Anuran, An Automated Personal Text Log For Windows

I know quite a few computer users who are regularly writing down what they have achieved or are currently doing. Some use applications like Notepad for this, or full blown applications designed for that purpose, while others use the good old pen and paper method to keep track of things.

You usually have to open the document or program window on the computer before you can start adding new log entries or editing old ones. And that’s one of the things that Anuran changes. The program has been designed to display the log window automatically on the screen. The default interval is set to 30 minutes with options to change the value to a different one in the program options.

Two manual options are available to bring the log window to the front. You can first double-click on the program icon in the system tray or configure a shortcut in the program options for that purpose.

The log remains on top until you submit your entry with a tap on the return key on the keyboard. The Ctrl-Enter shortcut adds a new line to the log, with the option to reverse the behavior in the program settings (so that enter moves the cursor to a new line, and Ctrl-Enter submits it).

While we are at it, the program is highly customizable. From setting up hotkeys for all important features to defining the log entry timestamp format or popup behavior.

The main program window displays all log files available along with the entries that they contain. Logs can be exported into csv or text files, opened in Notepad and searched using the built-in search form.

Take a look at this screencast for a visual program walkthrough.

Keep in mind that the data that you enter into the log is saved in plain text format. This means that anyone with access to the user account or hard drive the data is stored on can access it. One way to overcome this limitation is to save the logs in an encrypted container, for instance with the help of True Crypt.

Interested users can download the portable software from the Donation Coder website. The program is compatible with all recent 32-bit and 64-bit editions of the Windows operating system.