YOU create. A timer starts and it shrinks back down. Each time you change the project or task you work on, it can ask you for a note (there are a lot of user selectable options). You can also load in the $/hr for each project or task. At the end of the period (or anytime), you can create just about any kind of report you want.

One of the best parts about it is that you can quickly and easily pop back and forth between items (like if you suddenly get a phone call) and report very accurate time usage. Ken charges $25 for it, but it is well worth it in time saved and possible revenue lost. There is a free trial period available. Definitely worth a look.

This thing is downloading with a virus, labelled Mal/Behav-010 by Spysweeper. What are you guys thinking?

I don't usually comment here but this is so stupid. If you do not have time to track your time as you are working, the simplest way, then you will not have the time it takes to try and reconstruct your day from periodic screen shots. It might be useful for tracking others use of your machine but not for it's advertised purpose.

I passed, but wanted to say thanks to the GAOTD folks for including a lot of variety in the offerings. They are just like the weather to Mark Twain... If you don't like it, just wait... :)

Thanks!

You guys are stupid, clearly you have no clue what true spyware is, because THIS is not spyware.

It serves a point, just not one I need to use it for.

Hello all! Today's quick 15-Minute Review is up! Check it out!

http://www.bladedthoth.com/reviews/15mrs/snaplogger-pro-v1-1-quick/

Requires an installed NET-Framework (40 MB...)

BUT A TIP:
a part of the functions of SnapLogger can be covered by a AutoHotkey-script: e.g. let [Print] and [Alt]-[Print] store screenshots through IrfanView directly into files - or just alone with IrfanView (-> `Print Screen´ = [C] key ): not only by a hotkey but as well by a freely setable timer...

Who is interested: among a lot of scripts, ideas an solutions for AutoHotkey there is a complex and complete script (as well as a standalone .exe!) named "ac´tiveAid", which has this function already included.
__________________________________
Greetings from (german)werwölfchen

I am a developer and I can see using this to record a session of my application for training purposes. IOW, only use it for a few minutes instead of all day.

Build it and they will come? I suppose an unemployed ambulance chaser might enjoy spending the first half of his day surfing the net and the second half looking at a photo montaged chronology of what he did all morning, but would a busy lawyer, shrink or programmer have the time or hard drive space to spare?
In 0.39 seconds, Google gets 256,000 hits for --
[freeware spreadsheet billing record OR track time clock OR stopwatch]
Many offer timeclocks and stopwatches, and they record useful billing-related info in spreadsheet fashion.
Help me people. Does this also take a snapshot of every time you're on the phone with a client? Every time you're in a meeting with a client or discussing a project with others? How easy is it to edit the playback so your boss or client won't see that half your day was spent playing Giveaway of the Day games?
Another minor drawback. If you use this for billing, you're violating the TOS. I fail to see a rational reason to use Snaplog to take periodic screenshots, unless you suspect your maid of wasting the day on your home PC, or your babysitter of ignoring the kids while updating her MySpace page. It'd be more useful if linked to your web cam so you point it out the window at the property line to catch the neighbor throwing garbage on your property. That's probably already been done.

Is not using this program for billing your customers or clients for what you have done, or spying on your employees, a commercial use?

Way to twist Bladed Thoth's comments. He did NOT say that this is "hazardous" because of any spyware/security issues, just a potential memory problem. He said:

One final note, and it is pretty important. The memory footprint of this application is rather hefty. Just launching the application, this application sits at a bit over 30MB memory usage; A significant amount of memory on a 512MB system and even a good chunk with a system with 1GB, especially if you use it all in PhotoShop. The memory usage doesn’t stop there. I noticed as soon as I launched the recording feature, the memory usage shot up to around 36MB usage, and every screenshot after that it climbed approximately 6MB more until it hit a bit over 60MB, when then it would seem to ‘purge’ itself (I’m assuming dumping the images) and drop back down to 36MB. It would continue this loop until I stopped recording; The memory amounts aren’t always the same; I’m assuming it is based on the raw screendump each time and its size. This could be very hazardous on a system nearing the end of physical memory and nearing swap file usage and could cause some significant system slow-ups (I can picture issues with PhotoShop becoming a lot less responsive with large files.)

http://www.bladedthoth.com/reviews/15mrs/snaplogger-v1-0/

i think this program can be useful.While looking at porn,I get distracted and forget to save the website.Thanks GOAD YOU ROCK .

DL'd this 4 months ago and it's been working fine. It's not spyware, as it announces itself briefly at each startup. No performance problems, and once a month I empty it's folder if I remember.

It's really saved my butt when I've lost info or deleted some important picture or doc. I can easily re-create it by finding the snap picture.

#21 - 'Sophos Web Security' will not allow download of yesterdays or todays (as well as todays GGOTD) zips. I have posted a query in the forum...
http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/719/page/2?replies=59