Website log file analysis is the human readable interpretation of the web server log files created by hits and visits to a website. These log files tell us who, what, where, and when someone visited a website. There are many options available for website owners who need log file analysis. Here is my experience and opinions on some of the most popular choices.

Analog is labeled as the most popular log analyzer in the world and I believe it because of its easy of installation and use. Plus the wealth of information that is rendered under the default configuration includes a general summary, yearly, daily, referring sites, browser, and operating system reports. This is a great starting place for someone who has no reporting log file analysis and does not need fancy graphics or detailed explanation of the technical terms used in the reports. Works great on windows, unix, or linux.

Example: http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sret1/stats/

If you are in need of prettier reports you can always add in an additional program called Report Magic to make your analog reports look much better.

Example: http://www.reportmagic.org/sample/index.html

The Webalizer is another great free log analyzer that is available on the internet. The default reports created in this program seem to focus more on hits and visits over certain time periods with drill down reports for each month for more detailed statistics. I found this program harder to configure the first time for windows but very easy on unix or linux systems.

Example: http://webalizer.com/sample/index.html

Summary is a very cost effective and organized log analyzer. Plus it manages its own username access so you can lock out unauthorized users from seeing your website reports. It also has a wonderful overview page that sums up everything you really need to know about your visitors.

Example: http://summary.net:7000/~demo/overview

Webtrends Log Analyzer Series is the most sophisticated log analysis software I have seen. It comes with just about every report you can possibly think of and if that's not enough you can configure your own reports. This real time log analyzer checks and recompiles reports about every hour to ensure your looking at the most up-to-date data.

Example: http://www.netiq.com/products/log/reporting.asp

Most of these products are usually available through your web hosting company and can help you see who is visiting your website. Integrated Digital Solutions currently offers Webtrends, Summary, and Analog log analyzers.