Your web server writes a record of every visit into log files, and those files are almost impossible to read by hand. Page tracking scripts only tell you part of the story, and you may not want to hand your traffic data to a third party anyway. Log2Stats from BitStrike Software is a desktop program that reads those raw logs and turns them into reports you can filter, compare and export.
Quick facts
- Version: 1.7
- Platforms: Windows 8 (32 and 64 bit), Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit), Windows Server 2008, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Vista
- Price: Personal edition $99.95; Business edition $299.95 (single license)
- Trial: 21 days, then you can buy a license without reinstalling
- Type: client-based (runs on your PC, not a hosted service)
Key features
Parse logs once, build reports whenever you want
Log2Stats converts your log files into a proprietary database built for site statistics. You don't have to process the same files twice, and reports are generated from that database when you ask for them.
Log format detection and compressed files
The program detects the log file format automatically. It also reads logs compressed with ZIP, GZip or Bzip2. If your format is unusual, you can define a custom log format.
Fetch logs from your server over FTP
You can set Log2Stats to download your log files remotely via FTP. It then handles them for you, so fresh reports take little effort once you've configured it.
Filter and compare data across date ranges
Reports can be narrowed with instant filters to count only specific visitors. Data filters show and recolor report rows. You can also compare several time intervals, including fully custom ones.
Control what gets stored
Parsing filters let you choose which data goes into the database, for example to leave out traffic you don't care about. Multi-domain log files can be split by host with instant filters.
Export reports as HTML, CSV, XML or Excel
You can save reports as HTML, CSV, XML or XLSX files to share with others. You can also just browse them inside the program.
Extra visitor details from a tracking script
A tracking script can supply additional information, such as screen resolution. The reports also cover visitor location data, including country and city, and a bounce rate in the Summary report.
Who it's for
Log2Stats suits webmasters who run their own sites or servers (Apache, IIS and W3C-style logs) and want to analyze traffic on their own machine. It's a good match if you prefer working from raw server logs over a hosted analytics service. The vendor describes it as designed for professional web masters.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Runs locally, and your logs stay on your computer.
- Automatic format detection and support for compressed logs.
- Flexible filtering and reports that can be customized.
- Several export formats.
- A 21-day trial lets you test it on your own logs before paying.
Cons
- The trial is limited: no commercial use, 3 favorite reports, 1 data filter per report, 3 instant filters, and only the top 25 results per report.
- The Personal edition caps you at 5 site profiles, 5 data filters per report and 100 results per report, and it has no command line support.
- The download page lists a 32-bit build, and its latest listed update is a Windows 8 era release.
- It is a Windows desktop program, so there's no browser dashboard to share with a team.
FAQs
Is there a free trial?
Yes. The trial runs for 21 days. If you buy, you don't need to reinstall.
What's the difference between Personal and Business?
Business removes the Personal limits: unlimited site profiles, filters and report results. It also adds command line support. Business costs $299.95 and Personal $99.95.
Can I use the trial for client work?
No. Commercial use of the trial version is not allowed.
Which log files can it read?
It detects most formats automatically and accepts custom formats. Logs compressed as ZIP, GZip or Bzip2 work too.
How do I get fresh data from my server?
You can import logs remotely via FTP, then parse them into the database and generate the reports you need.
System requirements
Windows 8 (32 and 64 bit), Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit), Windows Server 2008, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 and Vista.