TimeSprite Automatic Time Tracking Editor's Review

'TimeSprite' records data about the windows displayed on your desktop, allowing you to view statistics about the time you spend while using different application. It checks the active window once a minute, so if you switch between applications a lot, the results might be inconclusive.

When using TimeSprite, it's possible to create groups and subgroups, in which you can include similar applications. For example, you could create a group called "Programming" and include all the programming applications that you use. Grouping your applications together simplifies tracking the time spent doing a certain job. The downside is that you can't have a group contain all applications with a specific keyword in them. I wanted to add all the Yahoo Messenger! chat windows to one group. However, this wasn't possible, because each window title contained that person's name before the "Instant Message" title. I would have to include all of them individually, if I wanted them in the same group.

This program generates a nice looking "pie chart", which displays the time you spend using each application. Separate colors are used for each application or group of applications. Below this chart is displayed a "total time" counter, which shows you how long the program has monitored your system.

Pluses: TimeSprite allows you to select over which time period you want to display statistical data. I monitored my computer with TimeSprite for a week, to see which applications I used each day. By default, records about the applications are kept for 45 days. You can increase this value, if you want to keep more data in the program's database.

Drawbacks / flaws:

In conclusion: TimeSprite is great for tracking the time you spend on your computer. I leave it up to you to decide, whether you need this kind of application or not.

version reviewed: 1.0.8.700