Free Time Tracking Software - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007

Here's a link to a free download of Time Stamp software:
http://www.syntap.com/downloads.htm

I use it to keep track of my hours. It's worked really well for me. I especially like the slack timer, for when the phone or the doorbell rings.

Tess · #2 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007

Thanks for the addition! I'll add it to the main list.
So you've used this for a while -I'm curious, when you want to invoice your clients does it automaticall 'collate' each individual from each day into one cohesive invoice for each person or do you have to do that on your own?
As yet, I'm still using the same system I've used since day 1 which is to just keep track of each client on a notepad, manually entering times, etc.

We bill in 15 minute increments, so I've never been sure if a timetracker would work for us. Any thoughts?

#3 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007

There is a time rounding option, so you can track in fifteen minutes increments if you want.

This software does not create invoices. I manually import information into an invoice, but you can print out a worksheet showing your hours and calculated costs. It hasn't seemed worth the effort for me to try, but I wouldn't be surprised if you could figure out a way to export the data to an invoice in Excel.

What I do is start a file for each new client. You enter the hourly rate, then you just click the timer to start timing. At the end of a project (or a week-depending on how you bill) you’ll have a calculated total of hours and costs. This makes my invoicing pretty painless. The calculations have already been done and I have a nice spreadsheet to share with clients if they wish to see a log of my hours.

Tess · #4 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007

That sounds very cool - I've downloaded and am checking it out now.
Thanks for the great resource

#5 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007

Oooh, I really like this. It makes the whole time keeping aspect so easy and professional. I also just figured out how to use the Paypal invoicing system, now just have to figure out how to quickly transfer the hours from one to the other.
I'm feeling more professional and organized already

#6 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007

I thought I'd download this and give it a shot as well. I had tried a program called 'Time Trax' (I think that is what it was called?) but it wasn't nearly flexible enough for the way I get things done in my office. Will let you know if there are any valuable comparisons to be made.
I too bill at 15 minutes. I also require a minimum for some types of projects - because some things may take literally 10 minutes but are very labor intensive. Thanks for the link!

winslowgirl · #7 (**permalink**) 05-02-2007

I love the time tracking.. Makes things easier as we go along.. I also love the Paypal invoicing.. Although most my clients don't pay by Paypal so I have my own invoicing..

#8 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007

I thought I would share the program I chose. It is free as well. What I liked the most is that you are able to test it out without even downloading it to see if it is for you.
You can also integrate it with Quickbooks
I also wanted to add that if you have your own website this program can be uploaded to your server and if you have subcontractors they can track their time as well. You can also manage their overtime and such.
http://www.actitime.com/

Tess · #9 (**permalink**) 08-15-2007

Thanks for the great suggestions - I've listed them in the 'invoicing' section of our Virtual Assistant Industry Directory

Chris56 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007

This one sounds interesting. I'll have to download it and check it out. Thanks for the link!!!

jeannedb · #11 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007

I've downloaded this one http://www.taskcoach.org/ but have not had a great deal of time to play with it yet. It not only tracks time by client (you have to set up individual files for each), but it can also track individual tasks for each client.

It downloaded, loaded, and ran without a hitch (i.e, it didn't lock my computer or ad any spyware or adware).

Tess · #12 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007

Thanks for mentioning this one, I hadn't even heard of it.
You'll have to let me know if you think it's worth adding to the resources section in the directory - I see on their site they're still working out the bugs

marietuc · #13 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008

I love going through all these messages, what a wealth of information.

Theresia · #14 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008

Hi,

Thank you for the information.
That was one of my main concerns, how to track the time spent on a particular project, with all the interruptions (telephones, kids).
Thank you for this wonderful forum.

I only joined today, and already found very interesting tips and advise.

Thanx
Theresia

#15 (**permalink**) 07-28-2008

Originally Posted by Theresia

Hi,

Thank you for the information.
That was one of my main concerns, how to track the time spent on a particular project, with all the interruptions (telephones, kids).
Thank you for this wonderful forum.

I only joined today, and already found very interesting tips and advise.

Thanx
Theresia

Hi Theresia,

If you have a lot of interruptions, you may want to try Timetrack Professional from Bit Computing (www.bitcomputing.com). It automatically recorded the time you spend using your applications, documents and even track the URL of the web-sites you surf. With the recorded time, it'll then categorize into categories that you have created. All done automatically without your manual involvement, especially useful if you have much interruption. Those time tracking software that require you to start/stop will not be that helpful. You tend to forget you're the time keeper.

I have been using the professional version for a while. They have a free version, it just that it not compatible with Windows Vista and with limited features.