AWSTATS vs WEBALIZER Anomaly

Analytics Software Discrepancy

[Danstone]

Our website is hosted with a company called <snip>. We're happy with them so far but we have discovered an anomaly with the 2 different analytics programs they offer on their cpanel.

For example Webalizer gives a figure for Unique Visits in the month of September of 41547 and for October of 44094 whereas AWSTATS gives a figure for Unique Visits for September of 17494 and for October of 17442.

Although the AWSTATS monthly figures show a decrease of 3% and the Webalizer figures show an increase of 6%, according to AWSTATS the Bandwith used is increasing from 5.17Gb to 5.72Gb or 10.5%.

Which program is more reliable?

John

[edited by: eelixduppy at 2:08 pm (utc) on Nov. 9, 2009]
[edit reason] no hosting specifics, please [/edit]

[Receptional]

Hi,

The problem is that both systems are log-file based, only. There are a whole load of reasons why tracking logfiles is - in itself - a poor way to track users. But please do not blame your hosting company. They have provided the same standard tracking systems that most hosting companies do. They cannot generally provide javascript based systems, as these reguire you to add code to your website. Nevertheless, you would be better using a javascript based tracking system.

Dixon.