Basecamp is a handy little web based project management tool from 37 Signals. It is an ideal tool to put some basic manners on a project without adding too much complexity. It has such features as to-do lists, project milestones, messages, write boards and online chat functionality. Yes all this stuff can be done elsewhere, but this is an easy way to bring it all together into a little intranet. You can send logins to clients, co-workers, sub contractors and your mother so they can all see how hard you are working.

If you move up above the free or basic plan, there are additional tools available including time tracking (Plus or Max plans). I use this for some of my projects where I am charging on an hourly rate. I also use it on occassion when I simply want to book in my hours and see if I am making any money on a project.

Through the use of the API available for Basecamp, the clever fellows at Cornerstone Systems have developed a little desktop tool that allows you to record your time directly from the desktop. You can simply select your project and clock in and out as and when you need to. You can also record time directly against a particular to-do task which is what I normally do. This tool is called Project Recon.

Like Basecamp it is somewhat simplistic, but that is what I like about it. Sure it doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, it just simply records your time, but that is a good thing. You can concentrate on getting your work done without having to spend time trying to figure it out. If you find you can’t use it, you most likely have your monitor switched off. It really is that simple.

Project Recon 1.8 Screenshot of my World Domination project (still in beta)

Cornerstone have just released version 1.8 which is a major shift in how the application is presented to the end user. It is very different to the 1.3x version I had been using, the main change being 1.3x was simply an icon in the Windows notification area that popped up to let you perform the tasks. The 1.8 version has it’s own app window which allows for much more room to work, select items etc. I am still going towards the notification area to do stuff but that will pass.

If you already purchased project recon, 1.8 is available as a free upgrade. I had misread the date on their forum post and thought I missed the mailout for the upgrade. Within a few hours of emailing support, instead of being told to hang on for the mailout, I had been given my own personal link to download a copy of the new version.

So you not only get a handy time tracking tool, but there is some great support there too.