AW Stats versus Web Log Expert

Does anyone know why there would be such a discrepency between "unique" visitors in AW Stats versus Web Log Expert?

And do you have any thoughts about which one is closer to the truth.

Thanks
Michael

Hey Michael,

We had to develop our own stats parser because of the regular inconsistencies with AWstats.

I don't recommend using it.

Okay, I won't ask you to write it all out. I'll talk to you when I see you in Phoenix.

But you're basically saying that AW Stats version of unique visitors is probably way off?

Thanks
Michael

We found that all components of AWstats was inaccurate. Bandwidth was the particular area of focus for us however the unique and hit calcs also had odd variances.

I find AW Stats to be very accurate.

I dont expect exact results, but I am impressed with the accuracy.

My own comparisons, as well as lengthy discussions with a friend who runs a VERY high traffic free site (non-adult) indicate that AWStats is *wildly* off... in some cases it can report as much as double the traffic that Webalizer reports.

But I've also heard others who claim it's accurate. Perhaps there are certain attributes or things that cause it to go wacky, I dunno... I just know that we don't trust it for reliable data.

awstats is also very server CPU intensive. it takes a lot of juice to power that thing.

I personally prefer webalizer, its basic but gives pretty much all the info I am looking for.