Web Site Statistics

Information about the operation of your site is critical for decision-making. To obtain this information, you need to analyze statistical data that is written to log files in your home directory on the server:

• Transfer log. Stores combined data about every visit to your site, including:
  • Remote host IP (visitor's IP);
  • Time of request (when visitor requested the page);
  • First line of request;
  • Error generated by request, if any;
  • Size of message sent in response to the request;
  • Referrer (from which page visitor was directed);
  • Agent ID (type of browser or another agent and related information, such as user's OS).
• Referrer log. Stores the list of URLs from which visitors are referred to your site.
• Agent log. Stores data about agents used to enter the site -- such as browsers or any other Internet-based software - and all related data.
• Error log. Stores data about errors generated by the server (for example, the Page Not Found error) or by your CGI scripts.

These are called raw logs which processed to obtain readable information, usually in the form of tables and charts. So, to start with your Web site statistics, check if stats logging is enabled.

Depending on your hosting plan, your account may include different tools to track and report your Web site statistics.