Chrometa: Time Tracking Software - Track & Bill Computer Time

The Importance of Time Tracking for Computer Users

For professionals who dedicate significant portions of their workday to computer use, accurate time tracking is essential. It’s vital both for enhancing productivity and for precise billable hour calculations. Capturing working time effectively is a key component of successful business operations.

Introducing Chrometa 2.0

Chrometa 2.0 is a time tracking application built on a Java framework, functioning as a desktop service. Currently available for Windows users, a Mac version is anticipated for release within the coming month.

Recently, the developer removed the original $99 price tag. A free license key for Chrometa 2.0 is now obtainable at this location. This key is compatible with version 2.0, which can be downloaded here.

Upon installation, including any required Java components, Chrometa initiates data collection regarding your computer usage. Allow the application to run passively for a day while you perform your usual tasks. Upon revisiting the application, a display will present your most frequently utilized programs.

Consistent use over several days will reveal emerging patterns in your workflow. Categorizing your applications enables the segregation of time spent on projects versus personal activities. This categorization can then facilitate accurate billing for work that might not have been previously tracked.

Privacy and Security Features

Data privacy is a paramount concern with any time tracking software. Chrometa addresses this by allowing users to clear private data or even password-protect the application interface.

This dual functionality offers benefits: it safeguards your activity from unauthorized viewing, and allows business owners or managers to monitor employee computer usage without enabling data removal by the employees themselves.

The application prompts for time entry during periods of computer inactivity. This accounts for time spent on activities like client phone calls (billable) or breaks (non-billable), ensuring comprehensive time tracking.

Chrometa vs. RescueTime and Subscription Options

Overall, Chrometa is a valuable, free time tracking application for anyone seeking an automated method to monitor their computer usage. RescueTime is a comparable program that has been previously discussed. A key distinction lies in Chrometa’s completely offline operation, which may be particularly appealing to users prioritizing privacy.

Chrometa also offers paid monthly subscriptions, unlocking additional features. Their recently launched web-based application starts at $19 per month. New capabilities include the ability to divide categories into clients and projects, integrate billing information directly, and more.

The web interface mirrors the functionality of the offline application, with the added benefit of accessibility from any online location.

In conclusion, Chrometa 2.0 (the desktop version) is a robust time tracking solution suitable for both personal and professional use. If you require advanced billing features, the web application (a paid service) may be worthwhile, particularly if it allows you to recover previously unbilled time. However, the free version of Chrometa 2.0 effectively tracks time spent in both web browsers and applications.

We encourage you to share any other preferred time tracking applications or unique applications you’ve discovered for Chrometa!

Image Credit: harshlight