How can I log what software I use the most?

Question

I really like using open source software and would like to help fund further development. Unfortunately, I have limited funds to do so. Being somewhat greedy, I would like to donate to the projects I use the most, but I am uncertain what those might be as many run somewhat behind the scenes.

What I would like to do is somehow log what programs I use the most but I am uncertain how. One thought I had was log the time each program spends having focus (ideally only while computer is unlocked). Logging the time a process spends actively doing something could be another metric. I'm not really sure how to track either of these.

What is the best way to track which software I use the most?

(For what it is worth, I generally use Arch Linux, but occasionally use Ubuntu, so portability would be appreciated.)

Answer 1

Wakoopa (http://social.wakoopa.com) and RescueTime (http://www.rescuetime.com) seems to do what you want. They both require a client to run in the background to track the software you use. Not sure about RescueTime, but Wakoopa stops tracking software after 30 seconds without input from mouse or keyboard.